The Indianapolis Star - Colts Pre-Season Review

Indianapolis, Ind. -- Head Coach Jim Caldwell stated the off-season was, "very successful and should be able to take us to the next step [winning the Super Bowl]". The Colts made some recent trades hoping to improve the team. It should be another successful season for the Colts.

The Indianapolis Colts recently traded for some great young players, Darren McFadden (22) and Lawrence Timmons (24). Darren McFadden played for the Arkansas Razorbacks where he was one of the most electric college running backs ever. He was drafted 4th overall in 2008 by the Oakland Raiders. On the Raiders, Darren McFadden struggled and only had 1386 total yards and 5 TDs. Peyton Manning was very excited about the trade for Darren, Peyton stated, "Darren [McFadden] is a great athlete; he's fast and powerful, and will strive in our offense". Lawrence Timmons played for Florida State and was drafted 15th overall in 2007. Timmons is already an established linebacker; in 2009 he has 79 tackles and 7.0 sacks in just 14 games. Timmons who played ILB for the Steelers 3-4 defense is likely to switch to LOLB. Timmons will team up with a powerful LB core already of leader Gary Brackett, Clint Sessions, Philip Wheeler, and rookie Pat Angerer. The Colts also traded for Chris Johnson, a speedy 30 year old CB (who will probably play nickel) and Dennis Dixon, the once Heisman hopeful QB from Oregon. Dixon is still only 25 and is a speedy QB - Could the Colts be planning to do some wildcat?

The Colts defensive coordinator, Larry Coyer, is excited to see what Melvin Bullitt can do as a starter. Larry Coyer stated, "with the recent trade of Bob [Sanders], Melvin will become the starter, we're very excited to see what he can do". Melvin Bullitt who has been the back-up for the injury-prone Bob Sanders for the last 3 years. Bob Sanders was recently traded for Lawrence Timmons and Bullitt was named the starter. Melvin had 77 tackles in just 14 games last year. Expect Bullitt and Bethea to be a lock-down secondary, especially with Hayden, Powers, and recently traded for Chris Johnson on the ends. The real question is can the opposing quarterback get rid of the ball quick enough before Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis sack them? Oh, and don't forget about rookie Jerry Hughes, who Dwight is taking under his wing. Not only is the DL scary, the LB group will also stop every run. Are the Colts finally a legit defensive team? -I think so.

Peyton Manning is ready for another great season. With his favorites Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark returning he should have a wonderful season. The real question is who started #2-#4 WR. Garcon, Gonzalez, and Collie are fighting for those spots. It looks like Garcon has #2 on lock, but Gonzalez and Collie are a toss-up. It's rumored that Anthony Gonzalez is on the trade block, so don't be shocked if Collie wins that #3 spot. Along with an amazing passing team, Darren McFadden looks to establish a name for himself. McFadden stated at his press-conference, "My goals are 1,000 yards and 10 TDs and helping the Colts win the Super Bowl". McFadden will probably share the carries with 2nd year RB Donald Brown. Undrafted rookie in 2009, Brandon James may also get a few carries. James is very speedy and is the favorite to win the kick and punt return duties.

My predictions: Colts have a hard schedule but still pull off a record of 11-5. The Colts then go all the way to the Super Bowl where they win it all. Peyton Manning will have another amazing season. Darren McFadden will make a name for himself. The young WR core will develop even more. The defense will become a powerhouse, with a very scary LB core. As Reggie Wayne stated when I asked him about the season, "We play to win, and that's what we'll do".

Good article