How far is the fall from grace? Better yet, how fast is the fall from grace? It's hard to believe that the Indianapolis Colts that recently squandered off the field in defeat against the Tennessee Titans is the same team that won the Super Bowl Championship not even two years ago. The same team who possessed playoff potential only last year with an impressive 13-3 record. Going into Monday night's game, the Colts cradled a record of 3-3, while the Titans boasted a 6-0 record.  

Almost solemnly, the Colts prepared to take the field against the only undefeated team left in the entire National Football League, the Tennessee Titans. Anticipation accompanied the Colts' entrance as hopeful Indianapolis fans held their breath hoping to see the same Colts that wreaked havoc in the AFC South not so long ago. These were the beloved Colts that were certainly capable of interrupting the Titans’ unblemished record. The same team that could put on a show so competitive that it might make up for an empty, football-less Sunday night or could possibly even have some die-hard baseball fans forgetting to flip the channel back to the World Series, afraid they might miss a breathtaking, magical play by the Colts.  

Pure electricity filled the stadium when the Titans stormed the field as their dedicated fans exuded cheers of confidence and support for their home team. Nearly six minutes into the first quarter, Tennessee posted the first points with a 3-point field goal. But the first touchdown went to the Colts as Manning took advantage of a hole in the Titan's defense by making a completion to Dallas Clark; the extra point was good. The Titans were unable to answer with a touchdown and had to resort to another field goal. Later, the Titans missed their third field goal attempt and the first half ended with the score at 7-6 Colts.     continue >>