This is the final installment of our series previewing the Indianapolis Colts season. To see the other parts click on the links at the bottom here. It’s pretty hard to forecast the Coltss season a couple weeks before the year even kicks off. Schedule strength doesn’t matter as much in the NFL a it does in college football.
The NFL has much more parity, and a much longer season. What matters is health. If your guys are healthy and if your opponent’s are not. When you catch a certain team is just as important as if you play them or not.
So let’s look at the Colts schedule.
Obviously, the two games against the Houston Texans are the most important before the Colts, but don’t overlook the Tennessee Titans. Especially the November 14th game on Thursday night. And of course, the game that is CIRCLED on the schedule for everyone is October 20th. The Indianapolis Colts welcome Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos to the “House that Peyton Manning built.”
The Indianapolis Colts also have two critical trips to the West Coast: Sept 22nd at S.F. and a Monday nighter at the Chargers.
Indianapolis Colts QBs
Andrew Luck is a franchise player, and so far has lived up to the hype as Peyton’s heir apparent and a young leader of this offense. That said, he still has plenty of strides to make and room to grow. His TD-INT ratio last year was 23-18. So the first thing you’d like to see from him is a reduction of interceptions. Matt Hasselbeck is the second string, with former Mr. Irrelevant, and current viral video superstar Chandler Harnish, who hit Fox Sports Pam Oliver in the head; and it was all caught on video.
Bottom line: the Indianapolis Colts have made some improvements, and should be better. However, most of their division and conference rivals have gotten better prepared for them too. The schedule just looks like 10-6 or 11-5 to me. Which will be good enough to get back into the playoffs; and maybe win a game this time. Unlike last year.
Indianapolis Colts ST
Adam Vinatieri is the only rockstar in NFL placekicking history. He’s into his 40s and showing no signs of slowing down. Vinatieri is the greatest clutch kicker in football history. Pat McAfee is a decent Punter. T.Y. Hilton and Kerwynn Williams will handle the returns. Matt Overton is the Long Snapper.
Indianapolis Colts WR/TE/DB
For Indianapolis Colts RB/LB
For Indianapolis Colts OL/DL
For Indianapolis Colts QB/ST/overview/predictions
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. An analyst for 95.7 The Fan, he also writes on Chicago sports media for Chicago Now. President Obama follows him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)