2009 Colts Season Preview

The Colts always provide little drama when it comes to the offseason. They are a team that believes in building through the draft, not through high price free agency. So when it comes to writing offseason articles about this team, the material can be a bit hard to find.

That being said, training camp is just around the corner, and it is time to do the official season preview for the 2009 version of the Indianapolis Colts.

One of the biggest questions heading into the season last year was the health of the ballclub. Key guys like Peyton Manning and Bob Sanders came into training camp banged up, and so far, those two have been injury free.

Peyton Manning is coming off one of his worst statistical seasons of his career, yet he walked away with his third NFL MVP award, one that came with a bit of controversy. He will be his usual self this year, and I think that with the time he will have in training camp to gel with the new receivers and running backs, Peyton’s 12th season will be much similar to most of the other ones he has had.

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As far as the rest of the team goes, the defense has always been in question for it seems like since the Colts arrived in Indianapolis in 1984. They added some beef up front, and also added a new coach, Larry Coyer, who was a defensive coach in Tampa last year. The running defense will need to be much improved if they want to be serious title contenders.

With the overhaul on the coaching staff, it will probably take some time for the team to gel, but must Colts fans be reminded, they have one of the best quarterback’s in the league. Some rookies will have to step in and take a big role, which is nothing new in Indy but guys like Donald Brown and Fili Moala will have to play more than most rookies are required too.

My official 2009 prediction for the Indianapolis Colts will be 12-4 and they will regain the crown of best team in the AFC South. Injuries aside, they should make another deep playoff run; this team is just too talented not too. Look for the Colts to be in the discussion for Super Bowl teams as the season progresses.

By Zach Bowman
ProFootball-fans.com Indianapolis Colts Correspondent