.png)
Posted by: Anthony Bialy
October 8, 2007
The most incessant current NFL argument is over whether the Colts or Patriots are the best team on Earth, and it's one that won't be resolved as long as both continue rampaging through their respective schedules. The dispute may be resolved on Nov. 4 when they finally face each other, and in the meantime a specific similarity between the AFC's two elite franchises emerged during Indianapolis' Week 5 victory over Tampa: As with New England's famous ability to maintain success while plugging new players into schemes, the reigning champs find ways to win no matter who's missing.
For example, when a player like, say, the unparalleled Marvin Harrison is out with injury, no Colt receivers play as if they have an excuse if they lose. Instead, someone like tight end Dallas Clark elevates his game when his team needs it.
The amazing thing about Clark is that he plays like he's in The Matrix: Everyone around him is frantically speeding, and he's somehow able to slow the game and calmly do his job, an innate capability often found among choice athletes in any sport.
One of Clark's seven grabs for 49 total yards went for the first score of the game, a 10-yard touchdown where he finished his block, ran a few yards, and coolly turned to make the reception before dashing for the end zone. Most impressively, he did it all without looking frenzied, which is the mark of a professional making sure he's contributing, especially when the week's talent pool is a bit shallow.
