The Indianapolis Colts have come a long way since the days of the Dallas Texans; So much so, in fact, that the NFL insists the two teams shouldn’t team up today. (Likely due to confusion resulting from the Houston Texans) The Colts have created their own legends since 1953 when they changed their name to the Baltimore Colts, and have won three NFL championships and two Super Bowl championships, the last victory in 2006 in 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 game to the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs. As the team heads into its 56th season, it may be time for revenge, especially when they face the Chargers in a rematch on November 23, 2008.
For the first time in 24 seasons, the Colts will begin play from Lucas Oil Stadium leaving the RCA Dome behind. Management is pleased with coach Tony Dungy this season, as he has been for the past seven, and equally pleased with quarterback Peyton Manning, who returns as the starting quarterback for an 11th season. This may or may not be Tony Dungy’s last season, as he announced that he would be back for at least one more season. Whether or not we see him next year may depend on the team’s final score in 2008. The Colts also promoted Jim Caldwell to Associate Head Coach, putting him in line to inherit Tony Dungy’s spot when he decides to retire.
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 won 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, Michigan running back Mike Hart. , Mount Union wide receiver Pierre Garcon and Buffalo center Jamey Richard.
Reaction to the Indianapolis Colts in 2008 has been mixed. His rematch with the San Diego Chargers is generating a lot of interest, though most NFL fans lean toward the Colts. The Chargers are viewed as a wild card winner and respected by most football pundits who name them as one of the most talented teams in the entire NFL. In fact, last year’s losing 13-3 performance was one of the best in the entire sport, second only to New England’s 18-0 record-breaking attempt and Dallas’ impressive 13-3.
Don’t count the Colts out just yet; they dominated the NFL in 2006, winning their fifth overall championship title and posting one of the best records in the league the following season. The Colts may still be hungry for more pigskin glory.