Commentary

Colts: Biggest playoff disappointment?

Originally Published: January 29, 2009
By Scouts Inc. | ESPN.com
Scouts Inc.'s final roundtable breaks down the postseason. Are the two best teams playing Sunday? Which teams were the most disappointing? Jeremy Green and Gary Horton discuss.

1. What is the biggest surprise of the postseason?

Green: While it is the Cardinals in general, I am going to narrow in on their run game. They have outrushed their three opponents in the postseason 333 yards to 232 yards, which is a tribute to their run defense as well. The Cardinals came into the postseason with the worst run offense but have run it better than any other team ever since. Offensive balance from RBs Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower has been a huge reason teams have had no answer for the Cardinals' passing attack.

Horton: Obviously it's the improved play of the Cardinals. They looked like a mediocre team in a mediocre division throughout most of the regular season, and when they clinched their division early, they seemed to play with no sense of urgency and very little pride. But they have made an amazing turnaround and don't look like the same team. All their weaknesses seem to have been corrected.

2. What is the biggest disappointment of the postseason?

Green: As they have landed here many times in the past, it is the Colts. They reeled off nine straight wins to finish the regular season and then were bounced in the first round. They have a Lombardi Trophy to their credit, but they should have three.

Horton: The uninspired play of the No. 1 seeds. After dominating the regular season and securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, the Titans and the Giants laid eggs in their first playoff matchups. Throughout the regular season, this was shaping up to be a terrific Super Bowl between the two best teams in the NFL, but neither got close.

3. What is the best story line of the entire season?

Green: I am going to go with the Dolphins. They have to be one of the best turnaround stories in NFL history, going from 1-15 to 11-5. Miami was better at the quarterback position with veteran Chad Pennington, who does an excellent job of managing the game, but the biggest difference was that the Dolphins proved team chemistry can overcome talent. The Dolphins were not 10 wins better than they were in 2007, but bringing in GM Bill Parcells and coach Tony Sparano was key.


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