Tony Dungy is beginning to cave
softparade
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Like most of us here have said before, if the Colts are at 14-0 ...... they ARE going for it.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Tony Dungy treats the mounting questions like he's a politician.
Everyone wants to know how the Indianapolis Colts cope with the pressure of staying perfect one more week. Dungy usually responds with a tactful touch.
But there is one question that makes the Colts' coach groan: Will he continue playing starters if the Colts clinch the AFC South title, a first-round bye and home-field advantage this weekend?
"I don't think too far ahead, but I do everything I can to win," he said with a chuckle. "If we're fortunate enough to win, I'll do what I do every week. I'll ask for some wisdom from the Lord and pray that they don't get hurt."
Playing it safe might be the only remaining obstacle between the Colts and a perfect season.
At 12-0, they've already secured a playoff spot. A win at Jacksonville on Sunday would give them the division title, a first-round bye and home-field advantage for the playoffs, making their game in Seattle on Dec. 24 their final one on the road.
So far the Colts have been fortunate. With a month left in the regular season, the only significant injuries have been to their safeties, though two of their top three seem to be healthy each week.
With two-time MVP Peyton Manning, two-time rushing champ Edgerrin James and record-setting receiver Marvin Harrison again playing at Pro Bowl levels and others like receiver Reggie Wayne and tight ends Dallas Clark and Bryan Fletcher continuing to emerge, the Colts' offense seems virtually unstoppable. They lead the NFL in scoring and are averaging more than 35 points over the past nine games.
The defense has been impressive, too. The Colts have allowed the second-fewest points in the NFL (162) and lead the league in sacks (39).
But as well as they have played, those who know the league best understand the Colts must stay injury-free to make a Super Bowl run.
"If they continue to stay healthy, with what they do on offense and with the speed they have on defense, they're going to have a chance," Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher said after his team lost 35-3 in Indianapolis on Sunday.
What's Dungy to do?
If he tries to go for the perfect record and a player like Manning or defensive end Dwight Freeney gets hurt, he'll forever be second-guessed. But the same thing could happen if he decides against a chance at an undefeated season: a mark held by the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
It's a tough call, especially since Manning, James, Harrison and Wayne recoil at the thought of missing practice time, let alone sitting out games.
"Those guys want to play, and they want to play all the time," Dungy said. "We don't let them vote, but we will take into consideration how they feel."
Dungy has said he will do what he's done in the past.
A year ago, with the Colts locked into a No. 3 seed and a likely first-round playoff game against Denver, Dungy played Manning and James for one series in the last regular-season game and benched most of his starters for the second half.
In that case, the Colts didn't have a bye.
Sitting out starters for the final two or three games of the season, with a likely bye, poses another risk: his top players could come into the playoffs rusty after not seeing significant action for nearly a month. That's what happened to the Denver Broncos almost a decade ago when they lost in the divisional round to Jacksonville after earning the AFC's top seed.
"There's not that many guys who have been in this situation," Dungy said. "The one guy I know is Mike Shanahan, and I don't think he'll tell me at this point. I think you have to analyze the situation and do what's best for your team."
Shanahan's Broncos (9-3) are tied with Cincinnati and Jacksonville for the second-best record in the AFC.
With records, potential performance bonuses and history all at stake, Dungy would rather wait to make up his mind.
Then, he'll have to make that delicate decision.
"To be honest, I don't know how I'll handle it," he said. "You never really know 'til you get there."
INDIANAPOLIS -- Tony Dungy treats the mounting questions like he's a politician.
Everyone wants to know how the Indianapolis Colts cope with the pressure of staying perfect one more week. Dungy usually responds with a tactful touch.
But there is one question that makes the Colts' coach groan: Will he continue playing starters if the Colts clinch the AFC South title, a first-round bye and home-field advantage this weekend?
"I don't think too far ahead, but I do everything I can to win," he said with a chuckle. "If we're fortunate enough to win, I'll do what I do every week. I'll ask for some wisdom from the Lord and pray that they don't get hurt."
Playing it safe might be the only remaining obstacle between the Colts and a perfect season.
At 12-0, they've already secured a playoff spot. A win at Jacksonville on Sunday would give them the division title, a first-round bye and home-field advantage for the playoffs, making their game in Seattle on Dec. 24 their final one on the road.
So far the Colts have been fortunate. With a month left in the regular season, the only significant injuries have been to their safeties, though two of their top three seem to be healthy each week.
With two-time MVP Peyton Manning, two-time rushing champ Edgerrin James and record-setting receiver Marvin Harrison again playing at Pro Bowl levels and others like receiver Reggie Wayne and tight ends Dallas Clark and Bryan Fletcher continuing to emerge, the Colts' offense seems virtually unstoppable. They lead the NFL in scoring and are averaging more than 35 points over the past nine games.
The defense has been impressive, too. The Colts have allowed the second-fewest points in the NFL (162) and lead the league in sacks (39).
But as well as they have played, those who know the league best understand the Colts must stay injury-free to make a Super Bowl run.
"If they continue to stay healthy, with what they do on offense and with the speed they have on defense, they're going to have a chance," Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher said after his team lost 35-3 in Indianapolis on Sunday.
What's Dungy to do?
If he tries to go for the perfect record and a player like Manning or defensive end Dwight Freeney gets hurt, he'll forever be second-guessed. But the same thing could happen if he decides against a chance at an undefeated season: a mark held by the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
It's a tough call, especially since Manning, James, Harrison and Wayne recoil at the thought of missing practice time, let alone sitting out games.
"Those guys want to play, and they want to play all the time," Dungy said. "We don't let them vote, but we will take into consideration how they feel."
Dungy has said he will do what he's done in the past.
A year ago, with the Colts locked into a No. 3 seed and a likely first-round playoff game against Denver, Dungy played Manning and James for one series in the last regular-season game and benched most of his starters for the second half.
In that case, the Colts didn't have a bye.
Sitting out starters for the final two or three games of the season, with a likely bye, poses another risk: his top players could come into the playoffs rusty after not seeing significant action for nearly a month. That's what happened to the Denver Broncos almost a decade ago when they lost in the divisional round to Jacksonville after earning the AFC's top seed.
"There's not that many guys who have been in this situation," Dungy said. "The one guy I know is Mike Shanahan, and I don't think he'll tell me at this point. I think you have to analyze the situation and do what's best for your team."
Shanahan's Broncos (9-3) are tied with Cincinnati and Jacksonville for the second-best record in the AFC.
With records, potential performance bonuses and history all at stake, Dungy would rather wait to make up his mind.
Then, he'll have to make that delicate decision.
"To be honest, I don't know how I'll handle it," he said. "You never really know 'til you get there."
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
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Just like we said he would. Those of us who know football "knew" he would, those of us who don't fully understand the game, not to mention any names (axtell), didn't think he would.
Dungy as recently as LAST YEAR (as quoted in your own posting) SAT his players after letting them play a few series in a meaningless game (which is what games 15 and 16 would be).
And then there is:
"With records, potential performance bonuses and history all at stake, Dungy would rather wait to make up his mind.
Then, he'll have to make that delicate decision.
"To be honest, I don't know how I'll handle it," he said. "You never really know 'til you get there."
So he's given no definitive answer in this article, and last year, with nothing to gain, he sat his starters after a series.
Why are you so adamant about trying to 'win' this point softie? Does it suck being you THAT much?
<< <i><<< Like most of us here have said before, if the Colts are at 14-0 ...... they ARE going for it. >>>
Just like we said he would. Those of us who know football "knew" he would, those of us who don't fully understand the game, not to mention any names (axtell), didn't think he would. >>
Oh come off your damn high horses...did you even READ the article? It ends with Dungy saying he's not sure what he's going to do.
If you know football so well, why aren't you geniuses head coaches in the NFL? Why are you schlepping here?
<< <i><<< Like most of us here have said before, if the Colts are at 14-0 ...... they ARE going for it. >>>
Just like we said he would. Those of us who know football "knew" he would, those of us who don't fully understand the game, not to mention any names (axtell), didn't think he would. >>
yep, if the COlts beat Jacksonville this week the hysteria will really start to build. Again, ITS NOT MY WISH, but definatley what the entire sports world will want to see. Tony Dungy and his coaching staff will never be forgiven if they don't make a solid effort to win those remaining games.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Because I have no life. Thank goodness for beer.
<< <i>
Oh come off your damn high horses...did you even READ the article? It ends with Dungy saying he's not sure what he's going to do.
>>
right, thanks for clarifying. Tony Dungy is beginning to waver on this. EXPECT this trend to continue.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
So convienent for you to not cut and paste THIS comment I see Axtell.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Why even post this, except as a means to try and pick another fight?
I mean no one knows what's going to happen (even Dungy admits as much), but yet you post this saying 'they ARE going for it' with no basis whatsoever for this.
You're a moron, grow up, get a life, all that jazz.
<< <i>softie-
Why even post this, except as a means to try and pick another fight?
I mean no one knows what's going to happen (even Dungy admits as much), but yet you post this saying 'they ARE going for it' with no basis whatsoever for this.
You're a moron, grow up, get a life, all that jazz. >>
You were swearing that Dungy WOULD NEVER EVEN THINK ABOUT THIS just days ago Axtell. So, you really need to stop coming from whatever angle suits the moment. I see you do that all of the time, no matter the topic.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
this will be my last post on the whole colts thing (as it's obvious you're nuts and a fiend for attention).
I said all along that Dungy is smart enough to realize that winning the super bowl is a bigger prize than going undefeated, and that if he got to 14-0, and had homefield throughout, he would treat the last 2 games like preaseason games; play the starters, but rest them for a significant amount of time to keep them fresh and limit their chances at injury.
You are making things up...I never said he would NEVER think of it, I said he was smart enough to know where the real priorities lay.
Now, go enjoy your little circle jerk...I'm out.
<< <i>Now, go enjoy your little circle jerk...I'm out. >>
good, don't come back either.
Now, anyone with REAL insight on this?
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Completely agree. Axtell has knowledge about the game but simply doesn't fully understand the nuances of the game and the historical significance of an undefeated season. If there was a choice between an undefeated regular season and winning a Super Bowl, of course both the owner and the head coach would take the Super Bowl win. But in this situation the Colts can have both so Irsay will want to go for both. These millionaire NFL owners didn't get that way because of being conservative - they are aggressive and even though this Irsay is the deceased owner's son, he still is an aggressive guy who wants BOTH. Got that Axtell?...BOTH.
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
<< <i>I just hope the Colts don't have a hiccup this week. Jax has played them really tuff the last several years. Even when the Colts were much better and the Jags were weak. Now I am not predicting a Jags victory but I think it will be close. Colts only by 17.
I agree, of course the COlts can lose ANY of these games. Its a wonder they have made it to 12-0 .....
ISO 1978 Topps Baseball in NM-MT High Grade Raw 3, 100, 103, 302, 347, 376, 416, 466, 481, 487, 509, 534, 540, 554, 579, 580, 622, 642, 673, 724__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ISO 1978 O-Pee-Chee in NM-MT High Grade Raw12, 21, 29, 38, 49, 65, 69, 73, 74, 81, 95, 100, 104, 110, 115, 122, 132, 133, 135, 140, 142, 151, 153, 155, 160, 161, 167, 168, 172, 179, 181, 196, 200, 204, 210, 224, 231, 240
Although going 16-0 is much rarer than winning the super bowl, ask any player which they'd rather have, and everyone will pick the SB. However, some of you guys are treating winning the superbowl and going 16-0 like they're mutually exclusive. Sure rest is important, but they'll have a first round bye. Really about the only crippling thing that could happen is if Manning got hurt in one of those "meaningless" games. If I was Dungy, I would take out all play-action and any other play where Manning is holding the ball for a long period of time. With those plays out, the probability of injury is almost nil.