I drove to the RCA Dome today for the playoff game. So the Colts played their last game in the dome. Last night the question was, “Will this be their last game in the dome?” because if the Patriots lost on Saturday, then the AFC Championship would be in Indianapolis (assuming we beat the Chargers). The thinking was, “if the Pats win, the last game in the dome will be against the Chargers, and if the Pats lose, the last game in the dome will be against the Jags.” Of course, the assumption was that we would beat the Chargers. It never entered my mind that the Colts last game in the dome would also be their last game of the year.

I posted something over at 18 to 88 and I thought I would repeat some of it here: 1. The Chargers don’t have what it takes to beat New England. The Colts do, and it really upsets me that we won’t get the chance. When the history books are closed on this season, I think that this will be the verdict on the 2007 Colts: they got caught looking ahead to New England, instead of pulling out all the stops to win THIS WEEK’s game.

2. Both defenses were horrible today. The Colts’ D had flashes of greatness, but I did not believe they would give up 28 points!

3. Marvin should have been IR’d months ago. I thought that maybe they were just saving him for the playoffs. Boy am I glad they did that (insert sarcastic look here).

4. Pass pressure was a problem. Another problem was our total lack of a running presence. Joseph Addai (my choice for Super Bowl MVP last year) had 43 yards. FORTY THREE YARDS!!!! He only had one performance worse than that all year (before the #2 seed was locked up): Baltimore. I know he got hurt today, but there should definitely be some depth there. Maybe we should draft another back this year?

5. Dallas Clark is not going anywhere. Mark my words, we are going to use our franchise tag on him this year, and either sign or release him next year (depending on his 2008 performance). He was #7 in receptions for all tight ends, #8 in yards, #8 in yards per game, #1 in TD’s, and NO fumbles. The fact that my game day jersey is #44 has nothing to do with this assessment.

6. On the whole I’d say this loss was a team effort (or lack thereof) but Peyton is on that team, and yes, he did throw a few INTs and he did overthrow a few receivers. More than usual.

The 12th man ruled today. I was there in section 341, and it was sooo loud on defense. Louder than it has been all year. I think the 12th man made more plays than the Colts Defense. Not really, but it’s a nice thought. Wait, no it’s not.

I could not believe how annoying the Chargers fans were right behind me. One guy wouldn’t shut up about the officials being in the Colts pocket all game. Even when they won, he still went on about it. Oh, and he was upset that the Dome didn’t replay the Chargers “big plays” when there was a questionable call. Like we would. Then when they showed Gonzo’s big sideline run in detail, he made some snotty comment like, “Oh, NOW they show the replay right away!” Hey Charger fan: you want to control the big screen? Win more games than us next year!

In another blog I posted that I will now be rooting for whoever wins the NFC Championship, whether it’s the Packers or the Giants. Poetically, I would like the Giants to do it, but I don’t think they can beat the Pats.

Next year the Colts play all year in Lucas Oil Stadium, which opens in August. In March or April I should find out if I am getting the extra seat that I asked for (bringing my total to 2). Go Colts!