Indianapolis Colts Team Review & Preview

The Indianapolis Colts are back in the Super Bowl hunt as QB Peyton Manning looks to lead the Colts to another title.

Indianapolis Colts: 2008-09 Outlook

As with most seasons during the Peyton Manning era, the Indianapolis Colts fully expected to be Super Bowl contenders. Along with Manning, the Colts came into the 2008 season loaded with talent – including offensive forces Joseph Addai at running back, the ageless Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and underappreciated Dallas Clark. Fans with Indianapolis Colts tickets looked to build upon a 2007 season that showcased Peyton Manning throwing for over 4,000 yards, Addai rushing for over 1,000, and Reggie Wayne’s amazing 1,500-yard, 10-touchdown performance. The defensive lineup, anchored by super safety Bob Sanders, includes Freddy Keiaho, Antoine Bethea, and Gary Brackett.

Indianapolis Colts: Change of Plans

The 2008 season began with an unexpected 29-13 loss to the Chicago Bears at home, the inaugural game at the new Lucas Oil Stadium. Those fans with tickets to the game witnessed the first loss by the Colts in 21 games during the months of September and October. The offense underperformed, and the defense embarrassed themselves to the tune of allowing 319 yards.

The Indianapolis Colts bounced back the following week in Minnesota with a patented Peyton Manning comeback victory. Manning passed for over 300 yards but none more important than the final drive where his laser-like passing set up Adam Vinatieri for a game-winning field goal. The victory allowed the Colts to avoid their first 0-2 start since 1998.

The Colts’ momentum was short lived, as they lost a heart-breaking game to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Indianapolis Colts ticket holders did not expect a 0-2 start at home, and the naysayers came out early and often. Peyton Manning threw for a dismal 216 yards, including two interceptions. The Colts entered their bye week shaking their heads and trying to think of a plan to salvage the 2008 season.

Indianapolis Colts: Comeback Begins

If a 1-2 start to the season was not bad enough, the Colts were down 17 points to the Houston Texans on the road in the fourth quarter. If the Colts were to keep their 92 percent winning percentage over the Texans, the second best all-time for an NFL team, they were going to need a miracle. Thanks to a combination of Manning’s magic and Houston’s turnovers, the Colts scored 21 points in the final two minutes and secured a season-changing 31-27 victory.

Over the next 11 games, fans with Colts tickets have enjoyed quality victories over the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Diego Chargers – including eight victories in a row. Peyton Manning seems to have fully healed from off-season surgery, and his 364-yard performance against the Jaguars on the road was a season high.

Indianapolis Colts: Week 17 & Beyond

The Colts play a message game against the Tennessee Titans in week 17, but no matter the result, they have secured a 2008 playoff spot and a chance at another World Championship. Indianapolis ticket holders will have a chance to see the wild card game in round one of the 2008-09 playoffs.

The 2008 Indianapolis Colts are slightly different from years past, as they no longer dominate on the offensive side of the ball. In fact, during this season, only once has their running attack achieved a 100-yard rusher. Peyton Manning has been solid, throwing for over 300-yards four times and helping lead the comeback charge this season.

If Indianapolis Colts ticket holders expect a deep playoff drive, they are going to need their defense to step up. During the season, the Colts defense allowed over 320 yards per game and nearly 20 points. In years past, the Colts offensive could overcome such defensive deficits. This year, however, against tough possible playoff opponents, such as the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers, the Colts will need more than Manning and the gang to carry them to victory.

A slow start to the 2008 season could not hold back the Colts from entering the playoffs as, arguably, the NFL’s hottest team. Although they are not thought as Super Bowl favorites, fans with Indianapolis Colts tickets should not count out Peyton Manning and his late-game magic – ask the Houston Texans.