NFL Preview: Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts


Key Additions:
T Anthony Castonzo (draft) 
T Benjamin Ijalana (draft)
DT Tommie Harris (FA)
LB Ernie Sims (FA)


Key Departures:
CB Kelvin Hayden
T Charlie Johnson
DT Daniel Muir
LB Clint Session


Report:

Last season was an off year for Peyton Manning and the Colts as a team. A 10-6 regular season capped off by a heartbreaking loss to the Jets in the playoffs has put a fire under their butts. Peyton got re-signed to a fancy new contract, but after neck surgery no one has seen him practice or throw a pass. A reason for the off season for Manning was a bad offensive line. Indy went back to the basics by drafting T's Anthony Castonzo and Benjamin Ijalana to protect their main investment. They must earn their way into the starting line-up as they are behind Jeff Linkenbach and Ryan Diem. C Jeff Saturday, Peyton's mind on the offensive line, is back to aid the line. RB Joseph Addai is back along with Donald Brown. Peyton's main man, TE Dallas Clark, is returning from injury. They also get Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez back to join Pierre Garcon and Pro Bowl WR Reggie Wayne. 


The key to this defense is pressure. The masters of the scheme are DE's Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Plugging the middle are Fili Moala and Antonio Johnson. Additions Drake Nevis and Tommie Harris are also expected to contribute to stop the run. The Colts lost LB Clint Session, but as long as they have Gary Brackett they feel confident in their leader. Around him is last season's surprise Pat Angerer and starting right now Kavell Conner. With the loss of CB Kelvin Hayden they are not deep at corner. The starters are Jacob Lacey and Jerraud Powers. At safety S Antoine Bethea is a tackling machine and Melvin Bullitt is a dependable safety. 


K Adam Vinatieri is a kicking legend that has ice water running through his veins. P Pat McAfee is a good punter, but with Peyton Manning as your quarterback punting is rarely an option.


Review:
A team that has been the model of consistency in this decade looks like wholes may be showing up. If the offensive line does not improve Peyton Manning may not be throwing for as long as people expect. As Houston is vastly improving they pose a legitimate threat to end Indy's reign of the AFC South. But if the Colts can make the playoffs as long as Peyton is on your side, a Super Bowl is possible.


Division Finish: TBA