Last Season
To say that the Indianapolis Colts kicked off the 2008 NFL season
with a whimper instead of a bang is a vast understatement. They lost 4
games out of their first 6, causing their fans to tear their hair out
with frustration. However, by the mid season, like someone hit a secret
switch, quarterback Peyton Manning and the rest of the team switched
into overdrive, becoming one of the hottest teams in the NFL. They
dished out defeats in 9 straight games to see out the season, crushing
the likes of Pittsburgh, Tennessee and New England. The difference
seemed to lie predominantly in the Colts' improved defense, holding
their opponents to just 15.1 points per game. Off Season
Although the Indianapolis Colts were still glowing
after their superb comeback in the latter half of last season, they bid
farewell to many running backs in the off-season including Dominic
Rhodes. This was not unexpected considering the team's running game let
it down for most of the season. In fact, the Colts were second last in
the NFL, averaging a paltry 74 yards per game. Thanks to the 2009 NFL
Draft, Indianapolis secured dazzling running back Donald Brown, who last
year at Connecticut made 2,083 yards and 18 touchdowns. Former USC
Trojans defensive tackle Fili Moala will add a much-needed consistency
to the team, while cornerback, Jerraud Powers, has shown a lot of
natural talent. However, at 5'9 and 188lbs could he be too small?
2009 Preview
Going into this season, the Indianapolis Colts will be without a few
key players. It lost wide receiver Marvin Harrison, arguably one of the
strongest players in its offense. However, Reggie Wayne should be able to fill in some
gaps. The million dollar question is what kind of shape the Colts'
running game will be in? Although Joseph Addai is expected to step up
this season, he is reportedly struggling with a knee injury, and many
will be wondering if Brown can make the transition to the big leagues.
However, assuming Peyton Manning is on his game this season, the Colts
should be in much better shape offensively. Defensively, the teams will
be largely unchanged. Presumably the theory is that if it ain't broke,
don't fix it.
2009 Prediction
The Indianapolis Colts seemed to have drawn a 'manageable' schedule
this season, meaning on that is not too easy and not too hard. The Colts
will get the ball rolling against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami
Dolphins. If they can dominate in these early games, and continue to
play consistently from the start to the end of the season, they should
be a team well worth following. In fact, it is very possible that Indianapolis
could get back to top of the AFC South. Our Pick The Colts will still be dangerous, but might be found wanting this season when they face the first tier teams. There could be betting value fading this team and grabbing the points on the underdog when the Colts are favored. They should get 9 wins straight up, however.
2009/10 Indianapolis Colts Schedule
| Date |
Opponent |
| Sep 13, 2009 |
vs. Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Sep 21, 2009 |
at Miami Dolphins |
| Sep 27, 2009 |
at Arizona
Cardinals |
| Oct 04, 2009 |
vs. Seattle Seahawks |
| Oct 11, 2009 |
at Tennessee Titans |
| Bye |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
at Saint Louis Rams |
| Nov 01, 2009 |
vs. San Francisco 49ers |
| Nov 08, 2009 |
vs. Houston Texans |
| Nov 15, 2009 |
vs. New England Patriots |
| Nov 22, 2009 |
at Baltimore Ravens |
| Nov 29, 2009 |
at Houston Texans |
| Dec 06, 2009 |
vs. Tennessee Titans |
| Dec 13, 2009 |
vs. Denver Broncos |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
at Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Dec 27, 2009 |
vs. New York Jets |
| Jan 03, 2010 |
at Buffalo Bills |
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