Why don't Chicagoans consider NWI part of the Chicagoland area? (Gary: middle-class, crime)

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Until Manning retires. Then back to the crappy days of the 80's and much of the 90's.

waiting
waiting
waiting

one of the funniest things i remember is when people in the city used to say "out in indiana", like Indiana is on another planet. but i guess people in nyc say 'out on long island" too.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Until Manning retires. Then back to the crappy days of the 80's and much of the 90's.

Don't forget the especially great years of:

1984 (4-12)
1985 (5-11)
1986 (3-13)
1991 (1-15)
1994 (4-12)
1997 (3-13)
1998 (3-13)

First of all, Manning may never retire. He's bionic. Plus, he has to pursue Favre's consecutive start record, and Favre might play until he's 50.

Second, folks who espouse the "Colts will suck once Manning retires" garbage forget that Jim Irsay inherited the team in '97 and hired Bill Polian. Polian's son, Chris, is already slated to assume leadership once Bill retires. Jim Irsay is not his father -- he's modeling the franchise after those who've sustained competitiveness over the long term (Giants, Steelers, etc.) There will likely be a down year or two, but overall, I expect this franchise to remain competitive.

As for Da Bears -- well, enjoy that Cutler contract. You should've learned the first time about taking QBs out of southern Indiana.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by domergurl

...one of the funniest things i remember is when people in the city used to say "out in indiana", like Indiana is on another planet...

Well you have to admit,in many ways it kinda is! Not in a entirely bad way either.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

...he's modeling the franchise after those who've sustained competitiveness over the long term (Giants, Steelers, etc.)...

The Steelers sucked during most of the 80's and a few years under Cowher in the late 90's and in 2000. In fact, they are starting to suck again!

The Giants sucked for Plenty O' Years in the 90's and most of the first half of the 00's.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

The Steelers sucked during most of the 80's and a few years under Cowher in the late 90's and in 2000. In fact, they are starting to suck again!

The Giants sucked for Plenty O' Years in the 90's and most of the first half of the 00's.

True, but both franchises have more rings and SB appearances than Da Bears. Wouldn't you take their record?

[dude1984]

I consider NW Indiana to be part of the Chicago area. I think the northern boundary is Kenosha, the southern boundary is the town of Crete, the eastern boundary is Portage, Indiana, and the western boundary is Illinois route 47.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by grmasterb

True, but both franchises have more rings and SB appearances than Da Bears. Wouldn't you take their record?

The Bears have a similar record over the last 30 years as both of those teams.

Of course I wish the Bears had more SB appearances and victories. I think you would wish the same for the Colts.

What is sad about the Bears is they had great groups of players from around 82 to 93 and a pretty darn good record to go with those groups. The Bears used to compete on a high level almost every year. Since Ditka left that has not been the case. Every team ebbs and flows over time. That will be the case for the Colts as well. I think the change will happen when Manning is gone. Only time will tell.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

The Bears have a similar record over the last 30 years as both of those teams.

Of course I wish the Bears had more SB appearances and victories. I think you would wish the same for the Colts.

What is sad about the Bears is they had great groups of players from around 82 to 93 and a pretty darn good record to go with those groups. The Bears used to compete on a high level almost every year. Since Ditka left that has not been the case. Every team ebbs and flows over time. That will be the case for the Colts as well. I think the change will happen when Manning is gone. Only time will tell.

one more year of lovie and then Gruden!!!!! and yea, that manning retiring thing ... how many years was mr. happy feet the QB before they started winning ... how many years did it take for the koltz to finally not have to threaten to black out local games due to lack of ticket sales ... how many times have the Bears had to practically give their tickets away to put butts in the seats? those days will be back in indy soon. and again I'll be waiting, waiting, waiting.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by Avengerfire

Well you have to admit,in many ways it kinda is! Not in a entirely bad way either.

it's no more "out" than some places where people commute from within Illinois.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by domergurl

how many years was mr. happy feet the QB before they started winning .

One season. Before that we made the playoffs for two seasons with a QB the Bears tossed away. When is the last time the Bears even had a QB worth discussing?

Originally Posted by domergurl

... how many years did it take for the koltz to finally not have to threaten to black out local games due to lack of ticket sales ... how many times have the Bears had to practically give their tickets away to put butts in the seats? those days will be back in indy soon. and again I'll be waiting, waiting, waiting.

Strangely, there were a couple of games that failed to sell out in time to avoid blackout in 2003. Other than that, noting but sellouts in the Manning era. Today, the Colts have a season ticket wait list that exceeds the Bears.

Keep waiting, DG. Hopefully you have plenty of retirement savings.