Keys to a championship run for the Indianapolis Colts

For the Indianapolis Colts last season was a magical run, the near brush with perfection, the coming of age for the fresh young receivers, and the continual consistency of the veterans. There is no doubt that the Colts deserved to be in the Super Bowl last season but what is next for Indianapolis this season, how can they improve on last season’s run? In order for the Colts to have the same run to the championship they had last season they must have a few keys take place this year. We all know that the team has been the beast of the AFC south division for the past 7 seasons, and the AFC (with monumental battles with New England during that time). There has not been a team to make a run like the Colts in a long time, the Colts will attempt to win 12 or more games for the eighth consecutive season and win the AFC South division title for the seventh time in eight seasons an amazing feat in pro football. Here are three keys that the Colts must have this season in order to not only make the Super Bowl but win this season:

Establish a SOLID running game:

Over the past couple of seasons going into a game with the Colts you knew what was going to happen, Peyton Manning would pick you apart with his precision passing and you would get just a hint of running from Joseph Addai. In order for the team to have continued success they must have the two headed monster of Addai and Brown run the ball effectively. If they are able to do that the passing attack will become even more lethal and it will free up the receivers on the play action fakes. If Indianapolis has a solid rushing attack it will be just one more thing that defenses have to prepare for on Sundays.

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Get healthy and stay healthy (on defense):

Obviously you want to stay healthy on both sides of the ball, but it seems for the Colts the defensive side has had the most difficult time staying healthy. Like injuries to Bob Sanders and a key injury to Dwight Freeney last season before the Super Bowl, the Colts defense is based on speed and both these guys are key parts for the defense. For the Colts speed is the key, they are not the biggest team on defense but they may be the fastest in the NFL and if healthy they can be one of the best defenses in the NFL.

Consistency is the key, if it ain’t broke…

Peyton Manning is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL and he has some of the best weapons at his disposal from Reggie Wayne to Dallas Clark, to his young receivers that have splashed on the NFL scene. Fact is Indianapolis has been the picture of consistency and if they continue to have the “business as usual” attitude it should be no different this season. Look for Manning to have a huge season (again) also look for Joseph Addai to once again establish himself as a dual threat back, who not only can run the ball but also be an effective receiver out of the back field if he can stay healthy.

If Indianapolis can do these things look for another championship for Manning and the Colts. This should be an incredible NFL season for the Colts as they look to make the championship run.

By Sam Adams
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer