2008 Indianapolis Colts Preview
J J Pesavento |Sep 01,2008
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 2008 Indianapolis Colts Preview
2007 Record-13-3 (AFC South Champs, lost to San Diego in divisional playoff)
Head Coach-Tony Dungy
2007 Review
As they seem to do year after year, the Colts jumped out of the gates running and rolled off seven straight wins in 2007. Only one of the games was close and it set up a clash of the best in the AFC when the Colts hosted the Patriots. But the Pats edged out Indy to give them their first loss of the season. The Colts, maybe suffering from hangover from that loss, dropped their next game to the Chargers. But they rebounded and won their next six before losing the regular season finale to the Titans. And Indy accomplished much of this without the services of Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison, who played in only five games and defensive end Dwight Freeney, who was injured midway through the season and put on IR. But their run came to an end in the divisional playoff game against the Chargers as San Diego squeaked out a narrow victory to eliminate the Colts.
OFFENSE
Will Peyton Manning be ready to go after missing the entire preseason recovering from the surgery on his knee? If you listen to Manning talk, you better believe he will be. Naturally, that isn't going to make any other team in the NFL jump for joy considering the fact that, even without Harrison for most of the season, Manning still threw for over 4,000 yards with 31 touchdowns. Tom Brady may have the single season for TD passes now, but Manning is still the best year in and year out. Jim Sorgi is the backup but Manning hasn't missed a game since his NFL career began.
Josephy Addai rushed for 1,072 yards with 12 touchdowns in 2007. He also hauled in 41 passes for 364 yards and three touchdowns. He is the complete back in the Indy offense and the depth got even better for the 2008 season. Back is veteran Dominic Rhodes after a year in Oakland and rookie Mike Hart could make a real impact as well judging from his efforts in the preseason.
With Marvin Harrison back and healthy, the air attack once again becomes the most lethal in the NFL. Reggie Wayne had a career season in 2007 as he caught 104 passes for1,510 yards with 10 touchdowns. Dallas Clark has to be one of the most underrated tight ends in the game today, but he came through big for the Colts last season. Clark had 58 receptions for 616 yards and 11 touchdowns. Other tight ends may get more print, but Clark gets the job done. Anthony Gonzalez started off slow but came around and totaled 576 yards receiving with three touchdowns. He should only get better after a year of experience.
The offensive line has one concern in the health of Jeff Saturday, who is out indefinitely with a knee injury. It appears that rookie Jamey Richard may be the one to take over at center. Rookie Mike Pollak and Charlie Johnson are penciled in as the starters at the guard spots. The tackles are solid with Tony Ugoh and Ryan Diem. The Colts seem to plug people in despite injuries and still protect their quarterabck better than any other team in the NFL. The Colts allowed only 23 sacks in 2007. That shouln't change much in 2008.
DEFENSE
Even though the defense lost not only star end Dwight Freeney, but linebacker Rob Morris as well. Even with the losses, the Colts allowed fewer points (262) than any other team in the NFL. With Freeney back, along with Robert Mathis and Raheem Brock, the line should be back to wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. Up the middle will be where the Colts have to be tough. Keyunta Dawson and Ed Johnson are the starters with Darrell Reid and Eric Foster in the rotation behind them. And keep an eye on rookie Marcus Howard who may be surprise.
Gary Brackett will again be the leader of the linebacking corps from his middle linebacker spot. Brackett led the team in tackles and tied for the lead in picks a year ago. With Tyjuan Hagler dinged up, Clint Session may step in as the starter in his place. Freddie Keiaho will be on the opposite side. Rookie Phil Wheeler also will fit into the mix at linebacker.
The secondary is loaded with talent. At the corners are Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson with Tim Jennings and Keiwan Ratliff as the backups. Jackson and Hayden are not just cover corners, they also are solid tacklers. NFL Defensive MVP Bob Sanders is always among the leading tacklers on the team. His speed and full throttle play spark the defense. Antoine Bethea tied for the lead in picks on the team a year ago. Matt Giordano is a dependable backup at safety.
SPECIAL TEAMS
With placekicker Adam Vinatieri and punter Hunter Smith, the Colts possess two of the more dependable legs in the NFL. Vinatieri wasn't as automatic as he normally would be in 2007, but he's still one of the best. Smith average nearly 42 yards per boot in 2007.
OUTLOOK
It seems that for the last couple years, people have been waiting for the Colts to fall from the elite in the NFL. Many have predicted that the Jacksonville Jaguars would knock take the AFC South crown away from the champs. It appeared that the Colts were ripe for the taking in 2007 with the injuries to Harrison and Freeney. It still didn't happen. Year after year, it seems that Tony Dungy and his troops find a way to stay on top. They overcome injuries and adversity and still play at the highest level. Say what you will about the impressive 2007 season the Pats put up. The Colts are among the best on offense year in and year out. But while the offense gets a lot of the glory, the defense quietly finds ways to rank among the best without a roster full of big names. The bottom line is that if the Colts can stay healthy, they will again be in the running for the AFC Conference title.
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