2006 Indianapolis Colts Preview: Can Peyton & Co. Finally Get It Done?
I know the Colts blew a golden opportunity last season by losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in the AFC playoffs, especially when they didn’t have to face their arch rivals, the New England Patriots, but I firmly believe that as long as quarterback Peyton Manning and head coach, Tony Dungy are joined at the hip, then the Colts should be perennial playoff participants and legitimate AFC Championship contenders.
Whether the Colts can overcome the loss of several key free agents in 2006 to become a legitimate Supper Bowl contender, is an entirely different story altogether.
Oh, and by the way, the clock is ticking for both, Manning and Dungy.
I hate to say it, but the similarities between Manning and Miami’s Hall of Fame quarterback, Dan Marino, are painstakingly similar, although Manning has been blessed with more talented teams than Marino had over the course of his entire career.
Hopefully, the elder Manning can win at least one Super Bowl title before he’s done. If nothing else, Peyton’s father, Archie, who was the best player on some horrific New Orleans Saints’ teams in the 1970s – deserves it.
Reminiscing aside, here’s my breakdown on the Colts for 2006.
Quarterbacks
I know Peyton Manning is this era’s version of Marino – a gunslinger that continuously puts up eye-opening statistics, only to fall short come playoff time. Don’t get me wrong, the majority of the Colt’s postseason disappointments aren’t Manning’s fault, however, as we all know, the quarterback is usually the one to bear the blame in the long run. However, I have to be fair and say that even Peyton, with his quick release and excellent brains, couldn’t escape the onslaught that the Pittsburgh Steelers threw at them by constantly blitzing Manning and either forcing him into an errant thro or sacking him.
As I always say, ‘It’s hard to throw when you’re lying on your back.’
If the Colts offensive line can perform better in 2006, the Colts could go all the way.
Running Backs
The Colts can try to smooth over the loss of Edgerrin James all they want. The bottom line is, they lost one of the best running backs in the league and he will not be easily replaced, if at all.
I have absolutely nothing against Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai; however, replacing James may be next to impossible. I like what I’ve seen so far from Addai – and Rhodes is a wily veteran, but until further notice, I’m going to be skeptical.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Hmmmm, the Colts have Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley. Need I say any more? Okay. I’ll throw in Dallas Clark at tight end and complete what is possibly the league’s best receiving corps.
Offensive Line
I know that the Indy’s entire starting unit is returning from last season, but I have to say that, the way they failed to pick up the Pittsburgh Steelers blitz in last year’s playoff loss that may not necessarily be a good thing.
Center, Jeff Saturday and left tackle Tarik Glenn, Pro Bowl performers in 2005, are the leaders of the offensive line, which is also composed of tackle Ryan Diem and guards Jake Scott and Ryan Lilja.
The Colts drafted a pair of tackles (Michael Toudouze and Charlie Johnson) and had better hope that at least one of them turns out to be a prime time player. If not, the Colts could be looking at another sack parade come playoff time.
Defensive Linemen
The Colts lost Larry Tripplett to free agency and veteran Josh Williams was released at the end of the season. However, Indy does return defensive ends Dwight Freeney, Raheem Brock and Robert Mathis, who will team up with defensive tackles Montae Reagor and Corey Simon to make Indianapolis a force up front.
The Colts defensive line should be even better in 2006 than it was last season. The addition of Simon I particular, not only provides the Colts with a run stuffing tackle, but one who can also get pressure on the quarterback and should get at least 6 sacks this season, taking even more pressure off of the incredible Freeney.
Linebackers
As much as I like the Colts’ defensive line, that’s how cool I am towards the linebacking group.
Cato June with 109 tackles and a team-leading five interceptions, two of which he ran back for touchdowns, is a bonafide playmaker.
Middle linebacker, Gary Brackett posted impressive numbers last season, but rarely made a game changing impact unlike June. Gilbert Gardner should start on the other side opposite of June with Rob Morris coming in off the bench in the rotation. Second-year linebacker Tyjuan Hagler is back after missing his rookie season with a sports hernia injury and rookie, Freddie Keiaho will backup at either linebacker spot. However, I’m not impressed with this unit on the whole. If another player steps up to a Pro Bowl caliber level, or somewhere near it, then the Colts will be in business.
Defensive Backs
Again, I’m not overly impressed. Safeties, Bob Sanders and Mike Doss are the starters while Nick Harper, Jason David and Marlin Jackson figure to battle it out for playing time at cornerback.
Von Hutchins, Kelvin Hayden, Gerome Sapp, Dexter Reid and Matt Giordano, Tim Jennings, T.J. Rushing and Antoine Bethea are all vying for roster spots at both corner and safety.
I don’t know what it is about Indianapolis, but the Colts never seem to have a Pro Bowl caliber defensive back and this year doesn’t appear as if it will be any different.
Special Teams
The Colts scored a major coup by replacing kicker Mike Vanderjagt with former New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri, who is hands-down, the best big-game kicker in league history.
If the Colts end up in a close playoff game, Vinateri could be the difference maker. Punter Hunter Smith is back for his eighth year with the team and also serves as the team’s holder. The Colts will be looking at some new faces to return kickoffs and punts and rookie T.J. Rushing will get a chance to fill those roles.
Coaching Staff
Indianapolis returns their entire staff from a year ago. However, I am going on record to say right now, that unless the offensive line protects Manning better and the Colts can find some kind of way to keep opponents honest with the threat of running the ball, Indianapolis could actually take a slight step backwards in 2006.
One thing’s for sure; it should be quite a ride for the Colts in 2006.
