This week's Magnificent Seven: On a pair of running backs and the Indianapolis Colts' offensive line

Adrian Peterson scores on Colts defense (AP Photo)

Each week on Examiner.com, Indy Football Report Editor John Oehser offers seven thoughts on all things Indianapolis Colts. Without delay, this week's Magnifent Seven . .

7) Don't panic. There was a lot of teeth-gnashing this past week following a 13-3 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings over a lot of Colts-related issues -- the three points on offense, the three sacks in the first six plays, the ease with which the Minnesota Vikings rushed at times. Colts Head Jim Caldwell was unhappy afterward, and it's his job to be unhappy after such a performance. But the Colts historically struggle in the preseason because while they are trying to win they also use the preseason to evaluate and to get young players prepared for the preseason. As they have proven throughout their current streak of 12 or more victories in six consecutive seasons, the Colts typically are prepared for the regular season and as they proved last season, even when they start slow, they are a veteran team that can recover from a slow start. Not to say there aren't concerns. You just can't panic after a preseason opener in which nearly half the starters don't play.

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6) On the defense: Wait and see. It stood to reason that you wouldn't see much of the Colts' "new" defense in the preseason and while there was a bit of blitzing against Minnesota, it wasn't extensive. it still remains to be seen just how drastic the much-discussed changes under first-year coordinator Larry Coyer will be. Whatever they are, they almost certainly won't be unveiled until September 13 -- the date of the Colts' season-opener against Jacksonville.

5) In tandem: Joseph Addai and Donald Brown. Colts rookie RB and first-round selection Donald Brown dazzled with 58 yards on five carries in the season opener, and he without question was the big story of the game for the Colts. As significant was an early 13-yard run by starter Joseph Addai. It has been vogue to bash Addai in the offseason and that's fine, but the reality is Addai was hurt throughout last season and was only healthy for a few games, if that. The quickness and missability he showed on that run is why he was a Pro Bowl selection in 2007 and why he rushed for 1,000 yards each of his first two seasons. I touched on this several times since the Minnesota game, but it just can't be overemphasized: a healthy tandem of Addai and Brown gives the Colts an offensive element they have never seen in the last decade -- and around the Colts, that decade featured some special offensive elements.

4) Boom time. He still wants to be more consistent, but a 63-yard punt by rookie P Pat McAfee in the preseason opener is what has the Colts excited about the transition from Hunter Smith to the rookie seventh-round draft selection from West Virginia. Smith, the Colts' punter since 1999, was terrific at pinning teams deep in their own territory, but McAfee has a huge leg and the Colts are convinced they will have better consistency this season at the position.

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3) Whither the sleepers. Each offseason, a rookie free agent or two -- sometimes more -- make the Colts' roster. Gary Brackett, Dominic Rhodes, Eric Foster and Melvin Bullitt are just a few of the undrafted free agents who have made huge impact for the Colts. This season's roster through one preseason game appears to be very difficult for an undrafted rookie to make, but you figure one or two will surprise. Which ones? Thus far, rookie DT Adrian Grady and CB Jacob Lacey have made impressions in the lineup, but watch special teams against Philadelphia. That's where rookie free agents often make the roster.

2) Getting going. I wrote about it on Examiner already this week, so it's cheating a bit to go back to it, but OL Tony Ugoh is going to be one of the most-watched stories of preseason and early season. Caldwell moved Charlie Johnson into Ugoh's old left-tackle position, at the same time saying the team still expected Ugoh to make a leap in his third season. He also said the team hoped Ugoh would want to fight for the position. After the preseason opener, Caldwell made a point of praising Ugoh without being asked. Stay tuned.

1) A motivated bunch. We're back to the offensive line again, which is no surprise. The group was the story of the offseason and they were angry after the preseason opener. Angry that they allowed three sacks in six plays. Angry that they only got to play those six plays. The Colts were playing the preseason opener without starting tackles Ryan Diem and Charlie Johnson, and reserve tackle Corey Hilliard gave up two of the three sacks, so there's plenty of reason to be optimistic. Still, this unit will be a huge focus when the Colts play Philadelphia Thursday.

TRAINING CAMP NEWS

K Adam Vinatieri says he'll be ready for regular season

Colts becoming Head Coach Jim Caldwell's team

WR Reggie Wayne continues to be team leader

Magnificent Seven I: Seven training camp thoughts and observations

On Colts RB Joseph Addai

Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer says no Blitzburgh necessary for Colts

Moore, Mudd together just one more year

Magnificent Seven II: On the Colts' defensive tackle position and WR Reggie Wayne

Indianapolis Colts offensive line moving forward with lineup few expected

Colts Uncertain when Bob Sanders will return

Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell no Tony Dungy clone