Ask anyone who is even mildly interested in the NFL, and nine out of 10 will say that they would prefer Tom Brady on their team over Peyton Manning in a playoff game with less than two minutes remaining and the opposition leading by three. Nine out of 10 might even be an understatement, it might be 99 out of 100. Yet this time around, in the end of the AFC championship game Peyton was clutch and Brady was not.

The tabloids are yelling that this is the best conference championship game ever, yet for it to be remembered, the Colts will have to beat the Bears in two weeks' time in Super Bowl XLI. You see, this game has been billed as the ‘true Super Bowl’. The NFC has -- quite correctly -- been regarded as the lesser conference so for the Pats-Colts game to be of true significance, the Colts have to win the remaining big game.

We will always remember this game fondly, saying that it was great to watch, and the recent history of Pats-Colts games has given it a little extra seasoning as well. But if the Colts win it all on February 4, then this one becomes instant classic number one (unless the Bears-Colts game turns out to be even better).

Nonetheless, this game was a scorcher, Indy coming back from a 21-3 deficit only to see New England take the lead once again. In all, the Colts trailed the Patriots for most of this game (with the occasional tie thrown in for good measure). The Colts’ first and only lead in the game came a minute before the end. Even then, most people felt like: ‘Uh-oh, here comes the Colt killer Brady to drive his team once again to glory’. Even the pro-bowl QB Manning admitted that he prayed long and hard that Brady would not have another miracle finish. Moments later the Colts sideline jumped for joy as Brady threw an uncharacteristic interception on what was to be the final significant moment of the game.

The Colts have been the most fun NFL team to watch team in recent years. They have adopted an offensive minded game where scores and thrills are high. Stats-wise, they have the best QB in the league (as a full package there’s none better than Manning). They don’t allow fans watching their games to stay neutral. You’re either a fan of the opponent, or sooner or later you’ll be cheering for the Colts as they play such an attractive. Heck! I’m a Giants fan and yet in September when the two teams clashed I was torn between the two. That’s how spectacular their game can be when they are in the zone.

Many believe that Manning and coach Tony Dungy have finally shaken off the criticism concerning their lack of ability on winning the big game, as the Pats have been the ones stopping them recently. There are many greats who have been unable to lift a championship trophy due to them playing in an era when someone was better. You had a bunch of worthy NBA superstars who were denied by Michael Jordan and his Bulls.