Dec 23, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) catches the winning touchdown pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Colts won the game 20-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Horseshoe Hero

Colts 20 - Chiefs 13

The Colts did not win the game of statistics on Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, but they did win the scoring contest, and that not only earned them their 10th victory of the season, but it also clinched them a place in the playoffs. The Colts have clinched the 5th seed in the AFC, and they will be a Wild Card team when the postseason begins in 2 weeks. Postseason appearances have become all but expected of the Colts over the years – this is the 12th time the Colts will contest the playoffs in the past 14 seasons – but few imagined the winning tradition would continue after the Colts cut most of their roster after last season’s 2-14 debacle. The Colts are just the 4th team in NFL history to win 10 games after recording a season of 2 or fewer victories.

Offense

With one week of regular season play remaining, quarterback Andrew Luck surpassed Cam Newton’s rookie passing record, throwing for 205 yards to bring his season total to 4,183 passing yards. The previous record was 4,051 yards. However, while Luck’s passing yards have skyrocketed, his accuracy has waned. Luck completed less than 50% of his throws, and at one point in the second half he had 9 consecutive incompletions. Luck may not be the most accurate passer yet – proof that he is indeed a rookie – but his strength continues to be his unflappable psyche, his ability to not let bad plays get to him. Luck played his best when the pressure was the greatest, when he was needed most. He led the Colts to yet another 4th quarter winning touchdown drive that culminated with a beautiful 7-yard catch in the end zone by Reggie Wayne. He also did not throw an interception for the second straight week.

After having an off week of his own, Wayne returned to his team-leading ways, topping the Colts’ charts in receptions (5) and receiving yards (81). He had an especially productive 4th-quarter, again playing his best football when it mattered most.

The Colts’ rushing game regressed a bit Sunday. Vick Ballard only managed 69 yards on 20 carries after rushing for 105 yards in Houston last week with two fewer carries.

Defense

The Colts defense of late has done a very good job of stopping the run but has struggled with containing receivers. In Kansas City, however, that trend was reversed. The Colts allowed a whopping 352 yards on the ground, 226 of which belonged to Jamaal Charles. However, linebacker Pat Angerer arguably had the play of the day when he forced Charles to fumble late in the first half, which the Colts turned into a field goal.

Darius Butler, who was signed as a free agent by the Colts in late September, has turned out to be a great addition to the team. Butler had a pick-six of Chiefs QB Brady Quinn early in the game. The interception was his 4th of the year, which ties the franchise record. Cornerback Vontae Davis, whom the Colts picked up in a mid-season trade with the Miami Dolphins, also had an interception. Dwight Freeney recorded the team’s only sack, and Jerrell Freeman led the team in tackles with 8 tackles and 2 assists.

Special Teams

Adam Vinatieri had another perfect game, contributing 8 points to the Colts scoreboard with his 2 field goals and 2 extra point kicks.

Punter Pat McAfee was also solid. His 7 punts averaged 45.5 yards, a number that would be higher had the punt protection been a bit better.

—–

Surprisingly, the Colts will have less to play for than the AFC South-champion Texans when the teams conclude their regular seasons together at Lucas Oil Stadium next week. The Texans are in danger of losing their top seeding in the AFC, while the Colts playoff position will not change with any particular outcome. Still, the Colts will look to seek revenge of an embarrassing loss last week in Houston and will likely give their best effort, because head coach Chuck Pagano – in remission from leukemia – will be back on the sidelines for the first time since his diagnosis in the bye week. Horseshoe Hero will have the game recap for you after the score is final.

Stay #CHUCKSTRONG, Colts fans!

Many of us NFL fans remember the little Warrick Dunn as one of the best running backs to play the game of football. Probably one of the bests to ever strap on some cleats and step foot on turf.

Dunn was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the 1997 NFL Draft as the twelfth overall pick, coming off a great career from Florida State. The 5’9″, 190-pounder played until 2001 before moving to Atlanta to play with the Falcons. He teamed up well with quarterback Michael Vick and played with Atlanta until the 2007 season when he returned to play with the Bucs in 2008, which would result in his final season.

He is now 35 years old and hasn’t stopped in his life with football. Dunn has had several accomplishments in his career, becoming a three-time Pro Bowler, became Offensive Rookie of the Year, also won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2004. He would finish with rushing for 10,600 yards along with 49 touchdowns.

Dunn has had impact on many people’s lives. He started a foundation called the Warrick Dunn foundation where he helps impacted people’s lives. He has great things involved with it like Homes for the Holidays along with a yearly golf charity event. Dunn has made huge impact in charities, which earned himself as one of the recipient of the Heisman Humanitarian Award. Dunn was honored of this.

“I was surprised to be selected and honored with such a prestigious award. I’m always willing to help my foundation and this award is sure to gain a lot of attention for our mission,” Dunn told me in an exclusive interview with him. Dunn has had several accomplishments with his foundation, which you can read about at wd-ff.org.

Dunn’s former teammate, Michael Vick, as we all know was arrested for dog fighting and animal cruelty. As he returned, signing the Philadelphia Eagles to a two-year contract, he didn’t do much in his first season with the team. However, he has made some solid impact this year, becoming a starter and already one of the early candidates for the NFL Most Valuable Player award. Dunn is very happy for him.

“He’s taking the steps to better his life on and off the field,” Dunn said.

With a lot of impact on his former teams, I asked Dunn of what he feels towards his former teams. Dunn replied with a nice, quick, and short response, showing a lot of love for a certain team.

“It’s all about the Falcons for me!” he replied.

I can see why, as Dunn was promoted as one of the limited partners and owners of the Atlanta Falcons, working with the head office and with several big names like Arthur Blank. Dunn is doing all he can to help the Falcons. He was very honored of being promoted by Atlanta, after doing so much for them in his playing career.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity and I’m honored. I look forward to learning more about the business side of pro football,” he said.

Dunn looks to do all he can to help the Falcons and his foundation to become a success. He already has some main goals in mind for both.

“Expand services/win a Super Bowl!” he said.

I believe Dunn can do so. He’s had a lot of success and is a role model for so many. I wish all the best to him and wish the best of luck forward to him with the Falcons and with the foundation. I appreciate his time in letting me do this interview him. It was a real honor to do an interview with Mr. Dunn!

Thanks to Jenn Maxwell, one of the spokesman for the Warrick Dunn foundation, for helping me set up the interview with the All-Pro running back. Please visit wd-ff.org for more about the foundation, along with much much more!

Saturday, 5-January:

Washington Redskins vs. Seattle Seahawks…4:30pm on NBC.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers…8:00pm on NBC.

Sunday, 6-January:

New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers…1:00pm on FOX.

Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers…4:30pm on CBS.

*****

If I understand this right, we will play the highest-seeded victor out of these two AFC Wild Card games. So…