I was 12 years old the first time in Miami and Don Schula's decision not to cover the field and play in Mud killed our running game with Freeman McNeil. Then, AJ Duhe killed us on the field. Chance #1 went down the tubes.
Cut to 16 years later when we were in Denver. We had a 10 point halftime lead and fumbled it away to John Elway. Chance #2 went down the tubes.
Now, 11 years later, we build an 11 point first half lead to Indy. Peyton Manning takes over. Chance #3 goes down the tubes.
If you add this up: 12+16+11 = 39 seasons divided by 3 = an average of 11 years between Championship Game appearances. My sanity can NOT wait another 11 years.
This season has been a magical ride with the 3-0 start turning into a 4-6 team and then getting hot down the stretch to make it all the way to the AFC Championship.
What I do like is that we did this with a Rookie Head Coach and a Rookie QB which should only get better with experience. We also did it without Kerry Jenkins who's been out all year who was our best defensive player. We did it without Leon Washington who's been out all year who was our biggest special teams weapon our biggest offensive weapon which gave Sanchez one less option when no one was open. We also did it without Larry Izzo who was one of our best special teams tacklers.
And the game was close. We didn't get murdered. It would have helped Shawn Ellis had his hand available as he was playing with a broken hand and couldn't grab. Kerry Rhodes was on a bad knee. Bart Scott was on a hurt ankle. Donald Strickland left the game with a hurt groin. And our offense stopped moving once Shonn Greene hurt his ribs and left the game.
And despite all of this, we had a 17-6 lead and things started to change at the 2 minute mark when Peyton Manning needed a score to keep the game close. And with three passes to the same guy, they were in the endzone. The 2nd catch caught because Drew Coleman jumped prematurely to deflect the ball and the touchdown was caused by no one decided to cover Collie in the endzone.
But, despite all of that, we were still in the 3rd quarter with a 4 point lead and were 23 minutes from the Super Bowl. Twenty three freggin minutes to get this monkey off our backs. Twenty three minutes til glory. Twenty three minutes until to play for the prize that has eluded us for 41 years. Those 23 minutes were painful.
Some things that killed us yesterday besides injuries were using Dwight Lowery instead of Lito Sheppard was a bit strange. Jay Feely missing a 44 yarder indoors hurt. The refs missed a late hit on Sanchez which should have given us a first down. The 12 men on the field penalty killed a good defensive stand. The coverage on Pierre Garcon was pathetic as was the lack of coverage on Collie. The two minute drill executed perfectly by Manning. It all hurts.
A lot of people are saying "just wait until next year." The last time I said that, it was the home opener and there were Super Bowl expectations. Vinny went down with his achillies and you know what happened from there. It took us 11 years to get back.
This one is going to hurt for a while. But, it's nice to know that for the first time in a long time, we have the makings of a franchise quarterback and a coach that will do what it takes to win a Championship before the end of Obama's 4 years.
Leon Hess was still in his grave yesterday with the same depressing results but I think his corpse actually cracked a smile.
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