Next banner: "Pats only beat us by 20 this time."
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) June 11, 2015
It is important to keep in mind the Colts aren't to blame for Deflate-Gate spiraling into a five-month long boondoggle. The responsibility lies with the NFL, which turned an alleged equipment violation into arguably the most high-profile scandal in professional sports history.
But that doesn't mean the Colts aren't largely viewed as Public Enemy No. 1 around these parts. And man, they are the perfect little brother for Patriots fans to beat up on.
Never mind that the Pats have beaten the Colts by an average of 28 points the last four times they have played. It seems as if Indianapolis is now embracing its runner-up status, as the Colts will display an "AFC Finalist" banner at Lucas Oil Stadium this season.
I spy a new #Colts banner inside @LucasOilStadium. We're live from mini-camp beginning 4p #TheNowIndy on @rtv6 pic.twitter.com/wLDkp4YOSE
— Dave Furst (@DaveFurst) June 10, 2015
You may say it's hypocritical for Patriots fans to mock the Colts for hanging a banner that celebrates a shortcoming while the "16-0" banner still looms over Gillette Stadium. But then again, no team in NFL history has ever gone 16-0 in a season before. Want to know how many clubs have been "AFC Finalists?"
Forty-four. One of those banners is far more of a reach than the other.
As Indianapolis sports media personality Dave Furst points out, the Colts have hung up "AFC Finalist" banners before. But they have never been in Patriot Nation's crosshairs like this – even when Peyton Manning was around.
The Pats and Colts will play Week 6 in Indy next season, which coincidently would be Tom Brady's first game back if his four-game suspension is upheld. It might be the most anticipated regular-season game in Patriots history, and nothing but a complete Pats drubbing will be acceptable within the corridors of I-495.
Can't wait for Indianapolis . Death
— Scott Zolak (@scottzolak) May 11, 2015
Despite having one of the worst rushing defenses in the AFC last year, the Colts selected a wide receiver in the first-round of the draft this spring. Apparently getting steamrolled by Jonas Gray to the tune of 201 yards and four touchdowns in Week 4 last season wasn't enough for Jim Irsay and company to realize their team may have a weakness that should be addressed.
Andrew Luck might be the best young quarterback in football, but the Colts don't stand a chance against the Patriots next season. I know it, you know it and the "AFC Finalist" banner ensures everyone else knows it, too.
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