Everyone has an opinion, so here your chance to share yours on how you see the Colts’ season playing out. Betting lines are sitting between 7 and 8 wins for the Colts. If I had disposable income, I’d put an affordable amount on the over, but my optimistic view should come as no surprise. I think we are going to be good and yes, good enough to be playoff bound and the winner of what I think might end up being the best division in the AFC. By the best division, I predict that the top three teams in our division, will
have more wins than any other AFC division’s top three teams.
I’m going to go 12 – 5 for our record. A tough early season schedule gives us the opportunity to provide the confidence that we need to keep momentum throughout the regular season. If healthy, we will be among the teams with shorter odds to win it all, as the playoffs start. I’m going to trust my eyes from last year and believe that our offense will be the kind that gives everyone we play fits. I saw us run some better screen action during the preseason and I have to believe that it will be the answer to the answer that defenses found against us in the second half of last year.
Of course, health has to go our way. I don’t think we are as “injury prone”, as some suggest. Some point to the CBs and are worried. The way I see it, Ward and Gardner got hurt last year and Ward was on and off of the IR multiple times, but neither are what I would call injury prone. Walley was hurt for the entire year, but it was one of one, so has he been around long enough to be prone? D. Jones has had some injuries, but those who point to missed games should also look at his designation on some of those weeks he missed as a Giant. He was their QB of the future and they sat him when it was a questionable choice.
We also need our DTs to be out there consistently. No doubt we are better when Buck and Grove are out there. I like our depth everywhere else, at least in small doses. I also think that although Allen may not shine early, he will be that guy that is always involved and will be a stud by the time we are awaiting a post season opponent.
My biggest fear is Shane. I love his ability to game plan, but I am less confident his adjustments and game management. If we lose because we are not prepared, or because we did not do well situationally, it will be on Shane. That will be the end of both he and Ballard. The AFC in general is not the gauntlet that it has been over the last five years. There is no reason why we cant be the new sheriff in town. Okay, there are reasons and I will acknowledge them when they appear, but at this early date, optimism is just as easy as angst, so full speed ahead!
Thanks for your time and Go Colts!
