07 September 2010
By: Rob Lazlo
Additions, Departures, Big Questions & Key Match-ups
2009 Record: 14-2
2010 Prediction: 12-4 (AFC Conference Championship Appearance)
I know what I’m supposed to say when people ask if Peyton Manning is the greatest QB ever. I’m supposed to say his career isn’t over yet, let’s see if he wins another Super Bowl, yada, yada, yada. Well I don’t need to say all that. I think Peyton Manning is the greatest quarterback ever, and I don’t need to see what else he’s gonna do to say that. I saw Elway, I saw Montana, I saw Marino, I saw Tarkenton, I saw Bradshaw, I saw Staubach. I didn’t see Johnny Unitas and I only saw the banged up celebrity version of Joe Namath, but Peyton is the best. And because he’s the best, the Colts are a legitimate Super Bowl contender every year. This year will be no different, figure the Colts to put up a lofty win total and to advance in the playoffs. And why? Because Peyton Manning is the best - that’s why.
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Key Arrivals
DE Jerry Hughes (R), LB Pat Angerer (R), CB Deshea Townsend (FA)
Key Departures
DE Raheem Brock, S Marlin Jackson, OG Ryan Lilja, CB Tim Jennings, LB Freddy Keiaho, WR Hank Baskett
The Big Questions
1. Can the Colts win without running? Yes, I know. The Colts rushing offense was 32nd in the league last year - dead last. So. . .did you watch the NFL last year. Remember that team, the one that didn’t lose all season until they played their backups? Yeah, that would be the Colts. The Colts who went to the Super Bowl. The Colts who were 9th in the league in total offense, who were 7th in the league in scoring offense. The reason you’re supposed to have to be able to run is so teams can’t overplay the pass. But that doesn’t work against the Colts. Everyone plays the pass. And the Colts finished second in the NFL in passing offense. Can they win without running? They already are.
2. Does Donald Brown supplant Joseph Addai at the running back position this season? Brown is a nice player, but so is Addai. Anyone who thinks the Colts are going to balance out their offense and try to use Donald Brown like the new Edgerrin James hasn’t been paying attention. The Colts aren’t running this style of offense because they have to, they’re doing it because they want to because it works. Addai is a better receiver out of the backfield and he’ll continue to see more touches than Brown. Both players will have somewhat anemic rushing stats because that isn’t how the Colts roll. But will Brown take Addai’s job? NO.
3. Will the Colts’ defense be better against the run this year? There are two ways the Colts stop the run. The first is to hope Bob Sanders isn’t injured. Sadly, that usually doesn’t work, although if Sanders can stay on the field this year you’ll see an overall improvement in their defense. He’s that good. The other way is by having Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark and all their friends run up a three touchdown lead in the first half. All of a sudden the other team doesn’t seem so keen on trying to run the ball. That way has its merits, but having Sanders on the field elevates the Colts defense to, at least, above average. Otherwise, they will be susceptible to the run and will need to force teams into passing situations to get their speed rushers after the opposing QB.
Key Games
Week 4 @Jacksonville: The Colts early schedule is remarkably easy for a team that went to the Super Bowl, but seemingly easy (on paper) games can frequently get touch when everyone is gunning for you. The Colts beat division rival Jacksonville twice last season by a combined advantage of six points. The Jaguars play the Colts tough, and Indianapolis can’t afford to lose focus or this game will get away from them.
Week 10 vs. New England: The NFL’s best current rivalry. Manning vs. Brady. And two teams that throw the ball a hell of a lot more than they run it. I don’t know who wins, but bet the over.
Week 14 @Tennessee: The Titans are probably going to need this game, and the Colts go to Tennessee coming off the toughest stretch of their schedule. There’s no way they overlook a game at the Titans enough to call it a “trap” game, but this one should be a real battle.
