Bob Sanders is the emotional leader of the Colts.
By Michael Gill
Expectations are high as usual for the Indianapolis Colts, but they aren’t getting the press that other AFC heavyweights are getting. “There is a lot of cautious optimism in the region,” said WPTA sports anchor Tommy Scheogler. “But overall, they think they are just as good as anyone in the NFL.”
And they are, but injuries are a concern. Wide out Marvin Harrison is an eight-time pro bowler and all-pro, holds several NFL records, but he missed 11 games last season and wasn’t the same player when he returned in the playoffs. “I really think that injury will continue to linger,” said Scheogler. However, the Colts may be equipped to overcome an injury to Harrison. “Reggie Wayne is the guy here now,” said Scheogler. “But to get Marvin back as a number two, you can’t get better then that.”
Getting the ball to Wayne and Harrison has never been a problem for Peyton Manning, but he too has some injury concerns. In July, Manning had surgery to remove an infected bursa sack in his left knee. “He’ll be fine,” said Scheogler. “It was a very routine surgery.”
If Manning has problems dropping back to pass, he always has running back Joesph Addai to hand the ball to. “This guy is as good as it gets,” said Scheogler. ” He has done nothing but impress me and with the injuries early on, they are going to have to learn on him, he is becoming the focal point of this offense.”
The Colts aren’t just an offensive powerhouse anymore. “This defense is as quick as you’ll find in the NFL,” said Scheogler. They are relatively young on defense, but according to Scheogler, Bob Sanders will be a big key to their success. “He is their emotional leader and he should be OK, but if he isn’t in the line-up you will notice it.”
Another key figure on defense is Dwight Freeney. The defensive end has also struggled with injury but should be ready to contribute. “He is on track and they need him,” said Scheogler. “People are worried, but I think he should be fine,”
The Colts have plenty of talent, but there are a ton of injury questions. There are also a few bad loses from 2007 that seem to be driving them in 2008. ” They had two bad loses that didn’t sit well this off season,” said Scheogler. The bad losses he is referring to are the New England Loss at home were they gave up at 10 point fourth quarter lead and the playoff loss to the Chargers.
People may think the Chargers or the Patriots have more talent, but if the Colts can stay healthy a second Super Bowl isn’t to far fetched.
Next up : Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is a series called “2-A-Days” that will preview two teams per day every day this month, where Mike Gill will interview a beat writer or radio personality who covers the team on “The Mike Gill Show” on ESPN Radio 1450 , weekdays from 3-6pm
This is the year the Colts get toppled out of the top 3….but they’ll still make the playoffs.
I think the Colts could surprise if they can get Harrison at full strength, but the story is correct, Bob Sanders must stay on the field.