They are back and no matter who you ask in the organization, they are primed for a return to the Super Bowl once again.
Yes folks, the NFL season is indeed upon us and while hopes are high for the Colts, it is only realistic to look at a few things that will no doubt have a serious impact on their quest for a second NFL championship.
While veteran experience is certainly a luxury, the core group of players that make this team a threat to win each week are another year older. How long can we expect Peyton Manning, who turned 34 this past March, to continue to remain healthy in a season that is brutally long?
How about Jeff Saturday, the undisputed anchor of the offensive line? Can he remain productive at the age of 35? It is unlikely that both of them will be able to finish the season without some type of injury, and the loss of Manning for any extended period would end any hopes of advancing deep into the playoffs.
Just how healthy is All- Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney after suffering an injury that may have been much worse than reported? Shall we mention the oft-injured Bob Sanders? He emphatically stated in training camp just a few days ago that he is healthy and ready to go. While that is certainly a bonus for a Colts defensive backfield that was riddled by Drew Brees in the Super Bowl, it is highly unlikely that Sanders will be able to play a large number of games this year with a body that has been ravaged the last few years with various injuries.
The kicking game may also be placed front and center with the uncertainty surrounding Adam Vinatieri, who at age 37 must show a full recovery from hip and knee injuries to be effective.
While first year punter Pat McAfee was superb in his rookie campaign, the Colts need a contingency plan at place kicker and may need to bring in an unsigned veteran in the event Vinatieri cannot perform.
Injuries aside, how do the Colts go about improving the play of their secondary? Teams who have solid passing games have feasted on this current group of veterans and while the team made some minor moves in the off season to shore up their pass defense, the secondary will once again be wearing a bulls eye on opening night.
Despite all of the aforementioned, with a healthy Manning, and some overall improved play by the offensive line, the Colts should be able to light up the scoreboard with the best of them. The real question is, can they stop the opposition from doing the same?
Notes: The Colts first round pick is signed and in camp.
Jerry Hughes, a defensive end from Texas Christian University, will probably get an immediate opportunity to make an impact with this team.
One thing is for sure, this guy is quick.
The crowds at training camp at Anderson University have been big and loud. While weather has cancelled and shortened some workouts, the Colts have been warmly welcomed by the community of Anderson. Looks like the relocation back to that location is serving all parties well.
Colts lineman John Gill was recently arrested for public intoxication in a bizarre incident in which police found him lying in a ditch in the 3600 block of Lafayette Road in Indianapolis.
The team was expected to make Gill inactive this season.
The Colts open their pre season this Sunday Aug. 15 at Lucas Oil Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. and can also be seen on WTTV 4.
Danny Bridges, who thinks the best food at Colts training camp are the coneys at Gene’s Drive- In , can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
Indianapolis Colts’ No. 47, Gijon Robinson, and No. 50, Philip Wheeler go head to head on a drill. (Photo/W. Thomas)
Colts preseason and
regular season schedules
Preseason Schedule
Wk. 1 Aug. 15 San Francisco 49ers – 1 p.m. – WTTV
Wk. 2 Aug. 19 At Buffalo Bills – 7:30 p.m. – WTTV
Wk. 3 Aug. 26 At Green Bay Packers – 8 p.m. – ESPN/MyINDY
Wk. 4 Sept. 2 Cincinnati Bengals – 7 p.m. – WTTV
Regular Season Schedule
Wk. 1 Sept. 12 At Houston Texans – 1 p.m. – CBS TV
Wk. 2 Sept. 19 New York Giants – 8:20 p.m. – NBC TV
Wk. 3 Sept. 26 At Denver Broncos – 4:15 p.m. – CBS TV
Wk. 4 Oct. 3 At Jacksonville Jaguars – 4:05 p.m. – CBS TV
Wk. 5 Oct. 10 Kansas City Chiefs – 1 p.m. – CBS TV
Wk. 6 Oct. 17 At Washington Redskins – 8:20 p.m. – NBC TV
Wk. 7 Oct. 24 Bye week-no game
Wk. 8 Nov. 1 Houston Texans – 8:30 p.m. – ESPN/MyINDY
Wk. 9 Nov. 7 At Philadelphia Eagles – 4:15 P.M. – CBS TV
Wk. 10 Nov. 14 Cincinnati Bengals – 1 p.m. – CBS TV
Wk. 11 Nov. 21 At New England Patriots – 4:15 p.m. – CBS TV
Wk. 12 Nov. 28 San Diego Chargers – 8:20 p.m.– NBC TV
Wk. 13 Dec. 5 Dallas Cowboys – 4:15 p.m. – FOX TV
Wk. 14 Dec. 9 At Tennessee Titans – 8:20 p.m. – NFL TV Network
Wk. 15 Dec. 19 Jacksonville Jaguars – 1 p.m. – CBS TV
Wk. 16 Dec. 26 At Oakland Raiders – 4:05 p.m. – CBS TV
Wk. 17 Jan. 2 Tennessee Titans – 1 p.m. CBS TV
Notes
All times local to Indianapolis. Kickoff times may change after Week 11 due
to flex scheduling.
Radio broadcasts on Vectren Radio Network / 97.1 Hank FM / 1070 AM The Fan
