Indianapolis Colts: Still On Top In The AFC South

The Indianapolis Colts are going to have a rough time keeping the AFC South to themselves this year. Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Houston are all strong teams getting ready for playoff runs. The Jags are the biggest threat, and with good reason.

Jacksonville has weapons. Their defense looks spectacular and the run game is power first. That in itself is bad news for Indy, who is a speed defense team.

Indianapolis, however has two things that the other teams in the AFC South do not. The first is Tony Dungy. The head coach of the Colts is arguably the most respected and experienced coach in the NFL today. The thing that makes him great is that he quietly demands perfection. His monster offense and speed-happy defense make for a great team.

The second is Peyton Manning. How many teams have hall of fame quarterback? Three? How many teams have a hall of fame quarterback with three great receivers and a good tight end? Two. The Patriots are the only other team with a hall of fame quarterback, and a sure-fire hall of fame wide receiver. The Colts have this over the heads of every divisional rival. I think as long as Manning, Harrison, and Wayne are healthy, the Colts will do well.

The other key is Bob Sanders' health. If Bob the Beast can stay healthy, the defense will thrive. Freeney and Brackett are also important, and should they be healthy, the defense could live up to the offense.

The Colts still have bullets in their 44 Magnum, and they have a general on the field who can use it. The Colts will have competition this year, but look no further than Manning, Dungy, Wayne, and Sanders for your champions. The Colts are still the second (or third) best team in the NFL.

Also, for all of you who will say that San Diego is better than Indy, the answer is no. The Chargers' "D" won't survive should Merriman go down. He is their leader, and it will affect them deeply should he get hurt for the season. Yes, LT is great, but defense wins championships. Without Merriman, defense may be something they don't have.