Indianapolis Colts: From Peyton Manning to the O-Line, There Are Lots of Questions

There has been much lip-service from both sides of the NFL labor dispute about what is best for “the fan.” The simple truth is that what is best for the fan is a return to normalcy.

Although we can’t speed up the process or insist that the owners and players stop squabbling and start getting along, we can at least begin future-casting for the Colts in 2011. What follows are the top five story lines for the coming season.

Jim Calwell Needs to Make Better Gametime Decisions

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Head coach Jim Caldwell of the Indianapolis Colts coaches against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17-16. (Photo

5. Will Jim Caldwell become a more effective “in-game” coach?

Caldwell is considered a Top 15 coach in the league based solely on his record during his two-year tenure. After all, he only has eight regular season losses and a trip to the Super Bowl on his resume. His decision-making in games has been suspect, however, with an ill-advised timeout at the end of a tight game with the Jaguars early in 2010 and a similar call during the playoff loss to the Jets in January. Perhaps these tough lessons will be learned and we’ll see cleaner coaching in 2011.

Injuries to Key Colts Players in 2010 Were Devastating

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 26: Tight end Dallas Clark #44 of the Indianapolis Colts grabs his injured right knee against the Philadelphia Eagles November 26, 2006 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts won 45-21. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Gett

4. Can the Colts avoid a plethora of season-shortening injuries?

Last year was absolutely brutal for the Colts for injuries. Most teams endure a rash of injuries at some point in the season. A partial list with some parenthetical comments will put the year into perspective: Bob Sanders (no surprise), Kelvin Hayden (devastating loss for the secondary), Anthony Gonzales (becoming a pattern) and Mookie Johnson (a mildly effective big-body on the D-line). Worst of all was losing Dallas Clark, whose Pro Bowl receiving talents just could not be replaced by Jacob Tamme and Blair White.

Austin Collie's Concussion Problems Put His 2011 Season in Doubt

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Austin Collie #17 of the Indianapolis Colts makes a 23 yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter as Perrish Cox #32 of the Denver Broncos defends at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 26, 2010 in Denver, Col

3. Will Austin Collie be able to play?

Collie had two serious concussions in 2010. If he has another one, he may have to retire. With Reggie Wayne on the verge of losing a step and Pierre Garcon’s continued reputation as Mr. Hands-of-Stone, Collie is an essential part of the Colt’s prolific passing offense. Losing him would be a devastating blow.

Peyton Manning Needs to Start Strong and in Good Health

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass in the first quarter against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Ind

2. Will Manning bounce back from surgery and a sub-par (for him) 2010?

The rumor mill has been churning of late regarding Manning’s offseason neck surgery. The Colts front-office insists there are no problems, but we all remember the horrendous 3-4 start in 2008 after Manning’s offseason knee surgery. A quick start in 2011 will put those fears to rest, and few will be surprised if Manning has a return to form this year.

Can Ben Ijalana and Anthony Costanzo Create Running Room?

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Bryan Thomas #58 of the New York Jets tackles Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17-16. (Ph

1. Can the high draft picks for the offensive line solve the Colts’ consistent running woes?

Bill Polian’s draft showed that he would not be messing around with a patchwork offensive line in 2011. Constanzo and Ijalana should provide an immediate boost to the Colts’ repugnant running game. The trio of Addai, Brown and Hart are not dominant enough to consistently break through when the holes are not there. All of the backs will be better with the upgraded O-line. A more efficient running game will help Manning. And when Manning gets help, the Colts are a Super Bowl team.