If any message can be sent in the first game of the NFL’s regular season, the Indianapolis Colts sent one loud and clear.
In case anyone forgot, the defending Super Bowl Champions reminded all they are a team in no hurry to relinquish their crown.
In defeating the New Orleans Saints so convincingly, the team looks every bit the class of the league.
The 41-10 blowout over the defending NFC South champions was probably the most impressive in a week where the other AFC frontrunners also took a step forward.
As anticipated, the Colts’ offense took what was given and then some from the Saints defense, including burning former Colts cornerback Jason David time and again throughout.
The surprise of the night, however, occurred on the defensive end, where the Colts D stifled one of premier offenses in the National Football League. Scrutinized all preseason for its inexperience, the unit displayed flashes of a potentially great squad.
According to defensive captain Gary Brackett, the team’s first game was an important one to set a clear tone.
“We wanted to put on a show, first game of the season, we wanted to go out there and show everybody what the Colts are about this year,” he said.
In holding the high-powered Saints without an offensive touchdown, the team’s speed and intensity overwhelmed a team many believe can represent the NFC this year in the Super Bowl.
Contrary to most of the viewing public, safety Bob Sanders said the team defense should have shocked no one.
“The way we played (Thursday), we’re not surprised by it, because that’s the type of guys we recruit. We recruit fast guys, guys that are smart, physical guys and when we’re communicating out there, I think we can be good,” Sanders said.
A start becoming all too familiar in the Tony Dungy era, the Colts find themselves again in prime position entering divisional play this weekend. For the next two weeks, the Colts will be tested on the road against improved division rivals seeking at least to test the Colts, if not realistically challenge for a division title.
Their next two opponents, the Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans, each find themselves grooming relatively new quarterbacks, but have also started out of the gate with impressive victories. While Tennessee budding superstar Vince Young has a penchant for winning if not bolstering jaw-dropping statistics, the Texans Matt Shaub’s home debut was successful.
Unquestionably, the Colts are presently more complete than any of their division foes; but the coach is taking nothing for granted.
“I think some teams are a lot better,” the coach said. “Tennessee came on at the end of the year, great winning streak at the end. Jacksonville pounded us down there, and Houston is going to be better. These next two weeks will be huge for us to see if we can get after another good start.”
Barato Britt is a Recorder correspondent.
