Records can be deceiving.  Such was the case for this year's Indianapolis Colts.  Even the so called experts were enamored with Indy's 8-game winning streak at the end of the season.  Conclusion: Quarterback Peyton Manning was back, injury free and ready to roll.

    Upon further review, take a good, close look at who the Colts beat during that winning streak.  Two class teams: Pittsburgh and Tennessee.  However, the Tennessee game was a toss away when nobody played in that final game of the season.  Sandwiched in-between those wins were W's over Houston, San Diego, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Jacksonville.  Combined win-loss of all eight - 54-73-1.  Whoops! 

     Let's review San Diego's final eight games of the season where they went 5-3.  Four wins in a row to finish the season.  Combined record of those teams played - 61-67.  Not exactly an eye opener, but the quality of competition was better.  Five of their eight games were against teams over .500.  Indy's - two. 

     To break it down even further, the final four games of the season, where momentum is usually built, Indy's wins came against CIN, DET, JACK, AND TN.  San Diego's wins came against OAK, KC, TB and DEN.  We can argue which was a tougher schedule there.  I say SD's. 

     Indy's fortunes were based on the newly crowned NFL MVP, according to AP - Peyton Manning.  Perhaps you may now see my point why Manning would not have been my choice for MVP, as stated two days ago on ABC Action News.  I would have selected Chad Pennington.  Put those two QB's side-by-side, and you're ready to Baker Act me.  But take another good look before you leap.  Miami went 8-1 in their last nine games, five of those wins came on the road.  Their only loss was to NE, which should have been in the playoffs, and arguably could have won it all again.  But Pennington was the difference, and in my opinion, the free-agent signing of the year.  Stability in a position Miami has not had since Marino.

     As for Manning, he will be back to continue his Hall-of-Fame career.  Chad Pennington will be back to continue his less fashionable career.  But, in this given season, the less recognized QB won out. 

    Two more thoughts -  My pick for the best NFL defense :  SD punter Mike Scifres.  I've seen the Ray Guy's and Reggie Roby's, but this guy is better.  Just ask Indy.  For those of you that watched the SD/TB game, you know what I'm talking about. 

     Finally, will Tony Dungy retire?  His decision will come within a week. 

     Tom Korun