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Creepy Drifter leads Colts by Broncos, 24-13

By Robby Sabo

Photo Credit: Twitter
Photo Credit: Twitter /
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Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts became the only road team during the Divisional Round to head to NFL Championship Sunday.

He is starting to remind us all of John Elway. Indianapolis Colts third-year quarterback Andrew Luck has once again pushed his team past the point their team talent is worthy of.

Just like Elway did in the 1980’s with his less than talented Denver Broncos teams, taking them to three Super Bowls, Luck wills his team further than anyone believes this talent-base deserves to go.

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As Peyton Manning quickly led his offense to a seven-play, 68-yard drive on their first possession which resulted in a one-yard Demaryius Thomas touchdown pass, Sports Authority Field at Mile High was in a frenzy. Denver fans quickly dismissed any painful reminders about how underwhelming their team has been in the postseason as compared to their regular season brilliance.

However, much to the dismay of Denver fans, Luck and the Colts owned this game play after play from the second-quarter on and that early Thomas touchdown would be Denver’s only endzone score of the afternoon.

Running back Dan “Boom” Herron capped a nine-play, 73-yard drive to equal the score. One Colts possession later saw tight-end Dwayne Allen haul in a three-yard touchdown from Luck to give Indy their first lead of the game that they wouldn’t relent the rest of the day.

Despite all the talk being the quarterbacks leading into the game, the story quickly took the form of how disappointing Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and the rest of the Broncos’ pass rush turned out to be. Luck stood tall and confident in the pocket as he could have organized a team picnic filled with the best wines and cheeses offered to man. Denver finished with zero sacks.

Luck finished with 265 yards and two-touchdowns on 27 of 43 passing. He was picked off twice but it didn’t matter as all energy resided with the team that wore the road whites today.

”I think we’re playing good team ball,” Luck said, via the Associated Press. ”We’re feeding off each other. Offensively we’re making enough plays to put some points on the board. Great night. So proud to be a part of the Colts in this victory.”

Manning’s arm strength in the cold Denver air will once again be discussed all week. He only cracked 200 yards thanks to a garbage time drive.

Denver running back CJ Anderson played his heart out, going for 80 yards on 18 carries. It was the lack of deep-threat presence that doomed Manning’s usually high-powered offense. They became one-dimensional and Indy head coach Chuck Pagano sniffed it out as he put together a brilliant gameplan.

New England’s come from behind victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday now sets up a Luck – Tom Brady matcup in the AFC Title Game. Luck will also now be the only quarterback of the four remaining who hasn’t yet had the opportunity to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.

For Manning and the Broncos another brilliant regular season ends in bitter disappointment as the retirement rumors will only grow stronger with the coming days.

Despite what Manning’s future holds, one giant question can now be asked in a very legit manner: has the torch now been officially passed from Manning to Luck? Brady will have his say on Championship Sunday.

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