The Indianapolis Colts have been a perennial playoff machine under Head Coach Tony Dungy; however their past successes have made them immune to being satisfied with just appearing in the post-season. Last year's home playoff loss to San Diego likely had the Colts stewing all off season and yearning for the 2008 season to get underway. NFL Betting odds at SBGglobal.com have Indianapolis at +500 odds to win the AFC Championship.
Surprise, the Colts had a dominating offense in 2007. Peyton Manning had a typical Manning year (98 passer rating, 4040 yards, 31 touchdowns) while leading the club to 28.1 points per game and 358.9 yards passing per game. Despite his recent knee surgery, it is a given that Manning will again have the Colts offense moving like a well oiled machine in 2008.
Aside from guard Jake Scott (departed to Tennessee), the offensive unit will be i
dentical to last year. Marvin Harrison is healthy now and he, along with Reggie Wayne, make up probably the best one-two receiving tandem in the league. In the backfield, Joseph Addai will try to improve on last season's numbers after his production slipped in the final eight games. Still, despite the drop, Addai finished the season with 12 touchdowns and 1072 yards.
The Colts also brought back Dominic Rhodes this off season. Rhodes provides a good change of pace to Addai and gives the offense another dangerous third down weapon.
It wasn't that long ago that the Colts defense was a mere speed bump for teams on their way to the end zone. The Indy defense looks more like the Great Wall of China these days. Last year the Colts led the league in holding opponents to 16.4 points per game. They also ranked third in yards per game allowed at 279.7. The only area where they were even marginal last year was the rush defense (ranked 15th).
The unit should be just as formidable in 2008, if not more so, as Dwight Freeney will be back at end. Linebacker Rob Morris and defensive tackle Anthony McFarland did leave via free agency, but Tony Dungy is a defensive master who is not likely to oversee a decline in production. The team has speed at all positions and anchor Bob Sanders will still be roaming the field blowing up plays.
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