2008 NFL Preview > Indianapolis Colts Preview

2008 Indianapolis Colts Football Preview

Head Coach: Tony Dungy

2007 Record: 13-3

Key Additions: RB Mike Hart, C Mike Pollack, RB Dominic Rhodes, LB Philip Wheeler

Key Losses: TE Brian Fletcher, DT Anthony McFarland, WR Aaron Moorehead, G Jake Scott, TE Ben Utecht

The Colts followed up their 2006 Super Bowl victory with a disappointing 2 nd round playoff exit to the San Diego Chargers. Indianapolis had to deal with its share of injures to major contributors, including stars Dwight Freeney and Marvin Harrison, who were both sidelined for much of the season. Unfortunately for the Colts the injuries keep mounting, as Peyton Manning had offseason surgery to remove an infected bursa sac on his knee and is expected to miss the entire preseason. Rookie sensation Joseph Addai successfully replaced longtime running back Edgerrin James, and the Colts high powered offense did not miss a beat.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Offense:

One cannot analyze the Colts offense without beginning with Manning. The All Pro quarterback is on pace to break every meaningful NFL passing record and has been the epitome of excellence over much of the past decade (On a side note, singing Peyton Manning’s praises just made me feel like John Madden. Not to worry though, I’ll spare you the next three paragraphs about how tasty the food is at the RCA dome. Pardon me while I lick this chicken wing grease from my fingers before I resume typing). The offensive line remains solid and is led by longtime veteran center Jeff Saturday. Wide receiver Reggie Wayne and running back Joseph Addai are among the elite at their positions as well. Last year’s rookie first round pick, Anthony Gonzalez, should be able to successfully fill the role as the second receiving option if Marvin Harrison does not recover from a knee injury that kept him out most of last season. Also, tight end Dallas Clarke has become a favorite target of Manning’s in the red zone. As a whole, the Colts offense should be among the NFL’s best and most efficient once again.

> Find a fantastic selection of Indianapolis Colts apparel & jerseys and NFL credit cards online through Pro Football Fans!

2008 Indianapolis Colts Defense:

The Colts defense is designed around a singular concept: pure speed. The undersized unit operates within Tony Dungy’s much lauded Cover 2 scheme. Safety Bob Sanders, last year’s NFL defensive player of the year is currently recovering from offseason surgery, but is expected back at full strength for the start of the regular season. The Colts defensive line features speedy pass rushers Rashean Mathis and Dwight Freeney, both regular threats for double digit sacks, provided each undersized end can hold up for an entire season. While the defense is susceptible to the power running game due to its lack of size among the front seven, it should be among the best in the league against the pass.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Special Teams:

Adam Vinatieri had somewhat of an off year last season, connecting on only 79.3% of his field goals, his least accurate total since 2003. Hunter Smith, affectionately known by many fans as Hunter the Punter, will return for his tenth straight season with the Colts. T.J. Rushing is penciled in to handle the return duties.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Expectations:

Indianapolis will be projected to contend for a Super Bowl again. In order to maintain their status as one of the league’s superpowers, the Colts will most probably need Freeney to return to his Pro Bowl form. Also, while the rival Patriots are still public enemy number one for Manning and company, other formidable foes in the AFC such as the Chargers, Browns, Jets and Jaguars are developing into legitimate threats. However if Peyton Manning stays healthy, expect the Colts to advance deep into the playoffs.

2008 Indianapolis Colts Prediction: 1st place in the AFC South

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

View all of the 2008 NFL football previews online here at Pro Football Fans!