Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts

2011 NFL Season Preview: Indianapolis Colts

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Indianapolis Colts

 

Front Office:

Owner:            James Irsay

GM:                 Chris Polian

A:         The owner was smart by employing Bill Polian, who had orchestrated the Buffalo Bills teams in the early 90’s.  Polian wrote the book on building a franchise and how to draft well, no matter where you select.  When Polian stated Martin Mayhew was an up and coming GM even when he was on the Millen regime….I trusted him blindly.

Coaching:

HC:      Jim Caldwell

OC:     Clyde Christensen

DC:      Larry Coyer

C+:      The Colts coaching staff hasn’t done a horrible job since replacing the Dungy group….but I just don’t like a lot of their decisions.  I think Peyton Manning is the real reason for their success.  In too many games last season, the Colts got outcoached.

QB:     A-

For all future QB’s who want to be franchise leaders: please just study the history of Peyton Manning.  Guy is a machine.  Perfect mechanics, perfect leadership, and consistency have made him what he is, a first ballot hall of famer.  Injuries have started to creep up like a “pain in the neck” for Manning, but he still hasn’t missed any games in his career.  I feel next draft is the perfect time for the Colts to start prepping his replacement.

RB:     B-

There is talent in this group, but they need to stay healthy.  Joseph Addai is a tough runner that is also an able pass receiver and blocker.  The offense is effective when he is in, however, that is not as often as they would like especially last year when he battled injuries all season.  Former first rounder Donald Brown has flashed skills but, like Addai, has had injuries limit his effectiveness.  Recently drafted Delone Carter could be a real steal and help in short yardage situations this year.

WR/TE: A-

Reggie Wayne is still an elite WR…but he’s no longer in his prime The Colts are fairly deep at WR with Pierre Garcon, Blair White, and Austin Collie.  Garcon is an occasional deep threat but is injured and inconsistent. Austin Collie fits this offense perfectly, but he had multiple concussions which nearly put his career in jeopardy.  Blair White, an undrafted free agent, runs great routes and never drops a pass is another great fit for the Colts and Peyton Manning.  TE Dallas Clark and Jacob Tamme do great damage in the middle of the field and in the red zone.

OL:     B

It may have took longer than expected given Polian’s genius, but the Colts finally addressed this position.  Newly acquired Anthony Castonzo and Benjamin Ijalana should fill in nicely at LT and LG.  Ryan Diem is declining rapidly at RT and will need to be replaced soon.  RG Mike Pollak is solid.  Peyton and the Colts are hoping to get one more year from center Jeff Saturday.  It was wise to snag up UFA Jake Kirkpatrick who will become another great UFA rock star for the Colts.

DL:     B

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are both still able to get 10+ sacks but both players are in their thirties.  The Colts need Jerry Hughes to step up after a disappointing rookie season.  I love the DT duo of Fili Moala and Drake Nevis.  While power running games will be able to have success, these two will generate major pressure up the middle.  Signing veteran Tommie Harris was a low risk high reward signing.  It would be wise to acquire a bigger DT to rotate in with the rest.

LB:      B-

Last season rookies Pat Angerer and Kavell Conner stepped right in and were productive.  Sandwiched between the two, Gary Brackett is a very able leader of the defense.  Though all are solid, this unit lacks an elite player.

DB:     C

Jerraud Powers is an up and coming lock down CB.  Kelvin Hayden was released and that move might come back to haunt them.  This unit’s depth has been undermined by injuries.  Bob Sanders demise and subsequent release really hurt.  Melvin Bullitt and Antoine Bethea are both talented, but not near the threat Sanders was all over the field.  Next year’s draft should focus on obtaining a play making safety as well as another starting CB.

Last Draft:

Polian strikes again.  Anthony Costanzo will be a good LT for many years.  I think Benjamin Ijalana can play either RT or OG at a pro bowl level.  Drake Nevis is a perfect fit at DT in the Colts system.  I also like Delone Carter for RB depth and a possible future starter.  A

Sleepers on Offense/Defense

Blair White even surprised Peyton Manning with his knowledge of the game.  He told Peyton in the huddle that CB were jamming inside and can be fooled by a double move.  Peyton listened and a touchdown was the result.  I think over time Blair will get more playing time.  As it stands now I predict: 45 rec, 550 yards, and 5 TD’s.

Jerraud Powers is known as a good CB but if he can stay healthy, but I predict more.  He is very athletic and aggressive.  I can see him getting 70 tackles and around 4 interceptions.  Teams will begin avoiding him.

Prediction for the year:                                  9-7

Colts have always been the team I cheered for once the Lions got to 0-5 or 0-6.  Not that I didn’t cheer for the Lions, but I wanted someone to beat the Patriots and Steelers.  I don’t feel it this year.  Peyton has some injuries piling on him, I don’t particularly care for the coaching staff, the weapons on offense are getting old and nicked up, OL is young, and secondary lost two of their better players.  I think this is the one year the Texans pass them.  Enjoy it Houston for as short as it will last.  I hope I am wrong.