The 1972 Dolphins probably rested peacefully last night. For the 2005 Indianapolis Colts lost their first game of the season, yesterday, after winning their first thirteen games. It was a tough game for the Colts because it was the first time this season they looked unsure of themselves and had several players leave the game due to injury.

When the final gun sounded, the RCA Dome's crowd was silent, because the Indianapolis Colts lost to the San Diego Chargers, 26-17. It was the first loss of the NFL season for the Colts. All that talk of a perfect season ended with a 83 yard touchdown run by Chargers' RB Michael Turner, late in the 4th quarter. That was the mortal blow that the Indianapolis Colts could not overcome.

To the Colts credit, no one can say they just gave up. They tried to win, they fought back and even took the lead late in the fourth quarter. However, they were manhandled by the Chargers in every facet of the game, except maybe the QB position. Until this game, you had rarely seen a Colts' player limping during a game, or QB Peyton Manning sacked four times during a contest this season. The offensive line and defensive line of the Colts did not impose their will against the Chargers' front, and could be seen getting pushed all over the field. The Colts only managed to gain 24 rushing yards, the lowest total of the season.

Colts' Tony Dungy's team took a step backwards this week. They did not play the inspired football that we are accustomed to seeing this season. The intensity level seem to be lackluster. They showed spurts of greatness, but then were repeatedly beaten at the point of attack. I do not know what Dungy's plans are for the team's playing time for the rest of the season, however they need to show up before the playoffs.

The 1972 Dolphins still remain the last perfect team in NFL history. It was looking good for the Colts to break the record, yet they ran into the San Diego Chargers on 12-18-05, and lost badly. We will continue to monitor the Colts' NFL Championship run this season, but there will be no perfect season.

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