2008 Indianapolis Colts Outlook

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.

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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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Cincinnati Bengals Outlook

The Cincinnati Bengals will be playing their 39th season for the team, 41st season if you count the pre-NFL days. Their record in 2007 amounted to a dismal 7-9 win-loss score. The Cincinnati Bengals have never won an NFL Championship, though they did score conference championships in 1981 and 1988. Additionally, the team won division titles for the AFC Central in 1970, 1973, 1981, 1988 and 1990, while winning the AFC division championship in 2005. Victory is not impossible for the Bengals, though it has eluded them for quite a while. What's the blame for the team's losing streak? It could very well be the result of some intense competition, as the Bengals face one of the toughest playing schedules of all NFL teams. In 2008 they will be facing the Baltimore Ravens, the Cleveland Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Indianapolis Colts, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Redskins and last year's Super Bowl winner the New York Giants.

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As far as coaching goes, things are remaining status quo, at least when it comes to the direction of head coach Marvin Lewis. This is Lewis' fifth year with the Bengals. Offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski has also remained with the team. The only factor that Bengals owner Mike Brown determined was that the defense of the team was weak. Therefore, out goes defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan who is soon replaced by Mike Zimmer. Linebacker coach Ricky Hunley was also replaced by Jeff FitzGerald. What's interesting about the Bengals is that their coach usually plans a theme about the upcoming season. The 2008 theme for the Cincinnati Bengals is "Now." As in, now it's about time for the Bengals to start winning! The theme idea must be very popular and is apparently Coach Marvin Lewis' saving grace.

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What about departures that will affect the team in 2008? The team has lost Safety Madieu Williams to the Minnesota Vikings, along with defensive end Justin Smith who found greener pastures with the San Francisco 49ers and linebacker Landon Johnson who signed on with the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, the team lost David Pollack, who has officially retired due to a major injury. The team also lost two players because of off-the-field controversies. Chris Henry was released after news spread about his alleged involvement in an assault case in the city of Cincinnati. Odell Thurman, was also suspended for two consecutive years after violating the NFL's substance abuse policy though he was reinstated this past May.

How about some signings that may bring good news to the Bengals in 2008? The team has acquired the talents of Ben Utecht a tight end with the Indianapolis Colts, Antwan Odom, a defensive end with the Tennessee Titans and Doug Gabriel, a wide receiver with the Oakland Raiders.

What about Chad Johnson? Chad Johnson has enjoyed better stats than a typical wide receiver and is a force to be reckoned with. This may explain why he changed agents and is now represented by Drew Rosenhaus. At the present time it is rumored he may choose to refuse participation in the upcoming training camp with the Bengals or even for the entire upcoming season if he's not traded. Johnson was apparently miffed with some comments made by head coach Marvin Lewis months ago.

What can you say except that the Cincinnati Bengals are facing an uphill battle for the next season?

Cincinnati Bengals Outlook

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