2007 Record: 13-3
Key Additions:
Mike Pollak (T) - Draft- Arizona State
Philip Wheeler (LB) –Draft- Georgia Tech
Mike Hart (RB)- Draft- Michigan
Quinn Gray (QB)– FA- Jaguars
Key Losses:
Ben Utecht (TE) - FA- Bengals
Rocky Boiman (LB)- FA- Eagles
Offense:
Expect much of the same out of the Colts this season. Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Joseph Addai provide enough offense to thwart any AFC south opponent. The Colts finished fifth in total offense last season, and I expect they will finish in that general area this year. This is a deadly offensive unit that makes me uneasy, especially when they’re at the dome. The one question mark on the offense is Marvin Harrison. The future hall of famer had an injury-riddled season last year, and even when he was healthy did not pose a threat for the secondary. While the Colts showed they did not need his services, they are a much better team when Harrison is at his best. Look for Addai and Wayne to each put up big numbers, in addition to Manning. The Colts used their sixth round pick to draft Michigan standout, Mike Hart, while he will probably be slated at third on the depth chart, don’t be surprised if he starts making some noise this season.
Defense:
The Colts offense, for many years, has cast a long shadow over its less then stellar defensive counterpart. This was not the case last season. The Colts D-unit finished 1st in points allowed and 3rd in yards allowed. Much of this success is do to the fearless play of super safety, Bob Sanders. Sanders is the definition of a game-changer. When he is healthy, he is a nightmare for opposing coaches to plan against. The key for the Colts is to keep the oft-injured Sanders on the field as much as possible. They will need all of the 5-8 Sanders they can get if they plan on making their second Superbowl trip in three years.
Overall:
The Colts are scary. Really friggin scary. They are still the biggest threat to the Patriots in the AFC, and are an annual contender for the Lombardi Trophy. I would not be surprised to see these two battle it out in the AFC championship game again, and depending on where it’s played I can see it going either way. Manning is still in his prime, and with Wayne, Harrison, Clark, and Gonzalez to throw to, his options are endless.
Predicted Record: 12-4 (Difficult Schedule prevents them from a 14-2 campaign.)
Next up will be the Tennessee Titans
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Teams done so far:
Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
New England Patriots
New York Jets
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers
Houston Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Indianapolis Colts
-Brian B.
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