3.How will the Colts' offensive line fare?
This also could be titled, 'Who will start for the offensive line?' The Colts dealt with injuries on the offensive line throughout the preseason, with center Jeff Saturday missing all four games with a knee injury and left tackle Charlie Johnson missing all four with a foot injury. Saturday returned to practice this week and seems likely to play while Johnson practiced on a limited basis last week. Johnson's history is that he has played and played well on several occasions after missing practice and/or returning from injuries, and you just have a feeling he'll figure out a way to play. If he does, the line is likely to be Ryan Diem (right tackle), Kyle DeVan (right guard), Saturday, Jamey Richard (left guard) and Johnson. The Colts' offensive line has focused on improving as a run-blocking unit this off-season, but considering the preseason injuries, it may take time to develop.“You have to go out and hush the critics, no matter where it comes from,” Saturday said. “You have to go out there and play well and fight and battle for your team. We have to be better running the ball. Overall, if you look at your rankings and where we are – Clyde Christensen, our new OC (offensive coordinator), he's kind of put that onus. We need at least another yard per carry. That's a goal we're going to have for this season. We just have to go out and do our job.”
4.Can the Colts continue their early-season success?
The Colts have been good at just about all times of the season for the last decade, but if their current run of an NFL-high eight consecutive post-season appearances has been built on anything it has been quick starts. The Colts have started five of the last seven seasons 5-0 – 2003 (0-5), 2005 (13-0), 2006 (9-0), 2007 (7-0) and last season (14-0). The Colts never trailed in the division in any of those seasons, parlaying the starts into AFC titles each season. The Colts typically start the season playing at a high level offensively, which gives them an edge considering many teams need a few weeks to start playing efficiently. The Colts also have played well on the road in season-openers, and if they can win Sunday, they will have a huge early-season advantage over a team many expect to contend for the division.
5.Can the Colts' defense contain the Texans?
Lost at times among a slew of preseason injuries to the offensive line has been the potential of the Colts' defense. Safety Bob Sanders is entering the season healthy for the first time since his 2007 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year season, and the consensus around the Colts seems to be this is the deepest, most-talented defense entering the season in some time. Sanders' return adds a big-time playmaker and Freeney and Mathis are still in their prime as perhaps the NFL's most effective pass-rushing tandem. Colts players felt they allowed too many big plays and too many points in the preseason. The Texans have been able to move effectively against the Colts in recent seasons, although the Colts' defense has changed the momentum of several match-ups with big plays. This will be a significant early-season test for Indianapolis' defense.
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