On this Christmas Day, we reflect on everything that we have in our lives and receive some more gifts. But the Colts got their Christmas gifts a few months ago, and are very happy with them.
The Colts were a mess. They had just been left at the altar by Josh McDaniels for their head coaching position. No one knew what the next step was. And then Christmas for 2018 came early, as they were able to hire Frank Reich as the head coach.
That hire was able to accelerate the rebuilding project that most in the organization had braced for. Instead of scuttling near the bottom of the NFL standings, they are one win away from the playoffs. And if they do make the playoffs, they can make some serious noise.
Colts fans also got their Christmas gifts early too. They got a Pittsburgh Steelers loss, which allowed the Colts a chance to control their own destiny to reach the playoffs. Now all they have to do is beat the Titans on Sunday Night Football next week, and they are in.
The Colts also got the gift of Darius Leonard and a healthy Andrew Luck. No one knew who Leonard was when the Colts used a second round draft pick on him in April. But now he is the NFL’s leading tackler and is already a star on the defense.
No one knew if Luck was going to be able to make it through a whole NFL season healthy. He had missed all of last season with his shoulder injury. But now he is second in the league in touchdown passes, and is playing better than he ever has.
Colts fans should enjoy this holiday, and remember what it was like this time last year. They should be grateful for the team they have now, and enjoy the ride they are on.