Cinderellas are what make the NCAA tournament what it is. Without some unheard of team breaking out of the first round and making some noise in the tournament, it’s all chalk, and that is boring. NIL has changed the landscape, but just because Cinderellas are in trouble, it doesn’t mean they’re dead. The Indianapolis Colts have made moves that weren’t total shockers but certainly went better than expected. Which moves “went on a run” and turned out even better than people thought they could?
Gary Brackett Becomes a Mainstay
Who doesn’t love an underdog story? Brackett’s career is reminiscent of George Mason’s Final Four run because it was unexpected yet lasted so long. There have been quite a few undrafted players who have had success in the league, but being passed over in the entire draft and still having a nine-year go at it with the same team is rare. Brackett became the heartbeat of the Colts’ defense and was a steady and important piece during the championship run. With over 520 tackles, twelve interceptions, and a classic moment as he ran back the fumble in the Houston “helicopter” comeback, Brackett made quite the career for himself and has remained a fixture in Indianapolis.
Frank Reich Gets the Call
He wasn’t supposed to be the coach. That job was given to Josh McDaniels who infamously backed out. Just like with all Cinderellas, Reich had his flaws, but after starting 1-5 in his first season, Reich guided the team to the playoffs and their last playoff victory. His 1-0 “climb the mountain” mentality worked as he amassed a 37-28 record before his fateful last year. Two playoff appearances and a win may not be the ultimate level of success, but being the first to navigate the post-Luck years and still putting something together makes him a true Cinderella.
Philip Rivers…Twice
Philip Rivers got the call to join the Colts twice. The first run had the potential to produce success, but when old quarterbacks change teams, it can end in disaster. He took the Colts to the playoffs and nearly won their Wild Card game. Some Cinderella stories are so good, a seemingly premature end is tough, but Rivers walked away after one year. Recent memory is an even wilder Cinderella run. Five years retired, he came back to be extremely serviceable. The Colts didn’t win any of the games he started, but even being able to compete felt like a Sweet Sixteen matchup in which a double digit seed takes a top team to the brink.
A Cinderella has a ceiling and usually has its time cut short. Short bursts of somewhat unexpected success define these events. On paper, it may look like a good idea or even a long shot, but one never knows until it gets going. The pieces have to fall into place, and although these aren’t marked by ultimate glory, they still hold as “one shining moment”.
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