Thread: Pivotal First Game

What could be Manning's last game in Indy and being the first loss last year, how important is this first game and will ball be mentally ready to avenge his play against Indy last year?

Well, first of all it's a home game. Robert Mathis isn't playing I believe and our entire starting offensive line is healthy. Also Ronnie Hillman won't be the main RB which means they won't fumble on the go ahead score. The Colts did upgrade at the receiver position though.

Regardless of what happens, one week is too early to panic about anything if we were to lose. Having said that, I think this game is pretty important. We have a tough early schedule and if we lose this one, it could put us into an early hole. I would be really surprised if we dropped this one though. I just can't see Peyton letting Indy get him again. You know that game from last year is probably still sticking in his craw a little bit.

If it's a home game, then it's a must-win.... IMO. Ware and Miller take away Luck, and BRONCOS win easily.

Anyone remember opening vs Miami in 2005?

Originally Posted by Shazam!

Anyone remember opening vs Miami in 2005?

Yeah, we dropped that game but ended up going 13-3 and to the AFC Championship Game losing to the eventual Super Bowl winners. Looking back that team wasn't nearly as talented as the roster we have now. I think it's a testament to Shanahan's ability as a coach. If only he was better at GM duties.

Originally Posted by CrazyHorse

Yeah, we dropped that game but ended up going 13-3 and to the AFC Championship Game losing to the eventual Super Bowl winners. Looking back that team wasn't nearly as talented as the roster we have now. I think it's a testament to Shanahan's ability as a coach. If only he was better at GM duties.

It's kinda weird to think back on that now. After that NE game, we were on cloud 9 and felt like we were in great shape as a team. Then we get blown out the next week and the bottom fell out of the Shanny era.

Originally Posted by CrazyHorse

Originally Posted by Shazam!

Anyone remember opening vs Miami in 2005?

Yeah, we dropped that game but ended up going 13-3 and to the AFC Championship Game losing to the eventual Super Bowl winners. Looking back that team wasn't nearly as talented as the roster we have now. I think it's a testament to Shanahan's ability as a coach. If only he was better at GM duties.

Just giving a reason not to panic.

Fwiw I think Indy is gonna get destroyed.

Originally Posted by Shazam!

Just giving a reason not to panic.

Fwiw I think Indy is gonna get destroyed.

Yeah, I'm a little concerned about going into a hole (as I always am) but my feeling is that this game resembles the Ravens game to open last year and we rip them a new one.

I won't panic, but I'd be a little worried if we lost to Indy at home.

Well I think home openers are always big, but I'd really hate to lose to Indy because of how it could affect late season tie-breakers. Otherwise I'm not too worried. I was more nervous about the opener against Baltimore last year for some reason.

Have you looked at the schedule? They're ALL pivotal games, especially since we're trying to get back to and win the SB, so a first round bye is very desirable, and the cold thin air of homefield is always welcome in the playoffs (though I'm not convinced Manning agrees.) ANY loss could cost us either or both those things, especially with the NFLs two toughest divisions playing each other; the other three AFC divisions have it much easier by comparison, especially the weak AFCS vs. an AFCN where the Ravens and Steelers are rebuilding.

With the AFCN/S champs beating up on the dregs of both divisions, and the AFCS also playing a weak NFCE, we may never get the chance to make up ANY loss. The Colts have a real shot at playoff homefield, so beating them Week 1 is a must in that respect, but will only matter if we finish tied overall. Even then, NE has reloaded and should be contenders yet again; Manning's WINLESS in Foxborough playoffs, but BRADY'S winless in Mile High playoffs.

it's the nfl - they are all must win's until the team has the first round bye and home field adv. locked up. and even then if you lose after locking it up, momentum could be at stake.

Brady beat us in the playoffs here when tebow was qb, Joel.

NE may have enough to win the East but I don't believe that they are a serious SB contender.