Leadership Is A Cornerstone Behind Colts Success

NFL News - January 27th, 2010 - Written by John

Though the Indianapolis Colts will not be playing for an undefeated season when they take the field in Super Bowl XLIV against the New Orleans Saints, they will be vying for a second championship in 4 years. A win would cement a place for them in history as one of the most dominant teams of this century to date. The leadership of the team has been a large reason behind the recent success of the organization over the last decade, and it starts at the top.

Many fans expressed disappointment when the team pulled many of their starters during the last two games of the regular season, sacrificing their once unblemished record. The Colts were 14-0, before dropping their last two. Critics said that it would come back and hurt them in the playoffs, but quarterback Peyton Manning propelled the team to a win over Baltimore in the divisional round, and a win over the New York Jets in the AFC Championship game during the NFL Playoffs. As a result, they are back in the Super Bowl.

"We are competing with history," said Indianapolis team owner Jim Irsay. "And it's something that means a great deal. I talked to [Patriots owner] Bob Kraft a couple of years ago when we won the championship game. He agreed, there's nothing like the first one, but this is deeply fulfilling and we know we have another game to go. But it's such a remarkable accomplishment to do it the way we did it."

A victory in Miami would put Indianapolis in elite company. The Colts look to join the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers, as the only multiple Super Bowl winners since 1998.

Irsay took great pride in the way his team made it to the Super Bowl this season. They had the luxury of resting, because of the way they performed throughout the first 14 games of the year. He said it demonstrates the character of the team "to win 14 and then to use that advantage to get ready to try to do everything we can to win a world championship," Irsay said.

The Colts should have fond memories when they make the trip to Miami. This was the site of their 2006 Super Bowl win over the Chicago Bear. Manning was the MVP of the game as the Colts celebrated their first Super Bowl title since 1970. The wins between Super Bowls could be substantially shorter this time around. Indianapolis has been installed as 5 1/2 point favorite according to NFL Betting Lines.

The tone and leadership in the Indianapolis Colts locker room is the cornerstone of the organizations' recent success, starting with Manning. The AFC Championship MVP threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns against the Jets, leading the Colts back from a 17-6 deficit. The team never panicked when they got down early, they knew what needed to be done. Colts defensive captain Clint Sessions said that he remembers the stoic and calm demeanor of the team, despite trailing at the half. It was still business as usual.

According to Manning' brother, Cooper Manning, the quarterback has not always been cool under pressure. During an interview, Cooper Manning rehashed a basketball story from high school, in which he said his brother was under the impression the clock was about to run out during a game. Peyton heaved the ball the length of the court, which smashed into the shot clock. There was still a minute left in the game.

"Peyton threw it the length of the court and it hit the top of the shot clock, so the other team got the ball," Cooper said while laughing. "So inside of two minutes, I've always found him panicked. I'm glad to know he finally did something right."