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AFC South breakdown - Indianapolis Colts
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AFC South – Indianapolis Colts – 2007 Record 13-3: 1st place AFC South
According to the Indianapolis Star, Colts quarterback Peyton Manning showed up at the brand new Lucas Oil Stadium on August 19 much to the delight of Indy fans. No word on the health of Manning’s knee, but the signal caller was not expected to practice. It was unclear if Manning was wearing a knee brace. This is Manning’s first appearance since surgery to repair an infected bursa sac in his left knee on July 14.
So with the good news, and from what I hear Manning should recover fully from the operation, we delve into the Colts in our preseason preview. With the exception of a big spacious new stadium on the horizon, the Colts don’t expect many other changes this season. Most of the team returns intact (20 of 22 starters) and last season railed off a fifth consecutive AFC South title.
Aside from the losses of right guard Jake Scott and tight end Ben Utecht, the offense will once again be a powerhouse in the NFL. Both positions were addressed in the draft and with Manning it seems as if the Colts never miss a beat. Offensive coordinator Tom Moore expects this squad to be as dangerous as ever with running back Joseph Addai, tight end Dallas Clark and wide receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. If healthy, Harrison is supposed to return to his Pro Bowl form and Wayne and Clark are considered to be at the top at their respective positions. Super Bowl hero Dominic Rhodes also returns after leaving the Colts last season.
On defense, coordinator Ron Meeks had the league’s best scoring unit last season. That was without defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis but the depth on the defensive line helped with rookies Ed Johnson and Keyunta Dawson. Strong safety Bob Sanders also returns after earning league NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
On both sides of the ball, injured starters do not expect to see much time in the preseason. However, this may not matter for a team like the Colts who have been together a long time. There may be some rust early on but expect Indy to continue and dominate the division, even with the Jacksonville Jaguars gaining ground. Head coach Tony Dungy is entering his seventh season and his whole coaching staff has remained in tact during his tenure. Another reason to not worry about all the star players missing time early. Come week one, this team will be ready to go.
Prediction: 1st AFC South
Playoffs: Fall to Giants in the Manning Bowl
