Head Coach Frank Reich said in a recent interview with NFL Total Access that he believes the catastrophic ending of last season could lead to the Colts’ ultimate success. Reich stated, “Certain games and seasons like that… it’s like a scar you look down and you see it everyday. And you’re reminded of it.” He went on to say, “This happens, when you go through an epic collapse or failure… that actually turns out to be the very thing that sparks you to go to that next level.” Reich as an NFL head coach is going to say knowledgeable things in an interview. Reich’s analysis has history to back it up. Many teams have made deep runs in the playoffs after facing adversity the season before.
1994 San Diego Chargers
In 1993 the San Diego Chargers (8-8) finished with a similar record to the 2021 Indianapolis Colts (9-8). The Chargers did not receive a high draft pick, and the Colts did not have possession of their first round pick. With the help of a second-year running back Natrone Means the Chargers finished with a record of 11-5. This record was good enough to win the AFC West Division. The Charges took this momentum from this turnaround all the way to the Super Bowl. The Colts have drafted players in the last few offseasons that are ready to help the Colts and make a name for themselves.
1999 Tennessee Titans
The 1998 Tennessee Oliers were tired of mediocrity, after finishing three straight seasons at 8-8. Things were so stale that the front office decided it was time for a rebrand. The Tennessee Titians were born. In their inaugural season they won 13 games, three playoff games, and a Super Bowl appearance. A rebrand is obviously different from an end of season blow up, but they both require some mental strength to move on from. Playing with “a chip on your shoulder” is an effective motivator to many players.
2000 Baltimore Ravens
Ryan Davis from Sportscasting said, “The 1999 Baltimore Ravens were a middle of the pack offensive team and a decent defensive team that went 8-8.” This sounds very similar to the current Indianapolis Colts roster. After missing the playoffs the Ravens selected well in the following draft. Drafting well benefitted the team more than expected, helping the team to a 12-4 record. During the season this Ravens defense solidified themselves as a historically formidable group, leading the team to a Super Bowl victory. Chris Ballard has a great track record in the draft, and many experts are high on a handful of 2022 Colts draft picks.
2008 Arizona Cardinals
The 2008 Cardinals dealt with quarterback troubles until Kurt Warner gained the starting role. Something that sounds similar to the current Colts roster. After Kurt and the Cardinals finished the 2007 season 8-8 they missed the playoffs. The following season they snuck into the playoffs by winning the weak NFC West with a 9-7 record. In the post season the Cardinals won three games on the way to a Super Bowl appearance. Colts fans hope to have finally found a stable quarterback that can be the difference maker for them.
2009 New Orleans Saints
All Colts fans know the 2009 Saints. The Saints missed the two previous playoffs before 2009. The Bounty Scandal is alleged to have started in the 2009 season. This season the Saints went 13-3. I would advocate for the Colts to continue to play the respectful competitive game they play. In no way should they do anything close to the Bounty Scandal. If the Cols find the right amount of edge and embrace a slight heel role, they could find a path to high success.
How Catastrophe Leads to Colts’ Ultimate Success
The 2021 Season ended the exact opposite way the Colts would have liked it too. Although it was devastating in the moment, it happens in the NFL. A bad team would let this event cause the downfall of an organization. A good team will use this as fuel to compete at a higher level.
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