The Indianapolis Colts have come a long way since the days of the Dallas Texans-so much in fact, that the NFL insists the two teams should not be associated today. (Probably due to confusion that results from the Houston Texans) The Colts have created their own legends since 1953 when they renamed to the Baltimore Colts, and have gone on to win three NFL championships and two Super Bowl championships, the latest win in 2006 at XLI. The Indianapolis Colts' chances in 2008 remain promising, especially considering last year's final score of 13-3. The Colts performed very well but lost their divisional round to the San Diego Chargers at the playoffs. Now as the team heads into their 56th season it may be payback time, especially when they play the Chargers in a rematch on November 23, 2008.
For the first time in 24 seasons, the Colts will start playing from the Lucas Oil Stadium leaving behind the RCA Dome. Management is satisfied with coach Tony Dungy for this season, just as they have been for the past seven, and similarly pleased with quarterback Peyton Manning, who returns as starting quarterback for the 11th season. This may or may not be Tony Dungy's last season, as he announced he would return for at least one more season. Whether or not we see him next year may well depend on the team's final score in 2008. The Colts also promoted Jim Caldwell to Associate Head Coach, which puts him in line to inherit Tony Dungy's spot whenever he decides to retire.
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The team released three players including wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe, defensive tackle Anthony McFarland and linebacker Rob Morris. The team also lost Rocky Michael Boiman and Dan Klecko to the Philadelphia Eagles, Jake Scott to the Tennessee Titans and Benjamin Jeffrey Utecht to the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL Draft also provided Indianapolis with some exciting new prospects. The team gained center Mike Pollak from Arizona State, linebacker Philip Wheeler from Georgia Tech, tight end Jacob Tamme from Kentucky, linebacker Marcus Howard from Georgia, tight end Tom Santi from Virginia, center Steve Justice from Wake Forest, running back Mike Hart from Michigan, wide receiver Pierre Garcon from Mount Union and center Jamey Richard from Buffalo.
Reaction to the Indianapolis Colts in 2008 has been mixed. Their rematch with the San Diego Chargers is gathering a great deal of interest, though most NFL fans are leaning towards the Colts. The Chargers are seen as a wildcard victor, and respected by most football experts who name them as one of the most talented teams in the entire NFL. In fact, last year's losing performance of 13-3 was one of the best in the entire sport, second only to New England's attempted record breaking best 18-0, and Dallas's impressive 13-3.
Don't count the Colts out yet; they dominated the NFL in 2006, winning their fifth overall championship title and earned one of the best records in the league for the season following. The Colts may still be hungry for more pigskin glory.
2008 Indianapolis Colts Outlook
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