2009 NFL season in review: Indianapolis Colts

Some of the old Peyton Manning cannot win the big game thought, has crept back into the minds of NFL and Colts fans, but really they just got beat. Even great teams sometimes get beat, and while a Super Bowl loss is always hard to swallow, this team should see a few more trips to the big dance before the eventual rebuilding begins. They are miles ahead of any team in their division, and are virtually guaranteed another trip to the NFL playoffs. For now the tweak the roster, and their coaching staff and get ready to do it all again.

The 2009 Colts offense scored 416 points or 26 points a game, and that was good enough for the 7th best NFL offense. Manning threw for 4,500 yards, completed 68.8% of his passes, threw 33 TD passes and had 16 interceptions. ON the ground they Colts gained 1,294 yards behind Joseph Addai’s 828 yards. That may sound a little low, but this is clearly a pass first team.

The Colts defense gave up 307 points or 19.2 points per game. That means on average they outscored their opponents by nearly a touchdown. Their take away differential was +2, which could have been higher but Peyton threw those 16 picks. The defense appears to be solid and after resigning LB Gary Brackett the return the entire starting squad from 2009.

The biggest flaw on this team is a lack of execution in the running game. In several key short yardage situations in the big game, the Colts failed to convert. Since they have a top talent at RB, this suggests the need to upgrade and find a little depth on their offensive line. They also need to address their backup QB situation and may use a late round draft pick to find another playmaker there. Peyton is 33 years old, so he should be around for a while, but championship teams prepare themselves for every circumstance.

Related Links:

•Indianapolis Colts News and Notes
•The Business of the NFL
•2010 NFL Free Agents
•2010 NFL Mock Drafts
•MTR Football.com