Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries for a touchdown past Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) and free safety Charles Woodson (24) in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
“The Indianapolis Colts have nothing to lose.”
You will hear that garbage a lot over the next six days. It’s complete and total nonsense used by “experts” on talk radio and TV.
That implies Andrew Luck and the Colts will come into Denver and say, “Well, we weren’t going to win anyway, so let’s just play stupid, carefree football.”
That implies Indy does not want to win the game, play in the AFC Championship Game or win the Super Bowl.
“The Colts have nothing to lose and the Denver Broncos have nothing to gain.” (Except for the fact they would advance to the AFC title game for the second-straight year and have a chance to advance to the Super Bowl, but that’s nothing).
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That’s the problem with cliches. In some instances, like a “week-to-week league,” they work. But in this instance it’s tired and old.
Of course Luck and Indy have something to lose. These are professionals. They get paid too (see, that one works). They have the same championship expectations as Peyton Manning and the Broncos.
For those who use this failed logic, Colts coach Chuck Pagano should tell his players, “Boys, if you give it your all, great. If you don’t, we don’t have anything to lose anyway, so it’s no big deal.”
Something tells me both Luck and Pagano don’t look at this game that way. They see an opportunity to get one step closer to their ultimate goal (just did it again). The last thing either of these competitors will say is, “We have nothing to lose.”
What an insult to Luck, Pagano and the Colts franchise. That’s more insulting than saying Denver will drop 45 points on Indy and the Colts won’t score more than 17. At least than you don’t disrespect professionals who have every right to play in this game as the Broncos.
What an insult to Manning, John Fox, John Elway, Pat Bowlen and everyone in that Denver organization. So a win and advancing to the AFC championship for the 10th time in the team’s history doesn’t mean a thing, eh? Doing so for the second-straight year is, “Please, whatever. Ho-hum.”
This time of year, teams have everything to lose and everything to gain.
After all, this is why they play the game.
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) is pressured by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) during the third quarter in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports