NFL Preview: Indianapolis Colts

by Stan, Ghosts of Wayne Fontes

We are on the clock, the NFL Season is about 24 hours away from walking back into our lives. And we’re wrapping up the last round of NFL Previews here at Epic today. I was given the distinguished honor to shed some light on what we can expect from your 2007 Indianapolis Colts. Seems like an easier task said, than done, but I’m willing to give it a go.

The Colts buried the demons last season by winning the Super Bowl and scraping the monkey off Peyton Manning’s back. So, are they poised for a repeat? Is this the year they take a few steps back? Can the defense hold up? Is Manning burnt out? How many more commercials can Peyton possibly do? Cut that meat? Ah yes, all the pressing questions…that I myself am going to call upon some help to answer.

And that’s why today in usual fashion, I’m putting the Colts season in perspective using the lyrics of a specific band. To be honest, it was hard to pinpoint the exact band that fit the passive image I have of the Colts. However, then it came to me…the Eagles. Yes, I’ve had a long day as well and I too hate the fucking Eagles, but just hang with me on this one. Without further ado, I’ll let Glen Fry, Don Henley and the crew be your guide to the 2007 Indianapolis Colts. (Sigh).

'Cause I gotta peaceful, easy feeling...and I know you won't let me down. 'Cause I'm already standing on the ground. (Last Season)

The Colts opened the season in typical fashion; 8-0. They were the darlings of the NFL, before the Dallas Cowboys exposed a potential kink in the armor. As per usual, the ’72 Dolphins did their gay little ritual and popped the Champagne in celebration. Honestly, is anyone ever going un-defeated again in the NFL? Anyhow, for the first time in years the Colts showed a sincere vulnerability as the season wore on.

Teams were jamming the ball down the throat of an abysmal run defense. And the Colts were on the verge of a complete team collapse. Manning (the leader) subtlety bickered to his buddies (the media) about how the defense was simply killing any post-season hopes the team might have. However, the calm demeanor of Tony Dungy wouldn’t allow his team to become derailed.

They managed to pull it all together for a Super Bowl run that included a remarkable comeback win at the RCA Dome over long time nemesis Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Order was restored and all the talk about the Colts window of opportunity being shut went for naught. Manning took the majority of the credit and as expected the story quickly changed from can he win the big one to “is he the greatest ever?” Yup, all a bit premature, but the Colts no doubt pulled off quite the 180 during the stretch run to become the Champs. And Peter King is still wiping Peyton's man juice off his chin.

So put me on a highway…And show me a sign. And take it to the limit one more time. (The Offense)

This offense is hardly going anywhere anytime soon. The only real loss this past off season was Dominic Rhodes who bolted to Oakland via free agency. Good riddance. Now, the Colts get to turn the keys over to a poised and ready for big things 2nd year runner in Joseph Addai. As evidenced by the departure of Edgerrin James in 2006, the Colts can make due just fine with whomever totes the rock for them.

Of course, this is much easier to do for a team that has Peyton Manning running the offensive ship. Manning is backed by ALL-PRO WR’s Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. Despite what some fantasy pundits believe, Reggie Wayne has actually become the go-to-guy for Manning in this offense. And this should be another year, where he does NOT disappoint. They replaced Brandon Stokely, with a younger, sleeker, whiter, sexier and quicker version in rookie Anthony Gonzalez. This should help out in the slot, as Manning loves to use his slot WR’s.

The Tight End position is owned by stalwart Dallas Clark, but the Colts also have the luxury of big Ben Utecht in case they want to run dual TE’s or Clark needs a breather. Utecht proved to be invaluable to the team during their post-season run and has no doubt lured Manning’s wandering eye to throw as many passes as possible in his direction.

As per usual, the Colts offense will dictate how good this team is going to be.

Somebody’s gonna hurt someone, before the night is through. Somebody’s gonna come undone. There’s nothin’ we can do.. (Defense)


The Colts believe in the philosophy that speed is better than size. The problem being, they hardly have enough able bodies it seems to fill out a defensive line these days. Rumor has it they've even be scouring the local high school’s and community college’s to see if they can fill this void (just kidding). They lost CB Nick Harper, LB Cato June and DT Montae Reagor this past off-season and could be gasping for air on defense, yet again.

Once considered a defensive mastermind, Tony Dungy pulled the right strings to get the defense up to par during the playoffs last season, but can they really carry over the energy and emotion? Pressure will be forced upon the young secondary and the former Michigan product Marlin Jackson will be called upon to be an instant stud if this group is to make any strides.

The often injured Bob Sanders is given the credit as the Indy difference maker on defense. Once again, he will be called upon to elevate his game, because on paper this defense looks to be anything, but special. If the Colts kick the bucket this year, Dungy can look no further than to blame himself for this potentially disastrous defensive unit.

Desperado, oh, you ain't gettin' no younger. Your pain and your hunger, they're drivin' you home. (Coaching staff)

It’s really hard to attempt to poke fun or critique a guy like Tony Dungy. He’s just an all around likable guy. And of course, with the tragedy of his son in 2005…you still sometimes just can’t help, but feel for and admire him. He took down “the nice guys finish last motto” last year and in essence debated about whether or not to simply walk away from the game itself. You always have to wonder how many more years Dungy will actually be around. He is a man of great faith, but also a man who believes in a life outside of football.

Regardless, Dungy and his calm demeanor return for one another season on the Colts sidelines. He is backed by assistant coach Peyton Manning, offensive coordinator Peyton Manning, offensive line coach Peyton Manning, QB, WR's and RB’s coach Peyton Manning, as well Ron Meeks on the defensive side. The staff added Rod Perry as the DB Coach and Archie Manning as an offensive consultant in the off-season.

Life in the fast lane. Surely make you lose your mind. Life in the fast lane, everything all the time. (Fantasy Impact)

It should come as no surprise that the Colts are loaded with potential fantasy options. Yet, you already knew that…fantasy draft season has come and gone. Manning holds first round value year in and year out. For many, Addai has cracked the Top 10 or even Top 5 picks. You’d be hard pressed to find Harrison or Wayne slip much further than the third round. However, as mentioned above…those who choose Harrison over Wayne will no doubt regret it this season.

Dallas Clark holds some semblance of value as a lower tier TE and many continue to tout Anthony Gonzalez as a potential sleeper. However, the real value in the Colts Fantasy Roster lies in kicker Adam Vinatieri. He’s a stable, reliable kicker who will no doubt see plenty of opportunities to secure points. You probably won’t be shocked if he battles it out for the role of #1 Fantasy Kicker this season…if that really even means anything.

Every time I try to walk away, something makes me turn around and stay and I can't tell you why. (Gambling)

The Colts went 12-8 ATS the spread in 2006. For the most part they were one of the more reliable teams on the board, until the run defense went south. Traditionally, the Colts spreads are always beefed up so much that it seems absurd to even bother wagering on them. However, if you find your niche with the three team 10 point teaser…they could be your go-to team. Of course, keep in mind you’ll still need them to win outright and/or cover a few points…even in a teaser. They are currently 9:1 to win the Super Bowl and are an early 6 point favorite over the Saints on opening night (not a good bet).

Her mind is Tiffany-twisted, she got the Mercedes Benz. She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys she calls friends. (Cheerleaders)

They work hard at what they do. It’s a rigorous lifestyle being an NFL Cheerleader and nobody said it was going to be easy. All in all, you can take a look for yourself, but I’ve gotta say the Indy Cheer Squad does the Midwest justice. The Midwest gets knocked for a lot of things, but a bad wrap on the ladies is simply mis-informed information. Ok, so maybe they aren’t really from the midwest, but you get my point…I hope.

I used to hurry a lot; I used to worry a lot. I used to stay out till the break of day. (Off the Field Antics)

Like most NFL teams, the Colts do a good job of keeping their nose clean. Rarely, do they surface on the police blotter and aside from the occasional wife stabbing a player in the leg the night before a playoff game, for the most part they run a tight ship. And it starts at the top with Jim Irsay and Bill Polian, trickling down to Tony Dungy and his staff.

Take another shot of courage. (Intangibles)

What intangibles? The pressure is off. Everyone has already begun pumping the love the Patriots way, which may in turn keep that chip securely perched on Manning’s shoulder. Competitive desire is no doubt the key ingredient/intangible for this team. Will they become complacent? I always picture Manning as the type of guy who would cheat at UNO to win…even if it was against his grandmother. So, I’m not too worried about the competitive edge in that regards.

You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave! (Overall Prediction)

The Colts will always be a contender as long as Peyton Manning is in the fold. They really should have it rather relaxing this year, as the pressure to win the big game is gone. Their division is getting only minimally better, as you have to wonder how much longer Jacksonville can hang onto this “kinda-sorta-good” tag. And perhaps, their biggest challenge will come from Vince Young and the Titans. They have a few assured wins agains the Texans. And to be honest they could probably just show up this year and still make the playoffs.

My guess is a much tamer season probably 12-4 and once again competing to advance to the Super Bowl, but they aren’t getting out of the AFC this year. Well, at least Manning got his ring last year so we don’t ever have to here about it again.

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