By Bob Birge
SportsTicker Staff Writer
The Indianapolis Colts' reign as Super Bowl champions came to a crashing end Sunday. The Colts were left in a state of shock following their 28-24 loss to the San Diego Chargers, who eliminated Indianapolis despite losing quarterback Philip Rivers, running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates to injuries.
"It's always tough," Colts coach Tony Dungy said. "You have a lot to look forward to and you come in with high expectations. You come in looking forward to playing next week and when you don't win the game, it doesn't turn out that way." What's worse, the Colts allowed career backup Billy Volek to lead the Chargers on their winning drive in the fourth quarter.
Indianapolis lost to San Diego for the second time this season despite Peyton Manning's 402 yards and three touchdowns. However, Manning also tossed a pair of critical interceptions and had eight in the two defeats to the Chargers. He threw a franchise-record six in an 23-21 Week 10 loss at San Diego. "It's certainly disappointing," Manning said. "I think that means it matters to you. It means you care. It means you worked hard and certainly, we have put a lot into this season, going all the way back into March. It's disappointing that it finishes with a loss. No question about it."
The defeat marked the second time in three years that the Colts lost to a heavy underdog at home in the divisional round of the playoffs following a bye. Two years ago, Indianapolis lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 21-18, as the AFC's top seed. Last season, Dungy became the first African-American coach to win the Super Bowl and shed a tag of being too soft, too laid-back to win a championship.
However, he likely will face more criticism for stepping off the pedal, something he also did two years ago after the Colts won their first 13 games. With Dungy resting many of his starters, Indianapolis lost two of its last three regular-season games in 2005, then came out flat in the playoff defeat to the Steelers. Dungy again elected to sit his starters in this season's regular-season finale, and the Colts suffered a 16-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Manning played only a quarter. Dungy's decision may not have had a negative affect on the offense, but the Colts' defense was pushed around by the banged-up Chargers. "We were playing so well, especially defensively," Colts defensive tackle Raheem Brock said. "For us to play like that, there is no excuse." "Anytime you lose, it's hard, especially since we won the Super Bowl last year," Indianapolis safety Bob Sanders added. "It is something we can learn from."
Now, the Colts are left to ponder what could be an uncertain future, instead of preparing for a trip to New England for the AFC championship game. Always a strong family man, the soft-spoken Dungy contemplated retirement following the Colts' Super Bowl victory and again could consider it. "You are always disappointed when you lose the last game," Dungy said. "We will analyze it as this coming week goes on. I will sit down with my wife and talk with (president) Jim (Irsay) and we will come to a conclusion." "He is the best coach in the NFL and I want him back, but it is not our choice," Indianapolis tight end Dallas Clark added.
The Colts also have to concerned about the future of 35-year-old wide receiver Marvin Harrison, who missed the last 10 games of the regular season with a bruised left knee before returning Sunday. "I'll be fine," Harrison said. "It was play now or never because you never know when the next game is going to be."
The Colts have been a remarkably consistent team under Dungy, setting an NFL record with five consecutive seasons with 12 or more wins. But the regular-season success rings hollow after another bitter playoff defeat. "You do not play for a good regular season," Clark said. "It's as simple as that."