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It was a better time.
Tony: But we start with the Colts rolling over in the face of history. Up 15 to 10 on the Jets in the third, coach Jim Caldwell yanked Peyton Manning. Who then watched uncomfortably as someone named Curtis Painter fumbled away the game and the Colts undefeated season. Mike, Manning wanted to play, the fans wanted Manning to play, who were the Colts doing this for, Curtis Painter?
Wilbon: Tony, they seem to be doing it for management. It seems to be Bill Polian, who as you know, I think is the best in this business.
Tony: Yeah.
Wilbon: Bill Polian and Jim Caldwell.
Tony: He’s the Grinch who stole Christmas on this one, pal.
Wilbon: Yeah Tony, the whole season. And I-I, you know what, I mean, Bill Polian, again I understand he’s the best. And Jim Caldwell for everything we know is an honorable man and worthy coach, he wins his fo- first 14 games as a head coach, no one has ever done that.
Tony: Right.
Wilbon: And you know what, this decision seems to me to be dishonorable. It goes against everything we’re taught in sports – parents – you know, the fir-, th-th wor- there’s one thing worse than losing, not trying. And when you turn up your nose at history, as this decision did, to me it’s dishonorable.
Tony: Yeah, I think you have to tell me how the Colts benefit from this. First of all, even if they win out, they finish 18-1, not 19-0 so they’re not necessarily the greatest team of all-time. And if they lose they’ll go back to this game and say this was the beginning of the end. I mean, Manning wanted to play. I-I don’t...
