2006 NFL Preview: The Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback- There is little to say about Peyton Manning that hasn’t already been said before: Manning is one of the best quarterbacks statistically in league history but he hasn’t been able to win the big game. In 2006, Manning will be able to put up numbers equal to those of the last couple of years and will push for league MVP once again. Manning needs to push the Colts over the top and look for the Colts to get at least to the AFC championship game. The Colts do need to worry about the backup quarterback position even if Manning has been consistently healthy throughout his career. Jim Sorgi has been decent in mop up duties with the Colts but is not a good enough quarterback to win games in the NFL week in and week out. The Colts have veteran Shaun King as well, but the drop off between Manning, Sorgi, and King is a massive one. If Manning goes down, so do the Colts.
2006 NFL Grade: A-

Running back/ Full back- The loss of Edgerrin James is a big one for the Colts because despite common perception, the Colts do need to run at certain points (i.e. when they want to run clock down). In the absence of James, the Colts will rely on Dominic Rhodes, James Mungro, and Joseph Addai to make up for the loss of yards. While Rhodes is a fair back, he is not to the caliber of James and the lack of versatility in the running back corps will be noticeable. Look for Addai to really step up in his rookie season and perform well, setting himself up to be the starting back in 2007.
2006 NFL Grade: B-

Wide Receiver/Tight End- The receiving corps for the Colts is one of the best in the league, if not the best. Marvin Harrison is a tremendous receiver who will continue to be a playmaker in the NFL in 2006. Reggie Wayne is a deep threat who will develop into a Marvin Harrison type receiver in the next couple of years and become Manning’s main weapon when Harrison’s skill starts to fall off. As well, role receivers Brandon Stokeley and Aaron Moorehead are solid and tight end Dallas Clark is a great short and medium route target and a good blocker. It should be another big year for the Colts’ passing game, thanks to this group.
2006 NFL Grade: A

Offensive Line- The line will continue their consistent play in 2006, with offensive leaders like center Jeff Saturday and guard Tarik Glenn leading the way for a committee of running backs and protecting MVP caliber quarterback Peyton Manning. While an NFL offensive line typically only receives recognition when they make mistakes, the Colts line should be recognized as one of the reasons why the Colts were so successful in 2005 and why they will improve their Super Bowl chances in 2006.
2006 NFL Grade: B+

Defensive Line- The defensive line for Indianapolis in 2006 will be solid once again, as Corey Simon, who came in to the Colts’ rotation after preseason practices, will become more comfortable with his surroundings and become the dominant lineman he was in Philadelphia. Defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Raheem Brock will be solid as well this season, with Freeney continuing his push towards becoming one of the more dominant ends in the league today. Simon and Freeney will both go to the Pro Bowl and the line will be the defining aspect for the Colts’ defense this season.
2006 NFL Grade: A-

Linebacker- Cato June and Rob Morris headline the Colts’ linebacker corps, which was solid against the run in 2005 and in 2006 will become even more involved in play making. While the Colts have no shortage of play makers on both sides of the ball, June and Morris will be underappreciated. Look for one of the two backers to make it to the Pro Bowl.
2006 NFL Grade: B

Defensive Back- The Colts have a very good secondary heading into 2006, with a talented group of youngsters that will flourish this upcoming season. Nick Harper, Mike Doss, Bob Sanders, and Jason David are steady performers and if they can continue to develop as a unit, they will be the best part of the Colts defense for years to come. Look for Harper and Sanders to have good years in 2006 and make some big plays to give the offense more opportunities.
2006 NFL Grade: B+

Kicker/Punter- The Colts upgraded their kicking position, going with veteran clutch kicker Adam Vinatieri over contentious kicker Mike Vanderjagt. Vanderjagt’s brash manner was forgivable in Indianapolis as long as he was kicking it through the uprights, but when the Colts had an opportunity to put away Pittsburgh in the playoffs, Vanderjagt kicked it wide right. Vinatieri won’t make the same mistake and is as accurate as Vanderjagt without the attitude. Hunter Smith has been one of the most underused punters in the league but when he does get an opportunity to punt he has looked good. As long as he can get it down field without getting it blocked, Colts fans won’t complain about seeing him on the field.
2006 NFL Grade: A-

2006 NFL Projection- No one in the AFC South can stop Indianapolis and while they may not push for an undefeated season in 2006 for as long as they did in 2005, they will cruise to 12 or 13 wins and close in on the Super Bowl.