Colts Ready to Defend!!!

Colts Open Defense of Their Super Bowl Title

While the New England Patriots have been the major story in the NFL this year, from game 1's "Spy-gate" scandal to their unprecedented 16-0 regular season record, the Indianapolis Colts quietly have had a solid 13-3 record and begin their quest for a second consecutive Super Bowl title. Payton Manning and friends take on the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, trying to get revenge for one of their three losses this season.

There is much good news for the Colts heading into this divisional playoff contest. First, the Colts are as healthy right now as at any time this season. Marvin Harrison, an eight-time Pro-Bowl selection had missed the last 10 regular season games, but is expected to play against the Chargers. Amazingly, Colts listed no players on the injury list for this game.

... on Friday, the Colts released their third injury report of the week, with no players listed as not participating in practice. Dungy has said throughout the week the Colts are as healthy as they have been in some time.

Several Colts have stepped up their games, this season while overcoming the enormous amount of injuries. Manning, who was overshadowed this year by the nearly unanimous selection of league MVP Tom Brady, from New England, and his record setting season was again solid with his play. Manning completed 65% of his passing, topping the 4,000 yard mark once again and had a respectable 31 touchdown passes and also 3 rushing touchdowns.

Reggie Wayne, who got the bulk of the work with Harrison out so long sported these numbers. Wayne racked up 104 catches for 1510 yards and 10 touchdowns, which was good for 3rd in the league in catches and 1st in receiving yards.

Dallas Clark set team records for the most yards and touchdowns for a tight end with 616 yards and 11 touchdowns, both breaking the records of Hall-of-Famer John Mackey.

Joseph Addaii was steady with 1,072 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns, and center Jeff Saturday will be going to another Pro-Bowl.

Perhaps the most impressive Colt of all this year was safety Bob Sanders. Sanders, who recently signed a $37.5 million, 5-year contract extension was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Sanders spearheaded a defense that was many times a laughing stock the previous season to the 3rd ranked defense in all of football. When you factor in that defensive star lineman Dwight Freeney missed nearly all this season due to injury it makes what Sanders and the Colts defense did all that more impressive.

Head Coach Tony Dungy is ready to get the games started.

And as far as the Colts’ head coach sees it, the Colts are ready.

“I think our guys are anxious to play,” said Dungy, on the Colts NFL.com website.

We'll see if flying under the radar this season helps the Colts win another Super Bowl.

You can also see this story and vote for it if you like at Digital Journal - http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/248758.

Tony Dungy Shows Us: Not all Sports Figures Are BAD Role Models

Just when it seems that you shouldn't have a sports figure as your role model, you find a story like the one below. I am involved with the family listed in the story through some Chaplain work I do with a Christian University. And please don't let Dylan's story go unnoticed in the hype of a famous person, and I would just bet that if you asked Tony, he would say this story should have Dylan's picture with it and not his. Out of privacy concerns, I'll stick with the picture of Tony and just ask that you keep Dylan in your prayers!

And while you are talking with the Lord about Dylan, add Tony Dungy and his family too! Tony had a son commit suicide in late 2005, and he was a great role model then as well, when he showed his Christian faith that is ever so present, and that family is more important than professional football.

Thank you Tony for visiting Dylan! I bet you prayed for him today, too.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

That is the amazing verse that is on the "Basket of Hope" bear that was just delivered to Dylan this evening. We had the amazing honor of meeting the Indianapolis Colts' Coach Tony Dunge this afternoon. He and his staff delivered these wonderful baskets to the kids on the oncology floor here at Riley.

Dylan was not feeling well so we didn't get a picture but it was an awesome moment to be visited by such an inspirational and wonderful man.

Dylan's basket had lots of toys, books, DVD's, Colts football & hat and other little inspirational things. They also gave mom a little tote bag with some Max Lucado books (my fav author) and the Tony Dunge memoir.

It really lifted Dylan's and my spirits to get so many nice things and to be visited by Mr. Dunge. That scripture is just what I needed today to remember that it is in God's hands and I need to just keep being hopeful and faithful.

Dylan is feeling better today than yesterday but still does not feel very good. He still won't eat. He is still battling fever. They are keeping him comfortable with the Morphine.

Thank you again for the hope, love, friendship, encouragement and inspiration. You will never know how touched I have been by everyone's AMAZING support.

Love & Blessings,

Michele, Sydney & Dylan