Indianapolis Colts 2008 Season Preview

As Tony Dungy possibly enters his last year, the Indianapolis Colts are ready to grab another Super Bowl Ring

Indianapolis Colts Preview: 2007

The Indianapolis Colts racked up an impressive 13-3 record in 2007 and were favorites to return to the Super Bowl but came up short against rivals the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs. The Indianapolis Colts return all their key players from 2007 and brought in a few more, making them Super Bowl favorites in 2008 as well. The Indianapolis Colts machine is sure to march over the elite AFC South on the way to the Promised Land.

Indianapolis Colts Preview: Moves

The Indianapolis Colts were short on draft picks going into the 2008 NFL Draft due to a trade to secure LT Tony Ugoh in the 2007 NFL Draft. The Indianapolis Colts used their second round pick to take C Mike Pollak, who will probably start at guard. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets standout OLB Philip Wheeler was another pick and could start at mike linebacker in 2008. The majority of the other Indianapolis Colts picks were used to draft offensive-line depth and several TEs. RB Mike Hart was another pick, and though small in stature, is big on heart and will contribute right away.

The Indianapolis Colts kept all of their key talent from hitting free agency. TE Dallas Clark and OL Ryan Lilja were the two key players that had to be re-signed. Former Indianapolis Colts RB Dominic Rhodes returns after spending time with the Oakland Raiders and should see significant playing time. The departure of G Jake Scott is the only big hole, and it was filled via the 2008 NFL Draft.

Indianapolis Colts Preview: Offense

The offense of the Indianapolis Colts starts with QB Peyton Manning. A future Hall of Fame player with many years ahead of him, Peyton Manning combines his awesome talent, keen football IQ, and 11 years of NFL experience to be the best QB in the NFL and one of the best in history. Peyton Manning has been so good for so long because of the talented offensive line ahead of him. Second-year LT Tony Ugoh is already showing signs of being a top-flight talent and line anchor. RT Ryan Diem has protected Peyton Manning for years. C Jeff Saturday is a key to the Indianapolis Colts as he calls out blocking assignments to help out with Peyton Manning’s many audibles.

Running back Joseph Addai leads the ground attack and is also a receiving threat. RB Dominic Rhodes returns to provide a change of pace and a back-up for Joseph Addai. WR Marvin Harrison is another Hall of Fame bound Colt and is still an elite player after 12 seasons in the NFL. WRs Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzales are a dominant No. 2 and slot receiver respectively and open up the record-setting offense. TE Dallas Clark is just as much a receiving threat as the WRs and is a match-up problem all over the field, especially in the red zone.

Indianapolis Colts Preview: Defense

The vaunted Tampa-2 defensive scheme reigns supreme thanks to the impressive talent on the defensive side of the ball. DE Dwight Freeney is a pass-rushing freak and is the key front seven player for the Indianapolis Colts. DE Robert Mathis is another dynamic pass-rusher and pairs well with Dwight Freeney. Rookie DE Marcus Howard is another potential All-Star rusher. DT Quinn Pitcock is developing in a skilled young talent and will team with DT Raheem Brock to control the middle. OLB/MLB Gary Brackett rules the mid-level of the Tampa-2 and is joined by LBs Freddie Keiaho, Phillip Wheeler, and Tyjuan Hagler in a speedy linebacking rotation.

The heart and soul of the Indianapolis Colts is also the most feared player in the NFL, S Bob Sanders. Though small in size, Bob Sanders makes up for it with dynamic speed and the hardest hits in the NFL. The versatile Bob Sanders is joined in the secondary by equally aggressive and hard-hitting S Antoine Bethea. The Tampa-2 coverage allows CBs to make plays all the time, and CBs Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson are ballhawks for any wayward passes. The pressure of the front seven along with the two dominating safeties playing deep makes the Indianapolis Colts defenses a turnover-forcing machine.

Indianapolis Colts: Special Teams

Thanks to their dominating offense and defense, the Indianapolis Colts have gotten by on a mediocre return game. Return maverick CB TJ Rushing looks to change this trend on both punt and kick returns. TJ Rushing factored well into the field-position battle and took a punt back for a touchdown in 2007. P Hunter Smith has become a very important part of the Indianapolis Colts success in the last few seasons as well. K Adam Vinateri is the unquestioned top player in his position and is the most clutch kicker of all time.

Indianapolis Colts Preview: Outlook

The Indianapolis Colts play in the best division in football, the AFC South. The Indianapolis Colts have ruled this division for years, in spite of constant pressure from the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans. Outside of the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts will play their heated rivals the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and San Diego Chargers to name a few. The glorious new Lucas Oil Field will play host to the Indianapolis Colts and hopes to be the home of the 2008-09 Super Bowl Champions.