2011 Indianapolis Colts Predictions
Written by Steve Janus
Despite a number of injuries to key players, the Indianapolis Colts managed to win the AFC South for the seventh time in the last nine seasons with a 10-6 record. However, the Colts season was put to an end in the first round of the playoffs, as they suffered a tough 16-17 loss at the hands of the New York Jets. The Colts will get most of their injured players back for the start of the season, and are a legit Super Bowl contender in 2011. Here’s a closer look at what they will send to the field on both sides of the ball.
Offense:
The success of this football team rests on the mind and arm of Peyton Manning. Without him they aren’t even close to playoff team. With him they are easily one of the best teams in the entire league. Manning played exceptionally well in 2010, considering he played most of the season without tight end Dallas Clark, wide receivers Anthony Gonzalez and Austin Collie, and running backs Joseph Addai and Donald Brown.
While a lot of the top offensive weapons went down, veteran wide out Reggie Wayne stepped up with a monster season. Wayne caught 111 passes for 1,355 yards and six touchdowns. Backup tight end Jacob Tamme played extremely well in the place of Clark, but getting Clark back is a huge plus for the offense in 2011. Pierre Garcon really had a nice season with 67 catches for 784 yards and six scores, and should continue to stay in the starting mix with Clark, Wayne, and Collie.
The Colts really missed Addai last season, but it seems like him and Brown always seem to struggle with injuries. When Addai is healthy this offense is nearly unstoppable, but Manning has proven he doesn’t need a running game to win.
Indianapolis used their first-round draft pick on offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo, and he has a great shot at opening the season as the starting left tackle. He is the answer they have been looking for to protect Manning’s blind side, and it really gives them a solid unit up front overall.
Defense:
Defensively the Colts had their struggles in 2010, but a lot of that had to do with the injuries they suffered at linebacker. Both starting middle linebacker Gary Brackett and outside linebacker Clint Session missed at least a quarter of the season. The injuries opened up the door for rookie Pat Anger, who proved he could play both inside and out. Anger impressed so much that he figures to open the year as one of the starting outside linebackers. Brackett will be back in the middle, while Ernie Sims is expected to start at the other outside spot for Session.
The Colts really struggled against the run last year, allowing 127 yards a game, but they added free agent defensive tackle Tommie Harris to team up with Fili Moala and Antonio Johnson inside. At defensive end, the Colts have two of the best pass rushers in the game in Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, but they would really like to see more out of second-year player Jerry Hughes.
The Colts decided to not bring back safety Bob Sanders, which shows they are content with sending out Antoine Bethea and Melvin Bullitt as the starting duo this season. They also let go of starting corner Kelvin Hayden, leaving Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey as the two starters to open the season.
Prediction: 1st AFC South, 11-5 Overall – If Peyton Manning was coming into the season 100%, I would have the Colts closer to 13 wins. It’s unclear when Manning will even play. While some are completely jumping off the Colts in 2011, I still feel like they are talented enough to win the AFC South. As long as Manning doesn’t miss more than a couple games and they don’t suffer the same amount of key injuries, the Colts should have no trouble reaching 11 wins.
Individual Team NFL Season Predictions
Additional Resources:
- Vernon Croy – Thinks you can’t count out Manning and the Colts this season.
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