Our Colts blog, Stampede Blue, is giving Pierre Garçon the game ball, but insists on giving defensive coordinator Larry Coyer plenty of credit as well. Coyer's defense, after all, surrendered only three points to the Ravens the entire game.
I have to say that one person is getting left out in all the posts and commentary. That person is LARRY COYER! He IS the reason the Colts defense was able to play a game like we Colts fans have never seen. His schemes were well designed and superbly executed. That is the mark of a great coach. Plans are key, but transferring that knowledge to the players and getting them to execute is paramount for coaches. Coyer has been successful at that all season.
As I write this, I flash on a play not 30 seconds into the third quarter. Baltimore got the kickoff to start the 2nd half and (I think) had gained a first down. The Colts then showed an alignment I had never seen before. I think it was 2 or 3 linemen down with a LB and a CB up to the line showing blitz. The alignment cause the "Unibrow from Delaware" to get confused and call timeout. Coming out of the largest adjustment period that a team has, our defense confused the opposing offense. Just one example of the way Coyer has changed our mentality and the way our defense is viewed around the league.
For more on Saturday's game, as well as a look ahead to next weekend's AFC Championship game, head on over to Stampede Blue.