Indianapolis Colts Predictions
July 1, 2008
Tony Dungy told reporters that there’s no question the Colts will be a better team next year after losing to the Chargers as a nine-point home favorite to end the season. The Colts don’t go out and get free agents, they try to make the players they have better through offseason conditioning and extra years in the system. The Colts’ philosophy for winning is in tact for another Super Bowl run. The Colts return the majority of the players that have led Indy to five straight 12-win seasons, and NFL record. Payton Manning, Jospeph Addai, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark lead one the most explosive offenses in the league heading into the season. For anyone worried about the return of injures stars Dwight Freeney, Bob Sanders and Marvin Harrison, the Colts were confident enough in their rehabs not to use and early draft pick on those positions. Look out for the another 12-win season this year as you can see with our 2008 Indianapolis Colts predictions.
Offense:
Manning turned 32 in March but is expected to play up to his eight-time Pro Bowl level for many years to come. The Colts still managed 28.1 points per game and 358.7 total yards despite a shuffled line and no Marvin Harrison for 11 games. Manning has played in 160 consecutive games after throwing for over 41,000 yards and 306 touchdowns. Nobody has the freedom to run an offense at the line of scrimmage like Manning, and he does it as well as anyone who has ever played the game.
Josepth Addai has proven he can handle the load in the backfield, although his second year wasn’t quite as productive as his rookie season. The line can be blamed for his yards-per-carry drop to 4.1. He did rush for 12 touchdowns and caught three more from Manning. Former Colt Dominic Rhodes was signed after a disappointing stint in Oakland last year. He’ll be Addai’s backup as Michigan all-time leading rusher Mike Hart tries to make an impact as the No. 3 back after being drafted in the sixth round.
Wayne led the NFL with 1,510 receiver yards and a career-best 104 catches last season in Harrison’s absence. If Harrison can return to his eight-time Pro Bowl form, opposing defenses will be in for a bind to defend both he and Wayne. Throw in slot receiver Anthony Gonzalez and tight end Dallas Clark, and the Colts will be tough as ever to defend if everyone stays healthy.
The offensive line allowed nine more sacks than they did in 2006 and as a result, Manning threw five more interceptions. Second-year left tackle Tony Ugoh missed time with a shoulder injury and right tackle Ryan Diem was hurt, so the line should be stronger if everyone stays healthy. Pro Bowl center Jeff Center is in a contract year at age 33, and it’s likely that one of three drafted centers will eventually replace him. The Colts used their second-round pick on center Mike Pollak, expected to start at right guard with the departure of Jake Scott in the offseason.
Defense:
Freeney had threw screws inserted into the broken bone in his left foot and may not be ready by camp. How important is Freeney you may ask? He missed the last sevens games and yet still led the Colts with 19 QB pressures. End Robert Mathis also was hurt last year but managed to lead the team in sacks with seven. Fifth-round pick Marcus Howard will be converted from a linebacker to a defensive end. The Colts have a solid tackle rotation in Raheem Brock and second year pros Ed Johnson, Quinn Pitcock and Keyunta Dawson.
Gary Brackett is the captain of this defense at middle linebacker. He helped the Colts rank third in the league with only 279.7 total yards allowed per game. Brackett totaled 116 tackles, which was 20 more than Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders. Freddie Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler flank Brackett and both are speed guys that can cover a ton of ground in pass coverage. Linebacker Philip Wheeler was selected in the third round to add depth.
Sanders flies to the ball better than any other safety in the league and he’s one of the hardest-hitting defensive backs the game has ever seen. Teammates feed off of his energy when he’s on his game. Safety sidekick Antoine Bathea, who tied for the team lead in interceptions with four, also hits with a purpose. Fourth-year corners Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden are physical in coverage. The Colts must find a nickel back to step up big in passing situations. Tim Jennings and Dante Hughes took turns getting burned last year. Both should be improved though.
Info Plays 2008 Indianapolis Colts Predictions
You can never predict injuries in this league and the Colts were hit by the injury bug worse than any other team. Both starting tackles, Harrison, Sanders and Freeney are players the Colts can’t afford to lose. Still, Indianapolis finished with a 13-3 record which is scary. On paper, the Colts have a squad that will win the AFC South division. The Jaguars are improving and will become a serious contender in this division. The Titans seem to find a way to win ball games, but their luck may run out this season with a lackluster offense. The Texans are capable of pulling off the upset every Sunday, but their inexperience is overwhelming. The Colts have championship experience and proven Pro Bowlers that will lead Indy to another AFC South title in 2008.