I had the chance to cover the Colts vs Packers game on Sunday in Indianapolis. It was a truly special experience for me. As I've mentioned before, I'm a pretty die hard Packers fan. I've seen Green Bay play twice before: Once during the Favre era in San Diego (a blowout of the lowly Chargers) and a couple years back in Green Bay (a bad loss to the Texans on a last second field goal). So, this was only the third time seeing my favorite team and this time I was covering them professionally. Talk about a dream come true.
Indianapolis was playing for more then a win. Earlier in the week it was learned coach Chuck Pagano had been diagnosed with a treatable form of leukemia. The first year head coach had already created a strong bond with the team. He sent players an e-mail urging them to play on and focus on the football field. That is always easier said then done. There were players on both teams wearing shirts supporting the coach as well as signs in each endzone.
The Colts came into the game big underdogs. Although Indianapolis was by no means playing like a bad team, they were still playing with a rookie quarterback and facing the Packers who were needing a win and considered one of the better teams in the league. Andrew Luck has impressed everyone so far this season with his poise and decision making. He may still have a ways to go, but after leading a brilliant comeback, this was undoubtedly a monumental game in his career.
The Colts were excited to get one of the greatest defenders in their history back. Dwight Freeney had yet to take the field in the regular season due to a nagging ankle injury. Fans were excited to see a familiar number on defense and hoped he would wreak havoc for Aaron Rodgers.
I won't go into a long recap because I have to think everyone either watched this game, saw highlights, or heard about what happened. The Packers played with ease in the first half behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers on offense leading to 21 points and on defense the pressure was put on by Clay Matthews and company. Charles Woodson had the tough task of covering Reggie Wayne, who would put on an other worldly performance accumulating over 200 yards and wearing orange gloves in support of his coach. Despite their effort, Indianapolis found themselves with a 18 point deficit going into the third quarter.
Indianapolis absolutely dominated the second half. There are times in sports that emotion makes the difference. While Indianapolis made great adjustments and out played the Packers physically and mentally, the emotion was special to see. Call it cliche, but the Colts pushed it to the next level playing for their coach.
The Colts fought back, not allowing a point while continually putting drives together and converting key third downs. Reggie Wayne played like a man possessed, I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. The Packers doubled, bumped at the line, played man, played zone; it didn't matter. Andrew Luck showed incredible poise and some serious guts. Specifically, on one play when he was being tackled for a sack by Matthews, who grabbed his arm, and shook off the defender eventually completing a HUGE third down (to Wayne of course). The other play was his run near the goal line after the play broke down, diving forward to get the first. The Packers missed a 50 yard tying attempt to tie the game and Indianapolis stormed onto the field in one of the most inspirational and emotional victories you'll ever see.
As a Packer fan I was disappointed for two reasons. First, this game put Green Bay under .500 and in official Worry-Mode for a season that had sky high expectations. Secondly, it's never fun to see your team lose in person. However, talking to the Colts in the locker room after the game, feeling the joy and sense of accomplishment was special. These men came together for their coach. They were not afraid to make it known how much he meant to them and how they were able to take those feelings and channel them into positive energy during the second half. I feel lucky to have been at a game that went way beyond a W. This is a victory that everyone who was there and watched will remember.
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