Since the end of the Indianapolis Colts 2006 regular season, fans have grown accustomed to a tenacious defensive identity that complements an overpowering offense.
Just before that time, the unit made noise for threatening to be historically abysmal, particularly against the run.
Today, the Colts defense is anchored by superstars and veterans that have thrived in head coach Tony Dungy’s system. Much of the young talent the team has drafted in recent years has integrated seamlessly at the defensive end, despite critical starter losses since claiming the Super Bowl XLI title.
But as the Colts’ training camp and regular season schedule continues, issues from injuries to unexpected retirement make for a cloudy outlook entering the 2008 regular season.
Though neither have been able to practice due to injury, there is little question the Colts defense will only go as far as their game breakers, defensive end Dwight Freeney and reigning Defensive Player of the Year safety Bob Sanders. All indications point to the two returning to dominant form this season, however, the accumulated time missed due to injury is cause enough for concern.
Up front, Freeney will again be supported by veteran defensive linemen Robert Mathis and Raheem Brock, who likewise will benefit by the double teams Freeney will still demand. Sophomore tackles Ed Johnson and Keyunta Dawson help round out the Colts front four rotation, and will see greater roles due to the unexpected retirement of 2007 third-round draft pick Quinn Pitcock.
If there is a positive from Freeney’s absence, according to Brock, it is that the younger players are gaining valuable experience. However, he cautioned that preseason games, no matter how close how widely televised, pale in comparison to the regular season.
“We have to get these young guys up to speed and get them as much experience as we can. Either way, preseason is for the young guys,” said Brock, who will primarily play left end this season. “If Dwight was here, he wouldn’t have played that much, and they still would have played three and a half quarters. We take the young guys under our wing; they do a great job of following the vets. They’re ready to play, that’s what it’s all about.”
Though defensive captain Gary Brackett returned from offseason hip surgery last week, on paper, the Colts appear to be thin at the linebacker positions. Brackett is an underrated defender, but the play of third year vets Freddy Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler will more likely determine whether the unit can maintain its new look. But with Hagler unable to perform due to a chest injury, the Colts are not only relying on younger players in Clint Session and rookie Philip Wheeler, the team is entertaining free agent options.
While the Colts linebacker core deficiencies are early causes for concern, the Colts defensive strength remains its secondary.
With Sanders widely gaining consideration as the league’s best safety, free safety Antoine Bethea and corners Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden have quietly become a most formidable unit. The group’s cohesion on the field is mirrored by that of their camaraderie off of it. Should Sanders make a full recovery as expected from shoulder surgery, there is no reason to expect a slip in productivity.
Given piling injuries, the truest indicator of the Colts defensive capabilities will likely remain unseen into the first quarter of the regular season. The team will continue to work this weekend as they travel to Atlanta for a match up with the new look Atlanta Falcons.
The third of a five-game preseason, coach Dungy said his starters will begin to see more game time, particularly after an uneven performance that resulted in a 23-20 overtime loss last week against the Carolina Panthers.
“Our big goal is to be a little bit sharper and to play better in the game with our first group,” Dungy said. “They’ll go a little bit longer, they know that. And they want to play a little bit better.”
