These days, the city of Indianapolis prays. They pray for Peyton Manning 's knee. His surgery has upset Indy and the whole NFL. This is one of the first debates around the Colts this off season. They have been out of the spotlight. It seems that lot of fans don’t remember their march to the title a couple of years ago. Nevertheless, I think that the Colts have a real chance of winning their second Vince Lombardi Trophy in a three year period. These are the reasons.
1. Experience:
They know the way. They know the ingredients of the recipe. They only need to be better at the clutch again. Their experience in the post season, except for their Super Bowl season, is full of struggles. It also counts on archiving goals.
The Jets in 2003, the Patriots in 2004 and 2005 and the Steelers in 2006 showed them how to win in the playoffs. They applied the lesson in 2007, but they forgot it again last year. They have to go back to school.
2. Impossible to be so unlucky again:
Injuries, injuries and more injuries. Sorry, I forgot the word key; key injuries. Last year they lost Marvin Harrison for almost the full season. They also had several losses in the trenches, including all-pro Dwight Freeney.
I still remember a Sunday Night Game, in which the Colts had about 15 offensive players available. If they are healthier than last year, something probable, they will be the top seed in AFC.
3. ‘’Veteran’’ sophomores:
The circumstances forced Tony Dungy to start many rookie players. I expect a lot from two; Tony Ugoh and Anthony Gonzalez. The first one started at the left tackle after the surprising retirement of Tarik Glenn. Gonzalez played more than expected because of Marvin Harrison’s injury. They gained important experience and skills.
This year, Ugoh should be a smart left tackle, and the entire offensive line will improve. Gonzalez also will be an important weapon in this offense. He will play the slot, and Dallas Clark will be replaced at the tight end spot. Add Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne and you have the top crew of receivers in the NFL.
4. Running game and D:
Joseph Addai is one of top backs in football, and I really think that he will show another level in 2008. In his third pro season he could reach near his better level. Besides, Dominic Rhodes is back in the team. He will be a perfect complement for Addai, and they will form a duo that combined for 190 against the Bears’ defense in Super Bowl XLI.
The Colts’ defense is also a tremendous unit. If they recover their pass rush, they will be tough at this side of the football.
5. No one really counts on them:
All the analysts put the New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers top in the AFC. Many people also think than the Jaguars will win the AFC South ahead of Peyton’s team. The Colts, as in their Super Bowl year, fly under the radar. I think that they will take advantage of this situation.
Because of these reasons and because of Peyton Manning, the Colts are the real deal this year.
6 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
adam folarin 11 months ago
yeah and the dolphins will go 16-0
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Max Iascone 11 months ago
dude... what are you talking about? I'm am Pats fan but it's easy to see that Indy will be a real contender barring serious injuries, heck, if Dallas Clark didn't drop Manning's pass in the divisional round they might've made it to Foxboro
On to the article: I doubt Rhodes will be much more than a short yardage option on occasion and a guy who comes in during mop-up time. But Addai is the real deal, as I saw when he crushed my Patriots (even moreso than others did). The Pats won that game but Addai impressed me a lot that day.
They could definitely get unlucky again and I don't see Marvin Harrison being the same again after injuries and off the field distractions, not to mention he'll be 35 (I think) next year, he'll be good but he won't be his old self again. There are still some lingering concerns about Sanders and Freeney's abilities to stay healthy throughout the season.
The Patriots are also quite experienced and even the Chargers, who have the most talent in the league for my money, got some crucial experience last year. SD I think will disappoint in the playoffs, I dunno why just a gut feeling. I think it will come down to Indy and the Patriots in what will most likely be a coin-flip.
Good article
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Mike Dussault 11 months ago
I am interested to see how the ole' Colts do this year - there are more questions this season than there have been. And though Peyton will allegedly supposedly be fine after knee surgery you can never just automatically discount injuries. Will Marvin Harrison return to form? Is Rhodes the same back he was two years ago? Will Freeney be the same pass rush terror? I'm sure they'll be be good, but I don't ever recall there being this many questions surrounding them prior to a season. One thing is for sure, they always bring it against my Pats.
And let's not forget they've been upset at home in the playoffs two (and almost three) times in the past three years. Clearly it's a pattern...
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William Berry 11 months ago
Why is this in the Patriots section? Let me guess, another Dolt fan obsessed with the Patriots. Now I'll read the article.
Oh, and Dungy will be thinking of the golf course.:) Hey, maybe they will or they won't. It is July, everybody has a shot.
Does your neck get stiff from always being turned towards Foxboro?
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William Berry 11 months ago
Oh, you are a Patriots fan. How's that neck from staring at Indy?:)
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Ryan Nelson 11 months ago
I honestly believe the Colts will win it all. The Pats' loss in XLII will come back to bite them. The Colts' injuries are for the better, and they should recover quickly, and they will win. I think that the only reason they wouldn't win was if Manning or Harrison re-aggravated their knees. Look for the Colts to go 11-5 and make a SUPER BOWL run.
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