Well hell. What’s to say?

The worst run defense in the history of the NFL has stepped up and delivered two performances that make it look as if it were the class of the NFL this season. It seems like it’d be too simple to say it’s all about the return of Bob Sanders. But it really is all about the return of Bob Sanders. The guy brings incredible energy to the field, and really seems to light up everyone around him. He hits like Ed Reid (and Jesus can Ed Reid hit — I can’t believe Dallas Clark’s head is still attached to his shoulders). He’s stops running backs like a linebacker. And his return let the Colts move Marlon Jackson back to cornerback, a far better position for him. Sanders’ presence in the secondary also tightened up the pass defense, which means less time in the pocket for opposing QB’s, which means Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis can get to work. Despite Baltimore’s excellent offensive line, we put consistent pressure on McNair yesterday, causing a lot of forced balls and missed connections.

So what about Peyton? I don’t know. I could try to put up a defense for his performance thus far: Yesterday he played the best defense in the league — perhaps the best defense of the last five years. And his numbers against K.C. weren’t as bad as they looked. Yes, three interceptions. But two were, actually, Marvin Harrison’s fault — he turned the wrong way on two timing routes. And Manning was 30 of 38 for the game.

But bottom line? This is the playoffs. And if you want to be considered a clutch performer, your numbers need to go up in the postseason not down. Manning had two picks and no touchdowns yesterday. That’s bad. But he could have very easily had four. Oddly, he was saved by the fact that two Baltimore defenders were able to get a hand on the ball. Twice, Ray Lewis inadvertently tipped the ball out of its trajectory toward a Ravens interception. Peyton hurried passes, missed passes, and for the first time all season, looked genuinely outsmarted by the opposing defense. Again, there’s no shame in getting outsmarted by Baltimore’s defense, particularly when you come away with a win….in Baltimore.

But much as it pains me to say it, if Peyton asses it up next week against New England or San Diego, I’m afraid he’s going to cement his unfortunate reputation as the NFL’s A-Rod. Of course, if he has two great — or even good — games, and takes this team to a championship, all will be forgiven and forgotten, and debate can begin over whether he’s the best all-around quarterback ever, or merely the best of his era.

Finally, Mike Vanderjagt? Pshaw.

Never underestimate the value of a good, clutch kicker. Seems to be at least one lesson the management has learned over the last few years.

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 14th, 2007 at 11:15 am by Radley Balko and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.