AFC SOUTH INDIANAPOLIS 2014 STRENGTHS: • Deadly passing attack led by excellent quarterback play with strong receiving corps Colts Offense With Andrew Luck at the helm, the Indianapolis Colts continue to know nothing less than fantastic quarterback-play. With Luck leading the way, the Colts have a legitimate shot to win each and every game. While not throwing for nearly as many yards as in his inaugural season, the former first-rounder decreased his interceptions by half from 18 to nine in 2013. Not surprisingly, his quarterback rating increased to 87.0. With a receiver group that includes future Hall-of-Famer Reggie Wayne, newcomer Hakeem Nicks and T.Y. Hilton, who is progressing into one of the better pass-catchers in the league, the Colts boast one of the top units in the NFL. Wayne is coming back from a season-ending ACL tear that leaves questions hanging over his ability to return to pre-injury form. Although he was injured in Week 7, his numbers were outstanding as he was Luck’s go-to target. He pulled in 38 passes while gaining 503 receiving yards, numbers that would project close to his career norms for a season. Hilton was the man that took over the number one slot for Wayne in the Colts offense and he didn’t disappoint. He showed tremendous improvement over the first two years of his career and has garnered more trust from Luck because of it. 2014 WEAKNESSES: • Weak running attack, Defensive line and defensive backfield COLTS The Florida International product was targeted 47 more times in 2013 than in 2012. As insurance for Wayne, the team bolstered their offense with the addition of Nicks from the New York Giants. After struggling with injuries over the past few seasons, the Colts are hoping that he is fully recovered and looking for him to bounce back to 2011 form. The one position that could really put this offense over the top is improved play from the running backs. Last year, the team relied on Donald Brown, now with the Chargers, and in-season acquisition Trent Richardson, who is looking to return to the form that made him a first-round pick. This year, the onus will be on Richardson and Ahmad Bradshaw, who is returning from neck surgery. This group will determine how much pressure opposing defenses will put on Luck with their success in the ground game. Offensive Player to Watch The offense, and the Colts for that matter, will only go as far as Luck’s arm will take them. With a group of receivers as potent as any in the league and hopefully an improved running attack, the Stanford product will have to prove that he belongs in the conversation with the likes of Brady, Manning, Rodgers and Brees. The next step in Luck’s evolution will be to improve his play in the postseason. While only throwing nine interceptions over the duration of the regular season, he threw seven in two postseason games, ultimately falling to the Patriots. Luck’s play will determine the Colts’ season. Colts Defense For the first four weeks of the season, the defensive front will have to live without pass-rushing specialist Robert Mathis and his 19.5 sacks from 2013 as he serves a suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. While it will be nearly impossible to reproduce his performance, the team will rely heavily on an import from the Baltimore Ravens, defensive end Arthur Jones, and D’Qwell Jackson for veteran leadership on the defensive side of the ball. Jackson makes his Andrew Luck DILIP VISHWANAT/GETTY IMAGES SPORT
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