2009 Indianapolis Colts Football Preview

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2008 Record: 12-4, Second in AFC South; 0-1 in postseason

Head Coach: Jim Caldwell; First year

Key Additions: DT Ed Johnson

Key Losses: WR Marvin Harrison, RB Dominic Rhodes, DT Darrell Reid

1st Round Draft Picks: Donald Brown – Running Back

2nd Round Draft Picks: Fili Moala – Defensive Tackle

2009 Indianapolis Colts schedule

Indianapolis Colts 2008 NFL Season in Review

The Indianapolis Colts had a miraculous turnaround during the 2008 season. The team struggled out of the gate and towards a 3-4 record. Peyton Manning didn't look fully recovered from off season surgery and injuries were popping up all over the place. Then the team went on an amazing tear winning their last nine games to finish 12-4.

The Colts struggled all season to produce a consistent running game, finishing second to last in the league in rushing yards. This was due in part to injuries to Joseph Addai as well as a ravaged offensive line. The passing game led by Manning was still firing on all cylinders however. The Colts also shined defensively against the pass, finishing 6th in pass yards allowed and 7 th in points allowed.

Unfortunately for them they were in the same division as the Tennessee Titans and 12-4 was only good enough for a Wild Card spot. The team met the San Diego Chargers, a squad who has presented all sorts of match up problems for the Colts. Once again the Chargers find a way to beat the Colts, this time in a crushing overtime defeat and the late season comeback for the team was all for naught.

Indianapolis Colts 2009 NFL Season Preview

The Colts will be missing some very familiar faces for the 2009 NFL season. The most glaring will be former head coach Tony Dungy who retired in the off season. However, the club was prepared for the departure and the coaching staff and schemes didn't change drastically. Also missing will be longtime number 1 option Marvin Harrison, who began to show signs of slowing down.

2009 Indianapolis Colts Offense:

The biggest concern for the offense of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts has to be the collective health of the team. They drafted running back Donald Brown from Connecticut to back up and share carries with Joseph Addai. However Addai is a key member of the team and needs to be at full capacity for the offense to be as dynamic as it can be. The offensive line also needs to stay together as a unit.

Peyton Manning will bring to the table what he does every year, great intelligence, leadership and play making ability. Marvin Harrison is gone, but Reggie Wayne had already taken over the number 1 spot on the team. Anthony Gonzalez will also see more balls thrown in his direction, and should be a very solid number 2 option. Additionally, Dallas Clark is coming off a fantastic season and will continue to have a prominent role in the passing game, maintaining his status as Manning's safety valve.

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2009 Indianapolis Colts Defense:

The biggest concern for the defense for the Colts also will be injuries. Perennially injured Bob Sanders needs to find a way to stay on the field for a full season. His break neck, aggressive style is what makes him so effective but it also leaves him on the disabled list far too often. The tandem of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney will continue to provide great pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but the club needs help against the run, particularly (and inevitably) when Sanders is out of the lineup.

Their linebackers are quick but undersized. Led by Freddy Keiaho they are an overachieving bunch that is effective as a unit but can use some additional help. The club tried to address this problem by drafting defensive tackle Fili Moala out of USC.

2009 Indianapolis Colts Prediction: First AFC South

By Jake Emen
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

View all of the 2009 NFL football previews online here at Pro Football Fans!