Texans vs. Colts: Win Shows Indy Still Has Pieces to Contend with Peyton Manning

After beginning the 2011 season with a record of 0-13, the Indianapolis Colts seemed destined for a winless season and the first overall pick in the NFL draft. However, they have now won two consecutive games and suddenly it looks as if their window of opportunity may still be open.

It was blatantly obvious that this would be a tough year for the Colts with quarterback Peyton Manning on the shelf. Perhaps no player in the league means more to his team than Manning, so it is perfectly understandable why the Colts took a major step back.

However, with all signs pointing to Manning's neck healing properly, the early indication is that he'll be ready to return next season. I think many believe that the Colts' poor season has exposed the lack of a quality supporting cast, but after watching this team upset the AFC South Champion Houston Texans on Thursday night, I beg to differ.

With Manning under center, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Dallas Clark were all either solid or elite options. While none of them have come close to reaching their usual production this season, all of them have shown some flashes.

Wayne went for over 100 yards and grabbed the game-winning score against Houston. It is quite apparent he can still go. Before Dan Orlovsky assumed the starting quarterback role, Garcon was Curtis Painter's favorite target and had quite a few explosive outings, too.

Collie and Clark haven't done much, partially due to injury, but backup quarterbacks aren't usually going to utilize the third and fourth options so effectively. Manning spreads the ball around with great efficiency and his mere presence will make all four receivers viable weapons the moment he steps back onto the field.

The true issues with the Colts are the offensive line and the defense.

It became apparent last season that the offensive line was in pretty bad shape and that has continued to be true. The Colts addressed it somewhat by drafting offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo, but that isn't enough.

Provided the Colts win their Week 17 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, they likely won't have the first overall pick. By virtue of that, the odds of them being able to select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck go down exponentially. My suggestion would be to take USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil to give the Colts two cornerstone bookends to protect Manning.

Even in the Colts' best years, defense was a bit of a problem. They never could properly stop the run and that continues to be the case. With that said, there are still some good pieces. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis remain in the fold, linebacker Pat Angerer has developed nicely and spiritual leader Gary Brackett should be healthy next year.

I'm not trying to suggest that Manning's return will make the Colts Super Bowl favorites or anything, but I do think it's realistic that they could reclaim their perch atop the AFC South. The Colts may not win another Super Bowl in the Peyton Manning era, but I believe they still have the tools to make a run.