Once again, the Indianapolis Colts were a tremendous force to be reckoned with in 2009, as they made it to the Super Bowl. However, the loss to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV was disappointing. After starting the year at 14-0, HC Jim Caldwell essentially elected to give up on the chance at matching the feat of the New England Patriots from three seasons ago, and Indy lost its last two games of the year. Will a similar story be true in 2010?
There's never a fear when Peyton Manning is the man calling the shots for you. You can pretty much count on 4,000+ yards and 25+ touchdowns every single year. This season, he has just as many options as he has ever had at his disposal. Just thinking about the idea of having WRs Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon, and Anthony Gonzalez, as well as TE Dallas Clark should make any passing fan's mouths water.
On the ground, the Colts were ranked dead last in the league with just 80.9 yards per game. RB Joseph Addai had a rather disinteresting season, rushing for 828 yards and totaling 13 scores on the year. The key is going to be how well Manning and his offense gel with new offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen. The departure of former OC Tom Moore could prove to create a difficult transition, though the man you clearly want calling the shots in that situation is Manning.
The Indy defense seemed to do just enough all season long to produce victories. As has been the case in recent years, the Colts haven't had great numbers across the defensive board. Allowing 339.2 yards per game only left Indy 18th in the NFL in total defense. However, the 'D' found a way to bend quite a bit without breaking, as 19.2 points per game allowed was respectable, especially considering the fact that the offense scored 26.0 points per game.
This should be yet another great year for the Colts. Winning the AFC South should be a formality, and another trip deep into the second season should be the expectations. The only question is whether Manning is either set to decay and whether his mojo with his new offensive coordinator will be as strong as it was with Moore.
2010 NFL Betting Odds (Courtesy of 5Dimes Sportsbook and Bookmaker.com)
Indianapolis Colts Odds To Win AFC South: -150
Indianapolis Colts Odds To Win AFC Championship: +450
Indianapolis Colts Odds To Win Super Bowl XLV: +900
Indianapolis Colts Season Win Total: 10.5 (over -120)
2010 Indianapolis Colts Regular Season Schedule
9/12 @ HOU
9/19 vs. NYJ
9/26 @ DEN
10/3 @ JAC
10/10 vs. KC
10/17 @ WAS
Bye
11/1 vs. HOU
11/7 @ PHI
11/14 vs. CIN
11/21 @ NE
11/28 vs. SD
12/5 vs. DAL
12/9 @ TEN
12/19 vs. JAC
12/26 @ OAK
1/2 vs. TEN
