2015 NFL Preview: Colts are on the verge of greatness
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Indianapolis Colts
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 11-5 | Lost in AFC Championship Game |
Indianapolis was trounced by the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, exposing significant flaws with the club's run defense. Andrew Luck compiled the best season of his three-year career, and looks poised to win multiple MVP awards in the future. Although the team is building around a young and supremely talented offense, the Colts' inability to win their third Super Bowl in franchise history could be viewed as a disappointment.
Highlight of 2014
Luck's ability to throw pinpoint passes while under pressure separates him from almost every other quarterback, and this 36-yard strike to Donte Moncrief is a tremendous example of the Colts quarterback making the impossible seem routine.
Preseason Power Ranking - #4
The Colts will always be contenders with Luck at the helm, but their defense has to prove they can stop the run when it matters in order for Indianapolis to actually reach a Super Bowl. More ...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Chuck Pagano
Off. Coordinator: Pep Hamilton
Def. Coordinator: Greg Manusky
The Colts are poised for another deep playoff run, especially considering that their primary rivals in the AFC became weaker due to myriad off-season transactions. Indianapolis' core tenets remain in place, and the defense will almost certainly be emboldened by linebacker Robert Mathis' return from injury. With one of the league's best quarterbacks and wide receiver cores, the offense will look to steer the Colts to their first Super Bowl in the Andrew Luck Era.
Key Additions
- RB Frank Gore
- WR Andre Johnson
- WR Phillip Dorsett (1st round)
- LB Trent Cole
- S Dwight Lowery
- LB Nate Irving
- DE Kendall Langford
Key Departures
- WR Reggie Wayne
- WR Hakeem Nicks
- DE Cory Redding
- DE Ricky Jean-Francois
Indianapolis reloaded an already potent offense by acquiring five-time Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore, and its divisional rival's all-time leading receiver in Andre Johnson. Luck and company possess the ability to break a number of offensive records entering the 2015 campaign. The Colts' only impediment is its inconsistent defense, that was aided by the signings of linebackers Trent Cole and Nate Irving.
Bold Predictions
Frank Gore will lead the league in rushing touchdowns. Every back not named Trent Richardson has had success in Indy and Gore will continue that trend, taking advantage of defenses that are focused on Andrew Luck and the passing attack. The Colts are going to score often this season and Gore will be making at least a dozen ground trips to the end zone. - Justin Boone
The Colts will have three receivers top 1,000 yards. It's been over a decade since three Colts receivers finished with at least 1,000 yards in the same season. That will change this year with Andre Johnson, T.Y. Hilton, and one of Donte Moncrief or Phillip Dorsett all topping the 1,000-yard mark. - Caitlyn Holroyd
Duron Carter will lead the team in receiving yards. After excelling as a CFL All-Star, Carter will become a househould name and lead the Colts' deep receiving group. Carter and Luck already developed a strong rapport, and the undrafted wide receiver will become the biggest receiving star to come out of complete anonymity since Victor Cruz. - Arun Srinivasan