Phil B’s final thoughts

Good stuff the night before the game

* While I’ve stuck my neck out a little with a Facebook guarantee of a Colts victory, I mention this again because I will be truly shocked if this team loses to the Ravens. Not trying to sound like a homer, but S Melvin Bullitt and I were talking on Thursday about how this team seemed different entering the playoffs. By that, he meant the Colts really seemed together and focused, more healthy than they have been, ready to go for it. These are the games that matter most, as we all know, and disturbing trends are out there for criticism. Peyton Manning is 7-8 in playoff games. The Colts have six one-and-dones in the Manning playoff era. I don’t put it all on him, but you get the sense he has a more complete team around him this time. The defense is solid with a much-needed flexibility to get aggressive and blitz at ideal times. The offense has more weapons with the emergence of rookie WR Austin Collie and second-year WR Pierre Garcon as well as rookie backup RB Donald Brown, who has provided a spark in several games when spelling Joseph Addai. If you want my score and other analysis, please check out Colts Matchup at IndyStar.com.