2010 RECORD: 10-6-0
(1st in AFC South)
HEAD COACH: Jim Caldwell
Offense: The Colts offense begins and ends with quarterback Peyton Manning.
Entering his 14th NFL season, Manning will be the game's top paid player after a contract extension that ensures he will be a Colt his entire career.
After passing for 4,700 yards a year ago with 33 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, Manning enters 2011 with his sights set on another Super Bowl run. Curtis Painter is the backup quarterback.
Indy's running game has to improve if the Colts are to achieve their goal of being the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their own city.
The Colts ranked 29th in rushing the football in 2010, averaging a paltry 93 yards per game on the ground.
Donald Brown led the team with 497 yards (3.9 ypc average) and scored just two rushing touchdowns. Joseph Addai was injured throughout the the season and gained 495 yards (4.3 ypc) and scored four touchdowns.
The receiving corps put up numbers and will see Reggie Wayne back again in 2011 after making 111 receptions for 1,355 yards and six touchdowns last season. Pierre Garcon had 67 receptions for 784 yards and six touchdowns.
Austin Collie had 58 catches for 649 yards and eight touchdowns and along with tight ends Dallas Clark (37, 347, three TD) and Jacob Tamme (67, 631, four TD), will be a primary target for Manning.
Clark, Collie and Anthony Gonzalez were injured and missed significant playing time last season. Having Clark and Collie back healthy in 2011 will definitely help the passing attack.
The offensive line is solid (allowing only 16 QB sacks a year ago) and is anchored by center Jeff Saturday. The guard are Jacques McClendon and Mike Pollak and the tackles are Ryan Diem and Jeff Linkenbach. Top rookie pick Anthony Castonzo (Boston College) will provide depth at tackle.
Indianapolis averaged 381 yards in offense (4th in NFL) last season, including leading the NFL in passing yardage with 288 yards per game.
Defense: The Colts' defense registered just 29 quarterback sacks a year ago, a far cry from the numbers they usually put up.
Defensive Ends Robert Mathis (11 sacks) and Dwight Freeney (10.5 sacks) lead the way up front and will team with tackles Antonio Johnson and Fili Moala to try and improve a run defense that gave up 127 yards per game a year ago.
The linebackers are Gary Brackett in the middle and the outside linebackers include Pat Angerer and Kavell Conner. Providing depth at linebacker are Nate Triplett, Cody Glenn and Philip Wheeler.
The defensive backfield no longer has oft injured safety Bob Sanders, who signed with San Diego.
Filling the void there is Melvin Bullitt along with free safety Antoine Bethea. The corners are Jacob Lacey and Jerraud Powers.
The secondary has to improve after getting just ten interceptions last year. Going hand in hand with that would be an improved pass rush to keep the pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Overall, the Colts finished 20th defensively last season, allowing 342 yards per game. The 388 points allowed in 2010 was up big time from the past few seasons.
OUTLOOK: The Colts won the AFC South once again last season and should do so again in 2011, barring any serious injuries to key players.
Manning is being limited in the preseason following off-season neck surgery. Look for him to be his usual, brilliant self again in 2011. The running game must improve and having Addai back healthy will do wonders for that area.
The defense must do a better job stopping the run or the same could be expected this season where opponents simply held the ball and kept Manning and company off the field.
How far the Colts go this year depends on the health of Manning and a resurgent defensive effort.
The Colts could buck history and become the first team to "host" a Super Bowl, but don't count on it happening. An 11-5 record seems most likely this season for Indianapolis with another playoff appearance, which would be the teams' tenth consecutive playoff appearance.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- at Houston
Week 2- vs. Cleveland
Week 3- vs. Pittsburgh
Week 4- at Tampa Bay
Week 5- vs. Kansas City
Week 6- at Cincinnati
Week 7- at New Orleans
Week 8- at Tennessee
Week 9- vs. Atlanta
Week 10- vs. Jacksonville
Week 11- BYE WEEK
Week 12- vs. Carolina
Week 13- at New England
Week 14- at Baltimore
Week 15- vs. Tennessee
Week 16- vs. Houston
Week 17- at Jacksonville
No comments:
Post a Comment