2008 NFL Season Preview: #1 Indianapolis Colts

Division: AFC South
Last Years Record: 13-3
Head Coach: Tony Dungy
Offensive Coordinator: Tom Moore
Defensive Coordinator: Ron Meeks

Key Additions:
RB Dominic Rhodes
G Mike Pollak
LB Phillip Wheeler

Key Losses:
LB Rob Morris
LB Rocky Boiman
TE Ben Utecht
G Jake Scott

Offensive Breakdown:
On September 7th, the Colts will open their brand new Lucas Oil Stadium. The 63,000 seat and retractable roof facility will bring a close to the RCA Dome, where the Colts have seen major success since the arrival of Bill Polian and Peyton Manning in 1998. Since 1998, the Colts have posted a 105-55 record, 6 divisional titles(including 5 straight AFC South titles), and a Super Bow title. Most of the success has come since Tony Dungy's arrival in 2002. Dungy has led the team to a 73-23 record which includes 5 straight seasons with 12 or more wins. Don't expect things much to change this season as the Colts look to get back to the Super Bowl in Dungy's final season as head coach. But can they make it through a tough schedule with injuries already starting to hit the team?

Jim Sorgi has one of the greatest jobs in the world, backing up the always-reliable Manning is a great deal for Sorgi. Manning is coming off another good season even though he was missing some key weapons in his arsenal. Manning managed to eclipse the 4,000-yard passing mark for a second straight season and for the eighth time in his career, leading the Colts to the sixth ranked passing offense in the NFL averaging 252.1 ypg. Manning also appeared in 36 commercials last season, breaking the old mark of 32 set by Joe Isuzu. Manning had to undergo off-season surgery on his left knee to remove an infected bursa sac, but don't expect Manning to miss any time as he has played in 160 straight games. Sorgi had to fight for the right to hold the clipboard this season with Jared Lorenzen and Quinn Gray. Sorgi won the job while Gray and the Pillsbury Throwboy were released over the weekend.

In the Colts' offense, it is vital that the running back has the ability to run, catch and block in order to be successful. Its a good thing they have Joseph Addai, who can do all three and has tallied 1,000-plus yards rushing in each of his first two campaigns. Joining Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James as the only backs in team history to reach 1,000 yards rushing in each of his first two seasons with the franchise. So far Addai has yet to disappoint. Addai will have a familiar face re-joining him in the backfield, as Dominic Rhodes was brought back to fill the role as backup. Dominic Rhodes replaces former CFL standout Kenton Keith, who racked up 533 yards and 3 touchdowns. Keith was arrested for preliminary charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, resisting law enforcement and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The slew of charges eventually led to his release. Rhodes will be joined in the backup rotation by the injury plagued Mike Hart. Hart was drafted in the sixth round but was once looked at as a first or second round pick until another injury struck the Michigan star. If Hart can stay healthy, it will be another weapon to add to the already dangerous offense.

Manning was without favorite target Marvin Harrison for 11 games last season due to a left knee injury. Harrison then had his right knee cleaned out in the off-season, and was involved in a shooting investigation in his hometown of Philadelphia. Harrison was not charged in the incident and appears to be back at 100 percent. While Harrison was on the mend in 2007, fellow wide receiver Reggie Wayne enjoyed a Pro Bowl season in which he set career highs in yards (1,510) and receptions (104). Wayne had six 100-yard receiving games and has increased his reception total every year in the league. Even with Harrison healthy, defenses will be more concerned with Wayne's ability. Anthony Gonzalez enjoyed a productive rookie season last year, and enjoyed most of his success late in the season. He should continue to improve as he gets a better grasp of the offense. Gonzalez and tight end Dallas Clark provide more depth and targets for Manning. Clark has proven to be one of the top tight ends in the game and is fresh off a career year. He is a tough match-up for defenses, due to his ability to line up almost anywhere on the field. Clark can line up at H-Back, slot receiver, and as an outside receiver. Rookies Jacob Tamme and Tom Santi will fill the role as Clarks backups. Rookie Pierre Garcon of Mount Union along with former Titans Roy Hall and Courtney Roby will be the backups at wide receiver.

The biggest question mark for the Colts is on the offensive line, as they have to replace Jake Scott and the injured Jeff Saturday. Scott signed with the Titans in the off-season and Saturday may miss the season due to tearing his medial collateral ligament in a preseason game to Buffalo. Saturday could miss anywhere from six weeks to the whole season, it depends on if he decides on surgery or not. Rookie Steve Justice will likely stand in for Saturday at center while he is on the PUP list. While backup Charlie Johnson looks like the man to fill Scotts old position at right guard, he will be moving inside from offensive tackle. Veterans Ryan Lilja and Ryan Diem are back as starters at left offensive guard and right offensive tackle. Tony Ugoh will be the starter as left offensive tackle in his second year as a pro. Rookies Mike Pollak and Jamey Richard along with Michael Toudouze, Corey Hilliard, and Daniel Federkeil will be the backups.

Defensive Breakdown:
For the Colts defense to have an impact Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis must stay injury-free. The two have combined for 89 sacks since the 2003 season but both missed significant time last year with injuries. Both are game changers and without them the Colts defense is average. At tackle they will continue to employ a rotation which includes the versatile Raheem Brock, Ed Johnson, Quinn Pitcock, Keyunta Dawson and Darrell Reid. Together will collapse the pocket and punish opposing running-backs. Jeff Thomas and Jeff Charleston will spell Freeney and Mathis when needed.

Starting middle linebacker Gary Brackett led the team in tackles and tied for the team lead in interceptions. He is an experienced defender who will lead the defense with his high intensity and tough style of play. Something that seemed to rub off on outside linebacker Freddy Keiaho, the hard-hitting linebacker tallied 81 tackles, 1/2 sack, and an interception. Both Brackett and Keiaho can play in nickel packages when asked too, although Brackett has more coverage ability then does Keiaho. Tyjuan Hagler will start alongside Brackett when he returns from a pectoral injury in October. In the meantime Clint Session and Philip Wheeler are the contenders for his strong-side job.

Bob Sanders has been the leader of the Indianapolis secondary for the past few years, and was rewarded for his efforts with the 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors and a new contract last December. Sanders is an excellent run stopper with his muscular frame and hard-hitting instincts. Sanders had off-season shoulder surgery, throws his body around like a rag doll, but is coming off of his first injury-free season. Free safety Antoine Bethea tied for the team lead with four interceptions and is coming off a Pro Bowl season. Kelvin Hayden will return as the starting left corner, while starting right corner-back Marlin Jackson is back following an injury-free campaign in 2007. Hayden and Jackson are very quick, physical players who don't allow the big play to hurt the defense. Matt Giordano, Tim Jennings and Dante Hughes will fill in as reserves in the secondary. The Colts had the second-rated pass defense in the league last year, holding opponents to an average of 172.8 ypg.

Season Outlook:
Playing injury free this year will be the key to the Colts' success. Last year they went 13-3 with one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, but were slowed late in the season and in the playoffs due to key injuries on the defensive side of the ball. There is no question that they will make the playoffs, but if they want to bring a trophy to their new home they need to keep everyone healthy. I see them winning 13 games and getting home-field advantage, if not atleast Peyton has the DSRL to fall back on.



Schedule:
Week 1: Sep 07 CHI @ IND 8:15 PM NBC
Week 2: Sep 14 IND @ MIN 1:00 PM CBS
Week 3: Sep 21 JAC @ IND 4:15 PM CBS
Week 4: Bye Week
Week 5: Oct 05 IND @ HOU 1:00 PM CBS
Week 6: Oct 12 BAL @ IND 1:00 PM CBS
Week 7: Oct 19 IND @ GB 4:15 PM CBS
Week 8: Oct 27 IND @ TEN 8:30 PM ESPN
Week 9: Nov 02 NE @ IND 8:15 PM NBC
Week 10: Nov 09 IND @ PIT 4:15 PM CBS
Week 11: Nov 16 HOU @ IND 1:00 PM CBS
Week 12: Nov 23 IND @ SD 8:15 PM NBC
Week 13: Nov 30 IND @ CLE 1:00 PM CBS
Week 14: Dec 07 CIN @ IND 1:00 PM CBS
Week 15: Dec 14 DET @ IND 1:00 PM FOX
Week 16: Dec 18 IND @ JAC 8:15 PM NFL NETWORK
Week 17: Dec 28 TEN @ IND 1:00 PM CBS