Bye Week Odds and Ends
Most years, the bye week sucks. This year, I think we all just let out a big sigh of relief, glad the team made it to 4-2, and can refocus and get healed up.
For me, it gives me a chance to unpile some of the odds and ends that have been building up for a few weeks.
Let's start with the news that Lucas Oil Stadium has been named the best stadium in America. The site Stadiumjourney.com gave the Luke the highest ranking it has ever given. The whole review is an absolute must read, but this part might have been my favorite:
Each time that I have visited Indianapolis for a sporting event, I have walked away feeling extremely impressed. Whether you are in town for the Colts, Pacers, minor league Indianapolis Indians, AHL Indiana Ice, or the Indianapolis 500, you will have plenty of great options nearby. Plus historic Hinkle Fieldhouse is only about 6 miles north of downtown, another Indy must see.
From Lucas Oil Stadium, just walk north and choose the option that’s right for you. I checked in at a couple of Breweries/Restaurants, and enjoyed both.(snip)
Lucas Oil Stadium is a first class venue that should be on the to-do list for any serious sports traveler. The entire experience is great from entering the city to driving away, and you will be left with few complaints or regrets. If your team is visiting Indianapolis, this would make for a great road trip, and if you’re a Colts fan, then you should absolutely make plans to visit the Oil Can as soon as possible.
As I wrote about in Blue Blood, the Colts were part of an overall strategy for economic development in Indianapolis. When I read outsiders praise the city as a destination spot for sports tourism, it does my heart good. The Colts are a critical component to the civic identity of Indianapolis. Juxtapose that with the way the Jags fans reacted almost with loathing of their team last night. It's amazing how far we've come.
Almost to illustrate that point, Colts fans were also ranked as the second best fans in the NFL last week. Considering that our next game will be a Monday night clash with the Texans, it's important for Colts fans to show up in mass and put the city in a good light. By the way, if you are looking for tickets to the game, be sure to search using the TiqIQ page on our banner. You'll get the best deal and help support the site. They've added new features (e-ticket only filters, and an 'all in price' feature which lets you 'hover' over the seat to see the total price you'd pay).
Finally, I want to share with you all an amazing tool sent to me by one of our readers, Johnathan B. You may have noticed from my tweets, that I compulsively calculate passer ratings. Well, Johnathan has worked up a spreadsheet that will auto calc the game, yearly, and career stats for several quarterbacks, starting with Peyton Manning. It also has Favre, Brees, Rivers, Rodgers, Brady, Romo, and Orton built in. You can keep track of every pass and see how it affects both the game, season, and career rankings of the quarterbacks.
Most of the rest of this week will be normal here at 18to88. We'll have Charting a Drive and 18 Plays ready for you. On Friday, there won't be any Eyes in the Backfield, but I do have an awesome interview with Nathan Whitaker, co-author of Tony Dungy's three books. He's had a fascinating life, and shares interesting thoughts on whether he can see Tony coaching again.
