Comeback Kids

After three weeks of not posting, I’m thinking its time to get ‘back in the saddle’. Its been an interesting three weeks, a fall lull in the middle of the ‘season’. Often times we fall in and out of those rhythms that we create in our lives, I suppose that it was one of those times that I fell ‘out of rhythm’. Nevertheless, its time to get back on track.

As I attempt to make this ‘comeback’ I think its important to reflect on some of the greatest comeback qbs and what made them so great at comebacks. Interestingly enough, the great quarterbacks, are also the great ‘comeback’ quarterbacks. There is a direct link between their ‘greatness’ and their ability to launch comebacks, to bring their teams from behind when no one thinks its possible, to have the poise and concentration in the face of defeat, and to come out on top.

In light of the Patriots/Colts game this past Sunday, when Peyton Manning brought his team back from 10 points down in the fourth quarter to win the game with only a few seconds left, what is it that Manning, Favre and others do that make them so successful in comebacks?

1.They Believe: No comeback can be launched unless the person’s involved ‘believe’ that they can acheive victory. This belief must be based on a personal confidence and desire to overcome the fear of defeat to replace it with the triumph of victory.

2. They Inspire: The belief that a comeback can be accomplished must be a shared vision between players. Manning, Montana and other comeback greats can look their teammates in the eyes in the huddle, tell them that they’re going to win, and the other players believe them.

3. They Perform: Perform in the sense that, when the chips are down and the comeback is on the line, the comeback kid has the experience and skill to make the play that needs to be made.

4. They Rejoice: Comebacks are worth being celebrated. Everyone loves a come from behind victory (except for Bill Bellichek) and when the clock strikes 0 and the comeback victory has happened, the dream and belief that started in the beginning of those comeback moments, those victories must be celebrated!