Independence Day.  Isn't it grand?  American spirit!  Fireworks!  Hot dogs!  Will Smith fighting aliens!  Barbecue!  Fun with friends and family!  Localized traditions that no one outside of your community cares about!  All of these things are great but for me, there's one thing that gets me more excited than anything else going on today.

There's lless than a monthh to go until the pre-season starts.

Sure, pre-season games aren't the most exciting brand of football you'll ever see, but you know what?  After 6 months without any football action, I'll take it wherever I can get it.

As we get closer to football action, here's what I'm most looking forward to this season:

1. No more injury reports!  (pound on wood):  Throughout most Colts' success during the last decade, we've been able to avoid the injuries that can end a season before it starts.  Then last year we did a pretty good job of catching up in the injury department.  I'm not sure how this year will go in regards to injuries, but I'm fairly optimistic that it won't be as bad as last year.  But if it does happen, we know from last year that the backups are capable of holding down the fort in their absence.
2. Less turnover = More success: One of the staples of the Polian regime has been the constant cycle of players being drafted, becoming successful, and signing with other teams for inflated value while Bill replaces them with cheaper rookies.  This year, our only biggest loss was Jake Scott.  Since there's less to replace, the Colts don't have to devote as much time to getting new players integrated in the system as they have in previous years.  Being able to hit the ground running this year will go a long way in getting to where they want to go.
3. A breakout to Addai for: Even though Joseph was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season, you could tell that he was wearing down at the end of the year.  With the addition of Mike Hard and the return of Dominic Rhodes, Addai should have plenty of help to keep him fresh this season, which will only lead to good things for #29.
4. We still have the best player around: Seriously, how lucky are we to have this guy?

I'm still not quite sure what we're going to do when he retires.  I think I've narrowed it down to public weeping or gnashing of teeth.  It's not going to be pretty. 

With that said, Peyton if you're reading this please don't put us through this when you do decide to hang 'em up.  Our hearts won't be able to take it.