How Long is This Going to Hurt?

I don’t feel very good at the moment. I have a sickening feeling. It feels like I just got punched in the stomach or maybe even one of my kidneys. I am not sure how it happened or where it came from; all I know is it was out of the blue. I was just standing there and all of the sudden, fist meets kidney (or stomach, if that’s your preference). My natural reaction is to wince, double over, and hold myself for comfort; did I catch some type of bug? This is how I have felt for the past 24 hours.

I thought it was the same feeling I felt as we were getting beat in the AFC championship or getting knocked out of the playoffs in our first game at home, but it wasn’t. After actually having time to process this past game, I still have the same feeling that I did last night. It isn’t a bug and it isn’t going to go away in a couple days. This is what it feels like to lose the Super Bowl. It’s the first time for me and I can tell you, I don’t care for it, no, not one bit, and neither did the Colts.

Three years ago, we were on the other side, and it felt glorious. Like a weight lifted off your shoulders. A lot of things were accomplished with that super season; finally getting past the Patriots after many tries, Manning shedding the “can’t win the big one” label, the defense coming to life, to name a few examples. It was absolutely wonderful, even sweeter since I have several friends and family members that are Bears fans (if you are reading this, I’m sorry for the jab, but you would have done the same, so I don’t feel that bad).

Cue the fourth quarter, the Saints just scored a touchdown and added the 2-point conversation (that shouldn’t have counted after it was juggled, but it doesn’t really matter) and took the lead 24-17. Colts are driving to tie (because that is what they do in the fourth quarter), in Saints territory, third and five, 3:25 on the clock. Peyton back to pass, Reggie’s open and that’s when I felt sick. I got punched. At least I think that is what happened; I blacked out momentarily. Peyton just got picked off and that one’s not coming back, touchdown Saints. It’s 31-17, advantage Saints and the fat lady is warming up. To make matters worse, as I am writing this, the “Hey Drew Brees, you just won the Super Bowl, what are you going to do next…” commercial for Disney World is on TV for the like the five hundredth time, you can’t make this stuff up. (I will now attempt to blind myself with hydrochloric acid)

I am sure that we will hear about how this victory healed a city, united a nation, and changed the world, as we know it. (Ok, maybe I am exaggerating a little bit). I just know that this game will be talked about on sports blogs, radio shows, and websites longer than I want to listen. The interception, Manning’s performance, Freeney’s ankle and any other reason for blame will be talked about and dissected way too much. Some of it fair, most, probably not so much. The Colts didn’t play as well as they needed to and the Saints took advantage. One mistake, one missed opportunity, one great season ruined.

So back to my original question, how long is this going to hurt? I am not sure exactly, but I know it won’t be anytime soon. Time heals all wounds, at least I keep telling myself that. We need to change our focus on next season starting right now, as hard it will be. The combine and draft will be our focus to reload in needed areas before training camp starts this summer. The promise of healthy returns of Anthony Gonzalez, Bob Sanders, Marlin Jackson, Jerraud Powers, Adam Vinatieri and Dwight Freeney. Improving the run game with Joseph Addai and Donald Brown. The blossoming of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, taking their places next to Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, already top pass-catchers in their positions, respectively. The ever-improving, underrated defense, that is just a couple pieces from dominating like the offense does. Our 4-time MVP quarterback, Peyton Manning, who will continue to improve with his obsessive preparation and lead his team back to the promise land and prove his place in history.

The Colts will be back, just ask Las Vegas, they already have them favored to win the Super Bowl next year.