To Dallas Without Dallas

Instead of focusing on the most important four-game stretch of the entire season, the Colts spent most of the bye week dealing with arrests and injuries.

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The good news is that a night in the drunk tank and a one-game suspension will bring punter Pat McAfee back - the same can't be said for Dallas Clark. The Pro Bowl tight end that caught 100 passes last season will miss the rest of 2010 after undergoing wrist surgery. The injury thins out an already-depleted receiving corps, that has dealt with injuries to Pierre Garcon (hamstring), Anthony Gonzlaez (ankle), and Austin Collie (hand) already this year.

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Colts will miss the defensive attention that Clark demands

The Colts love to brag about their "Next Man Up" philosophy, but which next man can replace what Clark brought to the table? Defenses don't have to gameplan and/or adjust for Brody Eldridge. Gijon Robinson doesn't help the Colts dominate the middle of the field. It's doubtful that Jacob Tamme will be a reliable security blanket for Peyton Manning.

Dallas Clark is one of those players that you don't realize his value until he's gone. He's a mismatch for any NFL linebacker. He isn't afraid to go over the middle. If the big play is taken away and the offense has to improvise, Clark plays the role of both dink AND dunk. He's invaluable to the Colts' success.

Now, Indy enters a crucial stretch without Clark (not to mention Collie as well) when their AFC South title hopes, and playoff hopes, could be decided. Even while realitively healthy, the Colts struggled through their first six. What's going to happen with arguably the most important Colt outside of Peyton Manning and Dwight Freeney?

Of course it would be silly to ever count out Peyton Manning, and a Colts team that has won at least 12 games in each season since 2003. But, this latest injury could be the knockout blow for any hopes of getting to the Super Bowl. I just don't see how the Colts get to Dallas without Dallas.