[Assani Fisher]

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Despite having statistically awful regular season defenses, they haven't exactly cost the team games in the playoffs.

Points allowed by Colts defense in Postseason:

6 - 2006 Ravens (#12 in NFL)
8 - 2006 Chiefs (#15 in NFL)
21 - 2005 Steelers (#9 in NFL)
20 - 2004 Patriots (#4 in NFL)
24 - 2004 Broncos (#9 in NFL)
24 - 2003 Patriots (#12 in NFL)
31 - 2003 Chiefs (#1 in NFL)
10 - 2003 Broncos (#10 in NFL)
41 - 2002 Jets (#15 in NFL)
23 - 2000 Dolphins (#16 in NFL)
19 - 1999 Titans (#7 in NFL)

Aside from 2002, it's hard for me to put much blame on the Colts defense for not winning the Super Bowl.

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You're right, at least to a large extent. Two things, though. First, while the defense hasn't flat out cost the Colts playoff games by being so awful that the offense can't keep up, they certainly weren't winning any games for the Colts, either. Up until this year, they've generally put up average at best performances, so when the offense has an off day (which is bound to happen from time to time against playoff teams), there was never a chance of the Colts winning a defensive struggle.

Second, the defense has been so bad for so long, yet the Colts have made the playoffs seven of the past eight years. Is there any chance they make it more than once or twice in that span with an average QB instead of Manning? In order to succeed in the postseason, you first have to get there, and with that in mind Peyton Manning has contributed more to his team's playoff success than any player in the last decade (with the likely exception of Tom Brady).

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I think its possible. Their offensive weapons with Manning, Wayne, and before this year Edge would've made them a top 5 offense with an average QB imo. With Peyton they've probably been the best offense over that time span(don't feel like looking it up, but I'd be shocked if they weren't at least top 3).