Indianapolis Colts: Why Fans Should Expect Wins from Rebuilding Team

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The Indianapolis Colts are ready to start a fresh new season in 2012-2013 and fans should expect more wins as the team rebuilds.

The Colts return to the field with a new head coach and a new quarterback. After coming off of a 2-14 record last season, it’s about time for a turnaround in Indianapolis.

Here’s what Colts fans have to look forward to and what they should expect from the team.

Head Coach Chuck Pagano

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Chuck Pagano comes to Indianapolis from the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. Previously the defensive coordinator for the Ravens, this will be Pagano’s first season as a head coach.

But that’s not to say that he’s arriving in Indianapolis empty-handed. Pagano has a lot of coaching experience on his resume, especially in the area of defense.

After the Colts struggled defensively last season, the team (and the fans) could really use a changeup. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun, Pagano could be just what the Colts need after former head coach Jim Caldwell led the team to a crushing 2-14 season.

“Under Pagano’s leadership, the Ravens finished the regular season ranked third overall in total defense, second in rush defense, fourth in pass defense, third in points allowed per game and first in red-zone defense. They also ranked first in the AFC with 48 sacks”.

Now those are the kind of credentials that will rebuild a team.

Pagano will reshape the Colts' defense, and their game as a whole, and fans will certainly be seeing more wins.

Quarterback Andrew Luck

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When the Indianapolis Colts had their choice at the No. 1 draft pick, the team’s sights were set on Andrew Luck. Can you blame them?

Former superstar quarterback Peyton Manning didn’t see a minute of playing time last season due to a serious neck injury. And his absence did not go unnoticed. If any team could prove how essential a strong, confident quarterback is to a franchise, it was the Colts in 2011.

Rather than take their chances on having Manning return in his uncertain state, the Colts made the decision to move on. They picked up rookie quarterback Andrew Luck, who was considered the most accurate passer in college football.

The numbers don’t lie.

Luck was the starting quarterback at Stanford for three years and finished the 2011 season with a 71.3 completion percentage. Colts fans can expect more wins with Luck and his skill set. According to CBSSports.com, Andrew Luck,

“possesses extraordinary accuracy to all levels of the field. Consistently throws his receivers open, leading his receivers to where the defenders are least likely to be able to impact the reception or stop the receiver from gaining additional yardage”.

That should work pretty well for wide receiver Reggie Wayne. Now, with Pierre Garcon’s exit, Wayne and Luck will have time to develop their play together and rebuild the Colts’ offense.

Time for a Change

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Colts fans are more than ready. The formerly strong franchise failed to be a strong competitor last season and the last time the team made it to the Super Bowl was in 2009.

After their Super Bowl XLI win in 2006, it seems too soon to give up hope. The Colts seemed to be on a high streak during that time. But after losing to the New York Jets in the Wild Card game in 2010, the Colts were seeing a definite decline.

That was only two years ago.

So before they are sucked into the Miami Dolphin-like black hole of disappointing seasons, the team can be sure that the recent additions to the coaching staff, as well as on the roster, will help rebuild the Colts in 2012.

Indianapolis fans can expect wins, especially more than two.

Put Pagano on the sideline and Luck on the field...and the wins will come.

So Colts fans, are you ready for 2012?