Despite Tranquility, Colts Can Still Pack a Wallop

by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 2:08 AM EDT

Today's NFL preview brings us the Indianapolis Colts, a team which remains a solid contender notwithstanding a dearth of fanfare thus far during the abbreviated training camp/preseason period.

While other on-paper contenders such as Philadelphia and New England have brought in high-profile free agents, the Colts are anxiously awaiting the return of legendary signal-caller Peyton Manning, who in my opinion is the G.O.A.T., despite my status as a Broncos fan, from a neck injury.

At this stage of his career, Manning has better stats than Brett Favre did entering his 14th season and has a 2-1 TD/INT ratio, an impressive number for a signal-caller who throws as much as he has.

While Manning has lost his longtime mentor Tom Moore, he retains plenty of weapons including receivers Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and (hopefully) Austin Collie, who has had a significant amount of concussions the past few seasons.

Additionally, versatile tailback Joseph Addai returns as does Javarris James, a back who I think can be a solid component of Indianapolis' offense in 2011.

The Colts' defense should be bolstered with a rare big guy as ex-Bear Tommie Harris has a chance to be the best Indianapolis defensive tackle since Tony Siragusa.

Additionally, much of the core of a small, yet swift and hard-hitting, defense returns with staples such as Gary Brackett, Antoine Bethea and Jerraud Powers hoping to improve upon a relatively disappointing performance last season.

No matter how bleak Manning's prognosis may be, I know he will be under center September 11 at Houston and continue to lead this team as he always has.

I see the Colts winning 11 or 12 games this season as they always do and I admire management's approach to retain talent already in place, realizing that with Manning in charge, circumstances are always propitious.

Do not be surprised if the Colts become the first team in NFL history to host a Super Bowl.

Until then, I can hardly wait for the regular season and to watch things unfold.

Thanks for reading!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.

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I can't see Javarris James returning.

He was the short yardage back, but he has been replaced by a bigger, stronger RB in Delone Carter.

Otherwise, I love having a fan of another team showing the Colts love. Hope that Orton keeps Tebow on the bench for your team’s sake.

##Super Bowl or Bust##

"A champion is someone who gets up when he can't."
- Jack Dempsey

by infinityzero.systemerror on Aug 18, 2011 3:23 AM EDT reply actions

That's a shame

for Javarris, I like him. Thanks for the kindness! Peyton Manning and I are indelibly connected, we share a communications teacher in college. Dr. Jon Smith taught him at UT-Knoxville before teaching me at Southern Utah University about six years later

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Manning, G.O.A.T.?

My sentiments exactly. It will be interesting to see how Tebow develops too.

by Ayrshire on Aug 18, 2011 3:02 PM EDT reply actions

As a Broncos fan

I often have to explain this to my brethren at MHR. Peyton Manning will soon surpass Dan Marino as the G.O.A.T. QUARTERBACK of all time. John Elway is the best FOOTBALL PLAYER who played quarterback. That’s what I always tell them.

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Aug 18, 2011 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Nicely written. You can really turn a phrase.

Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game and dumb enough to think it's important. -- Eugene J. McCarthy

by zherebyonki on Aug 20, 2011 4:45 AM EDT reply actions