Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Dungy's Return as Colts Coach Makes Him a Hypocrite?


Yesterday Tony Dungy informed us all that he will be back to coach the Colts for the 2008 season. We will have at least one more year of the dependable Dungy leading our Colts on the sideline. One more year of that stoic, steadfast voice of calm and determination. Dungy will be the one to lead us into a new era in Colts football: Lucas Oil Stadium. Everyone in Colts Nation was more than happy to hear this news.

I too was excited when I heard, and it almost made me forget about how depressed I was at the way the Colts finished this season. Then I read Bob Kravitz's article in today's IndyStar and he brought up quite an interesting topic.

The following quote is from Bob Kravitz, and it's quite a statement to make here in the heart of Colts-land:

I think that by returning to the Colts, and doing so after his entire family moved out of Indianapolis and back to Tampa, Fla., for reasons he prefers remain private, Dungy has revealed himself as something of a hypocrite.


To Kravitz's credit, he profusely denies having any right to make this claim, but makes it nonetheless. At first my mind started racing, thinking of how ridiculous Kravitz is, and how idiotic it is to call Dungy a hypocrite. I mean, we're talking Tony Dungy here. He has more integrity than the entire Patriot organization put together. How could he possibly be a hypocrite?

Well, Kravitz goes on to describe how Dungy has been such an advocate of putting family and faith above career goals. So at second glance, it does seem a bit contradictory to preach putting your family first, when you've agreed to live hundreds of miles away from your family, just to coach at least one more year of football.

Now Kravitz also says, and I wholeheartedly agree, that this was a personal decision that was made with the approval of his family and really, it's not our business to question what they've decided to do. We don't know all the circumstances, and maybe Dungy will be flying home every night at the expense of Mr. Irsay. But I can see where this might be a bit detrimental to his image as a "family-first" kind of a guy.

Personally, I have to believe Dungy has put his family first and always will. I just don't think he's the kind of person who would make this choice if he thought it was in any way compromising his relationship with his family. But I also think it is a bad example he is setting for those who have looked up to him as a man who can be so successful at his career and yet not short-change his family life.

He may very well be putting his family first while coaching from a different state, it's just that he may be the only man on the planet who can do it this way. Now many men (especially football players) may look at this and think, "Well, if Dungy can do it, I can too." The problem is that they probably can't.

Anyways, I just thought it was an interesting point to make, and I wonder how much of an effect this might have on his coaching. At face value, it sure seems that if his family is really moving to Tampa, then he has made a definite choice of career over family. It's just hard to see it any other way. And that just seems so contradictory to what Dungy stands for. And that makes me wonder if he'll be any different of a coach next year, if he doesn't have his family to go home to at night. I don't know. Like Kravitz said, "I am uncomfortable."

Then again, we're talking about Tony Dungy. I mean, come on. At any rate, GO COLTS!

Friday, January 11, 2008

The 2007 NFL Playoffs: Some Final Thoughts (and more reasons we hate the Patriots)

Well, the playoffs are underway and I haven't said much about the Colts in a while.

This weekend we play San Diego. The scary thing here is that if we're being honest, we actually expect the Colts to win this game. Remember how in last year's playoffs we kept waiting for the defense to screw it up for us? Now we actually expect to win. That means if we lose, I'll be extra upset dangit.

The other scary thing is looking at this bit of history:

2004- Pittsburgh goes 15-1, gets the #1 seed and loses in the AFC Championship game to New England (who goes on to win Super Bowl).

2005- Indianapolis goes 13-0, finishes 14-2, gets the #1 seed and loses in the Divisional round to Pittsburgh (who goes on to win Super Bowl). Pittsburgh had a bit of a letdown year after their 15-1 season, but finished strong to win everything.

2006- San Diego goes 14-2, dominating everyone throughout the year and clinching the #1 seed. They lose to New England, who goes on to get their posteriors handed to them in the AFC Championship game after blowing a 21-6 halftime lead to the Colts. The Colts had a bit of a letdown year after their 14-2 season, but turn it up in the playoffs and go on to win the Super Bowl (GO HORSE!).

So if history were to repeat itself, we would see San Diego beat the Colts, then go into New England and beat the hottest team of the year and win their Super Bowl. Then New England would come back next year and beat whoever the hottest team next year is, and so on.

Unfortunately (for Chargers fans), I seriously doubt that will happen. Maybe next year.

As far as the Jacksonville vs. New England game, I think I really do want the Patriots to win. I know, that probably sounds retarded and I need to be careful what I wish for and all that garbage, but seriously, who wants to see San Diego (or Colts) vs. Jacksonville in the AFC Championship Game? Not me. As much as I hate New England, I love the rivalry and even if we lose, it just adds to the fun of it all (in the future). So, hopefully New England wins, but I would not be the least bit surprised if Jacksonville pulls off an upset.

I realize I haven't mentioned the NFC teams at all. That's because nobody cares. Except for Brett Favre. Hopefully Green Bay makes it to the Super Bowl.

Now, I have a bit to say about this 2007 New England Patriot team. First of all, I hate you. I hate that Tom Brady broke Peyton's record and that the team went 16-0. Man, I really hate that. I hate that they're a part of "history," albeit with an asterisk. I hate that the rest of their sorry division went a combined 12-36. I hate that they beat the Colts this year. And I hate that they cheat. And I really hate that Belichick was named "Coach of the Year" (add another asterisk).

Riddle me this. How can you possibly name a man guilty of violating NFL rules the coach of the year? Seriously! How? It boggles the mind! That literally disgusts me. What kind of freaking message are you sending to young fans (or anyone for that matter)? This man was caught cheating. This year. How can you possibly name him coach of the year? That would be like if soMeonE weRe a linebackeR usIng steriods and that Man were nAmed defeNsive player of the year. Oh...wait.

The only consolation is that this award is handed out by 50 media members. 35 of which live in the New England area. 29 of which voted for Belichick. So, who cares.

So to sum up the season: Great year for the Colts, Patriots are lucky cheaters and we all hate them. Brett Favre rules.