G16: Colts 27, Dolphins 22
[Updated Sunday early evening, 12-31, in wake of Miami's season-ending 27-22 loss to the Colts in Indy. Dolphins gave a better team a tough fight; unfortunately, you don't get points (or wins) for "proud of the effort" or "good try." Final record: 6-10. And I'm not artist enough to paint much of a happy face on that one].
[Updated Sunday early afternoon, 12-31: Arrived in Indy a bit ago. Chilly, misting rain, perfect dome weather. My flight out of Fort Lauderdale this morning included the Nebraska basketball team, which was heading home after beating UM. Who knew the state of Nebraska had an airport?]
I gave the Dolphs a good shot to keep it close but couldn't see a beat-up secondary containing Peyton Manning. Was interested to see if Cleo Lemon, in his first start, would serve any indication that he should be in the QB mix for '07 -- and results were mixed, but mildly positive overall. Also thought Jason Taylor needed a big game for a real shot at defensive player of the year, and that late fumble recovery helped.
(I agree with Taylor that giving it to Shawne Merriman despite his four-game steroids suspension would send a "wrong message." But voters figure to be more pragmatic and look at Merriman's sacks and the Chargers' record).
Welcoming thoughts here on the game, the season at large, and on all the peripheral stuff like Lemon's showing, Taylor-Merriman, Wayne Huizenga's declaration that he won' sell the club and, of course, whether you still think Alabama has a legit chance to lure Nick Saban, and how much that would hurt Miami.