Oracle of DelphiNFL Hall of Fame Game-Indianapolis Colts
August 3rd 2008 06:49
Previewing what you’ll see for the Hall Of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
First up the Indianapolis Colts
I predict them to go 11-5 and take 1st place in the AFC South this season. I do believe that they can amass a good number of wins as long as they stay away from injury troubles as without their main cogs they will surely struggle. A question mark at the end of last season was if they were going to lose Coach Tony Dungy, but obviously having the roster intact for this season and very little turnover in personnel, Dungy couldn’t say no to another shot at things. Also he will troll the sidelines at the new Lucas Oil Stadium, replacing the old RCA Dome.
OFFENSE
-Peyton Manning is the unquestioned starter but with surgery and rehab will virtually knock him out of most preseason action. Jim Sorgi a career backup will take the reigns and show that he has some skill and not just a great knowledge of the playbook after five years. The colts have always kept only two QBs but this year they have added former Jaguar Quinn Gray, but they are still unsure of whether they will start the year with more than in years past.
At the RB spot they are really stacked this year with of course Joseph Addai back for another massive year I am sure and newly acquired for his second stint Dominic Rhodes who left for the money in Oakland and has now returned when he realized the grass is not greener. CFLer Kenton Keith showed flashes last season while spelling Addai and the Colts drafted a steal in the 6th round with Michigan tail-back Mike Hart.
As with Manning, playing at a high level for numerous years takes its toll on your body. Harrison is their main WR with Wayne fulfilling Manning’s every wish as a # 2, burgeoning first option. They will have a talented sophomore in Anthony Gonzalez a typical slot guy which suits this team with the downfield presence of 87 and 88. Behind these three, well let’s just say it leaves a lot to be desired, injuries could disrupt the spread offence.
The offensive line starring C Jeff Saturday is built and ready to go but with no depth on the bench the health of this unit is a huge concern throughout this new season.
DEFENSE
-Two words, Dwight-Freeney! When healthy he will be dominant and spectacular. He will be out for training camp due to recovery. Opposite Freeney, Robert Mathis is a solid pass rusher who isn’t awesome versus the run. Raheem Brock will play DT and spell both at the end if needed. Ed Johnson in the middle is solid and they have some good potential guys who are still raw.
Gary Brackett headlines this no-name LB corps. Freddie Keiaho made the absence of Cato June easier with his play. Tyjaun Hagler moves well and Clint Session was lights out as a rookie thrust into a role in ’07.
Touted as tops among the leagues best the secondary headlined by Bob Sanders has no chance of sneaking up on any teams this year. Antoine Bethea made the pro bowl last year at FS with his coverage skills. Indy has great scheme guys who are solid and only being newish guys in the league.
Vinatieri became human last season, but he still remains money. Punter Hunter Smith remains good but not great. Still unsure of the return game, look for Garcon and Rushing to cement their roles.
Playing against the Washington Redskins tomorrow, I will preview the ‘skins before Sunday’s matchup. Their first regular season game comes on Sept. 7th against Da Bears @ home at 8:15pm ET. They did not play last season.
First up the Indianapolis Colts
I predict them to go 11-5 and take 1st place in the AFC South this season. I do believe that they can amass a good number of wins as long as they stay away from injury troubles as without their main cogs they will surely struggle. A question mark at the end of last season was if they were going to lose Coach Tony Dungy, but obviously having the roster intact for this season and very little turnover in personnel, Dungy couldn’t say no to another shot at things. Also he will troll the sidelines at the new Lucas Oil Stadium, replacing the old RCA Dome.
OFFENSE
-Peyton Manning is the unquestioned starter but with surgery and rehab will virtually knock him out of most preseason action. Jim Sorgi a career backup will take the reigns and show that he has some skill and not just a great knowledge of the playbook after five years. The colts have always kept only two QBs but this year they have added former Jaguar Quinn Gray, but they are still unsure of whether they will start the year with more than in years past.
At the RB spot they are really stacked this year with of course Joseph Addai back for another massive year I am sure and newly acquired for his second stint Dominic Rhodes who left for the money in Oakland and has now returned when he realized the grass is not greener. CFLer Kenton Keith showed flashes last season while spelling Addai and the Colts drafted a steal in the 6th round with Michigan tail-back Mike Hart.
As with Manning, playing at a high level for numerous years takes its toll on your body. Harrison is their main WR with Wayne fulfilling Manning’s every wish as a # 2, burgeoning first option. They will have a talented sophomore in Anthony Gonzalez a typical slot guy which suits this team with the downfield presence of 87 and 88. Behind these three, well let’s just say it leaves a lot to be desired, injuries could disrupt the spread offence.
The offensive line starring C Jeff Saturday is built and ready to go but with no depth on the bench the health of this unit is a huge concern throughout this new season.
DEFENSE
-Two words, Dwight-Freeney! When healthy he will be dominant and spectacular. He will be out for training camp due to recovery. Opposite Freeney, Robert Mathis is a solid pass rusher who isn’t awesome versus the run. Raheem Brock will play DT and spell both at the end if needed. Ed Johnson in the middle is solid and they have some good potential guys who are still raw.
Gary Brackett headlines this no-name LB corps. Freddie Keiaho made the absence of Cato June easier with his play. Tyjaun Hagler moves well and Clint Session was lights out as a rookie thrust into a role in ’07.
Touted as tops among the leagues best the secondary headlined by Bob Sanders has no chance of sneaking up on any teams this year. Antoine Bethea made the pro bowl last year at FS with his coverage skills. Indy has great scheme guys who are solid and only being newish guys in the league.
Vinatieri became human last season, but he still remains money. Punter Hunter Smith remains good but not great. Still unsure of the return game, look for Garcon and Rushing to cement their roles.
Playing against the Washington Redskins tomorrow, I will preview the ‘skins before Sunday’s matchup. Their first regular season game comes on Sept. 7th against Da Bears @ home at 8:15pm ET. They did not play last season.
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