The Upcoming Season for the Indianapolis Colts

Though the Indianapolis Colts ended the regular season with a 12-4 record, they exited early, losing to San Diego in the first round of the post season. The Colt offense was ranked 15th in the NFL in 2008, averaging 335 yards per game. The running game however, averaged only 79 yards per game, second worst in the league. The defense fared better, ranked 11th overall and 6th in passing defense, but 24th in rushing defense.

Peyton Manning still runs the offense and though in his 13th season, still threw for over 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Joseph Addai returns in the backfield, but gone is Dominic Rhodes who had 538 rushing yards in 2008. The Colts look to bolster their rushing attack with first-round pick Donald Brown, a running back from Connecticut.

Returning to catch the Manning bombs are Reggie Wayne, who led the team in receptions and receiving yards, along with Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez.

Defensively, the Colts gave up a woeful 310 yards per game, with 122 of that coming on the ground. Anchoring the defensive line is All-Pro tackle Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Freeney and Mathis combined for 22 of the Colts 30 sacks last year. Look for rookie defensive tackle Fili Moala from Southern Cal to plug some of the holes as well.

Also returning are cornerback Antoine Bethea, who led the team in tackles in 2008, and linebacker Freddy Keiaho, who was second on the team in tackles. Hard-hitting Bob Sanders returns in the secondary. Joining this potent defensive backfield will be fourth round pick Jerraud Powers, a cornerback out of Auburn.