FanPost

The "national media" thinks last years team is better!

Who is better? The 2011 or 2012 Colts? The "national media" seem to think the Colts will finish with 1-3 wins this year. I feel like 5-7 wins are possible. But, the national media aren't buying it. There is an arguement that all three phases of this team have been improved, along with coaching and quarterback. So, I ask you, do you think last years 2-14 team is better than what we see now? Quarterback last season was terrible, CP7, Dan Orlovski and Kerry Collins combined for the worst QB rating in Indianapolis since Jeff George was behind center. The offense was ranked near the bottom in categories like: points(15.6), yards(286), passing(187) and rushing(99). Defense was no better, Colts defenders were ranked 28th in points(26.9), 25th in yards(370.9) and 29th in rushing yards(143.9). That leads us to coaching, Jim Caldwell was over his head. Super Bowl XLIV was a coaching clinic. Sean Payton had an answer for everything Caldwell called. And finally, Special Teams were home to both Jim Caldwell and Bill Polian's great failings. It was if coverage and return units had no place. If not for Adam Vinateiri and Pat McAfee, the Special Teams would have been a complete disaster. The 2011 season set the bar at an all-time low, even for Indianapolis Colts fans. Since the NFL is a QB driven league, if your quarterback is below par, you will lose. The drafting of Andrew Luck should, by itself, account for at least 1-3 wins. Maybe, I am a glass in half full guy when it comes to Luck. But, you don't replace CP7 with the mostly highly touted prospect to come out since Peyton Manning, and not expect to see significant improvement in this area. The offense, lead by Bruce Arians and directed by Andrew Luck should show major improvement. How many missed recievers did Painter, Orlovski and Collins miss? Luck is known for his accuracy and football iq. Never, at any point last season were those words used in a sentence when describing our qb play. The offensive line last season played well in passing downs, but, as usual, couldn't get a 3rd and short first down on the ground. Ryan Grigson has brought in players like, Mike McGlynn, Winston Justice, Samson Satele and George Foster to help beef up the O Line. Coach Pagano wants to run the ball enough to take pressure off Luck. In addition to the free agent moves, Anthony Castanzo, Ben Ijalana, Jeff Linkenbach and Joe Reitz should provide Indy with a solid O Line. The switch from a Tampa 2 to a 3-4 defense will be tough. The one thing Indy has to help ease the transition is talent. Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Antoine Bethea, Drake Nevis, Pat Angerer and Kavell Conner give the Colts playmakers. The additions of Cory Redding, Tom Zbikowski, Josh Chapman and Cassius Vaughn should be upgrades over last seasons staters. The switch to a 3-4 will be difficult at times, but, Pagano uses multiple fronts to throw off offenses. Blitzing from all angles will be commonplace, thus, Mathis and Freeney should be effective pass rushers. I will leave it up to you, Who is better?

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.