2007 Indianapolis Colts

Peyton Manning finally got past Tom Brady and the Patriots in the postseason to capture an NFL title. Last season marked Indy’s fourth straight division title and also its fourth season with at least 12 victories. You can expect the Colts to be the class of the AFC South once again as they continue to dominate in one of the AFC’s weaker division.

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The Colts were a team high on everyone’s radar to win the Super Bowl last season, but with terrible defensive play against the run costing them some victories in the season’s second half, experts began to look to teams like San Diego and New England as their new favorites. This defense gave up 100 or more rushing yards in every single game last season and teams taking advantage of this thought to be fatal flaw dealed Indy four losses in their final seven games. Somehow the return of hard hitting safety Bobby Sanders got this defenses playing some ball in the playoffs and the Colts were able to turn their run defense into a strength allowing just 82.8 rushing yards per game in the postseason. But I’m not convinced that this unit has solved all of its defensive issues. Weak side linebacker Cato Jun and cornerbacks Nick Harper and Jason David must be adequately replaced if the Colts even want to think about defending their championship.

We don’t need to talk too much about the offense as I’m convinced that you could put Peyton Manning on the Browns right now and they would make the playoffs. That’s how good this guy is at reading defenses, calling audibles, and limiting mistakes. Manning, number one receiver Marvin Harrison, offensive coordinator Tom Moore, and offensive line coach Howard Mudd have all worked together to build this well-oiled machine over the last 10 seasons. Perhaps the game’s best defensive line makes sure that Peyton Manning is rarely on his backside. His confidence in this group is what allows him to stand in the pocket so long to deliver strike after strike. The Colts O-line gave the fewest sacks in the NFL for the third straight season in 2006. So the next time you’re mad as hell when you’re favorite team takes an offensive lineman high in the first round, you’ll know what they are building for.

Head coach Tony Dungy brought his Tampa-2 defense to the Colts and with it came success. But his defensive losses will likely not be replaced in just one season which will cause this team some headaches. But ultimately, we feel the Colts will go over the 11-win number that odds makers have set for this team. Their division is just too weak, and their offense is just too good. I don’t feel the Colts are a strong bet to repeat as Super Bowl champs, but taking the Over 11 wins bet is as good as gold.

By Jeff Alexander – 7/9/2007

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