[VarlosZ]

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The Colts had the #2 defense last year. This year they had a few key injuries during the season, but they are mostly healthy now. The Colts having a horrible defense is largely a myth that Manning-backers have come up with to defend him against the "choker" label.

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Gah, total B.S. First, I've explained to you previously why the Colts did not have the #2 defense last year. You seemed to agree with me, but here you quote the false stat again in order to bolster your position.

Second, the Colts defense was indeed horrible this year -- I have no idea why they're playing so much better in the playoffs. Last year the Colts' defense was above average, the year before it was about average, and in the years prior to that it was just as awful as it has been this year. Whatever you think of Manning's performance in the postseason, he deserves a ton of credit for getting his team to the playoffs again and again despite little or no help from the defense.


All that said, Manning sure did have a bad game today. Keep in mind, though, that it's not as bad as it seems at first because he was playing the best defense in football.