2009 NFL Offseason: Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts (Last Year: 12-4) - Buy Tickets

2009 NFL Season Preview:

Veteran Additions:
None
Draft Picks:
RB Donald Brown, DT Fili Moala, CB Jerraud Powers, WR Austin Collie, DT Terrance Taylor, QB Curtis Painter, P/K Pat McAfee, G Jaimie Thomas.
Offseason Losses:
RB Dominic Rhodes, RB Kenton Keith, RB Clifton Dawson, WR Marvin Harrison, WR Roy Hall, TE Bryan Fletcher, OT Corey Hilliard, DT Darrell Reid, ILB Buster Davis, CB Keiwan Ratliff, S Brannon Condren, P Hunter Smith.

2009 Indianapolis Colts Offense:
In my 2008 Indianapolis Colts season preview, I wrote, "It's usually a safe bet to pencil in the Colts as having one of the top five offenses in the NFL." Whoops. Indianapolis "struggled" last season, scoring 23.6 points per game, good for just 13th in the league.

Of course, the reason for the dropoff was fairly obvious. Peyton Manning, coming off secret knee surgery (thanks a lot for screwing millions of fantasy players, Tony Dungy), threw just three touchdowns to four picks before the team's bye. In fact, Manning played relatively poorly until losing to the Titans on Monday Night Football. In his first seven games, Manning notched a YPA greater than 7.4 in only one contest, and compiled 10 scores to nine interceptions, which is really sub-standard for him.

However, Manning turned things around after losing to Tennessee. In his final nine outings, Manning crossed the 7.4 YPA barrier five times, and threw 16 touchdowns to just three interceptions. Manning was simply on fire, and it was apparent that he finally shook off the knee injury.

Manning is once again being doubted in some circles. Some point to his age (33). Some declare that Marvin Harrison's absence will spark a decline in Manning's production. Others point to the fact that Manning will be playing with a new offensive coordinator.

Age isn't an issue. If Kurt Warner can lead the Cardinals to the Super Bowl as a 37-year-old, Manning definitely has at least five years of high productivity remaining. People tend to forget that he struggled because of his knee surgery, which is clearly behind him.

I'm not concerned about the new coaching staff. Manning is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and he'll be playing in the same offense. On the surface, nothing's going to change.

Harrison's release also won't matter. The old veteran struggled last season, and it's not like Manning doesn't have other weapons to work with. Reggie Wayne is two years removed from 104 catches, 1,510 yards and 10 touchdowns. Anthony Gonzalez showed what he's capable of when he caught nine balls for 137 yards at Minnesota last season. Gonzalez is a former first-round pick, and is talented enough to be a No. 2. Dallas Clark (77 catches, 848 yards, 6 TDs) is one of the top tight ends in the NFL.

One thing that was missing last year - and Manning admitted this - was a consistent running game. Joseph Addai was unreliable for the second year in a row; he played in just nine full games last season, averaging a lackluster 3.5 yards per carry. This prompted the Colts to select Donald Brown in the first round. Brown rushed for 2,083 yards and 18 touchdowns with Connecticut in 2008. He also caught 21 passes for 125 receiving yards, so Manning will definitely take advantage of his ability to catch the ball.

Indianapolis' offensive line once again did a great job keeping Manning off the turf - the unit surrendered just 14 sacks - but it really needs to improve in the run-blocking department. Addai struggled with injuries, but no one else was able to run the ball either; reserves Dominic Rhodes (3.5 YPC), Chad Simpson (3.3) and Najeh Davenport (3.3) couldn't find any lanes to burst through. As a team, the Colts averaged a meager 3.4 yards per rush. That can't happen again if the Colts want to make a deep postseason appearance.

2009 Indianapolis Colts Defense:
One of the most amazing stats I've ever seen was Indianapolis' rush defense ranking in 2008. The Colts were 20th versus the run, as they allowed 4.3 yards per carry. What makes this so astonishing? The fact that they weren't ranked 50th; their starting defensive tackles were Eric Foster and Keyunta Dawson, who weigh 265 and 255 pounds, respectively. How opposing backs didn't average 20 yards per carry against the 2008 Colts is something I'll never understand.

Bill Polian recognized this problem and spent second- and fourth-round selections on Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor, two larger defensive tackles. Both players should be instant upgrades in the run-defense department, though it must be noted that defensive linemen have trouble transitioning to the NFL right away, so I wouldn't expect the Colts to improve immediately versus the rush. Still, they can't be much worse, and the team may not even have to stick eight or nine men into the box.

With the opposition constantly in third-and-short situations, the Colts weren't able to accumulate many sacks in 2008 (30). Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney had 12 and 10, respectively, but no one else besides Raheem Brock chipped in with more than two. That'll change if Moala and Taylor can help out against the run. If teams are in third-and-sevens instead of third-and-fours, the Colts will easily register more sacks with Mathis, Freeney and perhaps Marcus Howard, a nickel rusher who collected 1.5 sacks as a rookie in 2008.

Despite garnering 30 sacks, the Colts excelled against the pass, finishing eighth in YPA (6.5). With talented defensive backs like corners Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson, safeties Bob Sanders and Antoine Bethea, and very good depth, it's pretty easy to see why Indianapolis often shut down opposing passers. The Colts spent a third-round selection on Jerraud Powers to add even more help at corner.

Indianapolis also has a sound linebacking corps. Gary Brackett is very reliable in the middle; Clint Sessions thrived as at strongside lineabacker in 2008, but will be moving to the weak side this season to make room for Philip Wheeler, a second-year defender whom the coaching staff is enamored with.



2009 Indianapolis Colts Schedule and Intangibles:
Can the Colts move back to the RCA Dome? Lucas Oil Field was not kind to Indianapolis in its inaugural season. Taking out the final game against Tennessee's backups, the Colts' margin of victory at home was just 8.7 points per game. Last year, that number was 11.6 at home.

Despite kicking at age 35, Adam Vintatieri nailed 20-of-25 attempts in 2008, including 2-of-2 from beyond 50. I wouldn't get too excited, however. Last season marked the first time Vintatieri hit a 50-yarder since 2002.

Hunter "The Punter" Smith was let go despite kicking very well last season. The Colts obtained rookie Pat McAfee to take his place. Although Bill Polian drafts well, there's no telling how McAfee will perform.

The Colts had one of the worst return games in the entire league, as Keiwan Ratliff (5.6 yards per punt return) and Pierre Garcon (21.6 yards per kick return) were nothing short of horrific. Indianapolis' special teams is still a question mark, though it should be noted that the team didn't surrender a touchdown after allowing four in 2007.

Let's take a look at the non-divisional opponents that will give the Colts a bit of trouble: Miami (road), Arizona (road), New England and Baltimore (road). The Colts have a really easy non-divisional schedule (Rams, 49ers, Broncos, Jets, Bills), but the Titans, Texans and Jaguars all play Indianapolis tough.

2009 Indianapolis Colts Positional Rankings (1-5 stars):

Quarterbacks		Offensive Line		Secondary
Running Backs		Defensive Line		Special Teams
Receivers		Linebackers		Coaching

2009 Indianapolis Colts Analysis: Tony Dungy and offensive coordinator Tom Moore might be gone, but that doesn't really matter as long as the Colts have No. 18 under center.

Unlike last season, Peyton Manning is healthy and won't have to worry about facing Albert Haynesworth twice. With the Titans in decline, it doesn't seem as though Indianapolis will have much of a challenge winning the AFC South, though I think the Texans may have something to say about that.

Projection: 13-3 (1st in AFC South)


2010 NFL Free Agents: Indianapolis Colts


More 2009 NFL Season Previews

2009 NFL Draft Grade:

Bill Polian is the best. Donald Brown is a great fit for Indianapolis' offense, which was in dire need of a running back. Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor are two big bodies the defensive line really needed. Austin Collie was great value at No. 127.

There's a reason certain teams are always drafting atop each round, while franchises like the Colts are perennial Super Bowl contenders. Polian has a great plan and sticks to it.

Grade given on 4/27/09: A



2009 NFL Draft Picks:

27. Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
The Colts needed a running back. Joseph Addai can't stay healthy and Dominic Rhodes is gone. I would have looked at the defensive line, but Bill Polian has proven that he's the best. (Pick Grade: A)

56. Fili Moala, DT, USC
Indianapolis had to take a defensive tackle in the first two rounds. Fili Moala is solid value here and obviously fills a need. Yet another Bill Polian pick I can't argue. (Pick Grade: A)

92. Jerraud Powers, CB, Auburn
I don't criticize Bill Polian selections often, but Jerraud Powers seems like a reach. He also doesn't fill a big need. Maybe he pans out, but in terms of value, I don't like this pick. (Pick Grade: C)

127. Austin Collie, WR, BYU
And you wonder why the Colts are always among the favorites to win the Super Bowl. Austin Collie is amazing value and fills a big need at receiver across from Reggie Wayne. (Pick Grade: A)

136. Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
You can tell that Tony Dungy is gone - he never would have gone for two bigger defensive tackles. Still, the value is right and the need is there. (Pick Grade: B)

201. Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue
The Colts had to find a capable quarterback late in the draft. Curtis Painter was a top-rated prospect a year ago, so maybe Bill Polian thinks he can revert back to 2007 form. (Pick Grade: B)

222. Pat McAfee, P/K, West Virginia
Pat McAfee can take over as the punter and eventually the kicker. Nice value in the seventh round. (Pick Grade: A)

236. Jaimie Thomas, G, Maryland
Never a bad idea to add depth up front, especially when you had trouble running the ball last year. This is Jaimie Thomas' draft range. (Pick Grade: A)

Season Summary:
Kurt Warner is my MVP, but I can see why Peyton Manning won the official award this season. Marvin Harrison (thanks to a combination of age and possible gun charges) played terribly. Reggie Wayne also had a down year. Jeff Saturday missed a quarter of the season. The running game was non-existent. The defense was awful. The homefield advantage disappeared. Tony Dungy was preparing for retirement. Despite all of this, Manning carried the team to a 12-4 record.


Offseason Moves:

Lions sign OLB Rufus Alexander

Jaguars sign ILB Adam Seward

Colts cut ILB Adam Seward

Colts cut OT Corey Hilliard

Colts re-sign Josh Thomas

Colts cut WR Roy Hall

Colts cut S Brannon Condren

Texans sign RB Clifton Dawson

Colts re-sign DT Ed Johnson

Colts cut OLB Rufus Alexander

Colts cut P Mike Dragosavich

Colts re-sign OLB Freddie Keiaho

Steelers sign CB Keiwan Ratliff

Redskins sign P Hunter Smith

Colts re-sign S Matt Giordano

Bills sign RB Dominic Rhodes

Colts re-sign OLB Tyjuan Hagler

Texans sign ILB Buster Davis

Colts cut ILB Buster Davis

Colts cut RB Clifton Dawson

Colts sign ILB Adam Seward

Broncos sign DT Darrell Reid

Colts re-sign C Jeff Saturday

Colts cut WR Marvin Harrison

Colts re-sign CB Kelvin Hayden

Colts announce retirement of HC Tony Dungy

Colts promote Jim Caldwell to head coach

Colts cut RB Najeh Davenport


Offseason Needs:

1. Defensive Tackle: The Colts have a huge hole at defensive tackle, which would explain why they really struggled against the run. Expect this need to be addressed in the first few rounds of the 2009 NFL Draft. Drafted Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor
   
   
2. Wide Receiver: With possible gun charges and his declining skills both being issues, Marvin Harrison is no longer reliable. The Colts may use their first-round selection on wideout to play across from Reggie Wayne, which would put Anthony Gonzalez in the slot. Drafted Austin Collie
   
   
3. Cornerback: Even if the Colts re-sign Kelvin Hayden, they'll need depth at this position. If they lose Hayden, corner will be a top need. Re-signed Kelvin Hayden; drafted Jerraud Powers
   
   
4. Offensive Tackle: Neither injury-prone Tony Ugoh nor oft-penalized Ryan Diem is all that great. The Colts have more pressing needs, but help at offensive tackle could be addressed.
   
   
5. Running Back: Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes both averaged 3.5 yards per carry in 2008. Addai has never proven that he can carry the load on his own; he shared touches with Rhodes when he was a rookie, and he was banged up the past two seasons. Indianapolis could use a complementary back. Drafted Donald Brown
   
   
6. Interior Lineman: The Colts really struggled when Jeff Saturday was out of the lineup. Saturday, 34 in June, is a free agent and definitely won't be the same player he once was.
   
   
7. Return Specialist: The Colts struggled to get things going on special teams in 2008. They failed to score a touchdown, and their longest return was just 46 yards.
   
   
8. Backup Quarterback: If Peyton Manning goes down with an injury, can Jim Sorgi play as well as Matt Cassel? I have my doubts. A rookie quarterback could be looked at in the middle rounds. Drafted Curtis Painter
   
   

2009 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Indianapolis Colts Free Agents:

Salary Cap (As of Feb. 8): $2 million

1. Kelvin Hayden, CB. Age: 26.
   Re-signed with Colts (5 years, $43 million; $22.5 million guaranteed)
   
   The Colts have a habit of letting players go and cycling through personnel, so it'll be interesting to see if they make an exception for Kelvin Hayden, their No. 1 corner.
   
   
2. Jeff Saturday, Colts. Age: 34.
   Re-signed with Colts (3 years)
   
   When Jeff Saturday was out of the lineup this season, it was really evident how much Peyton Manning and the Colts offense missed him. Saturday's age is his only concern, but I think Kevin Mawae is working out fine for the Titans.
   
   
3. Hunter Smith, P. Age: 32.
   Signed with Redskins
   
   Hunter "The Punter" Smith remarkably had just two punts go for touchbacks this season. That's the least amount of any punter with at least 25 attempts. Smith had a 44.2 average and hit 23-of-53 tries inside the 20. That's a pretty impressive ratio.
   
   
4. Freddie Keiaho, OLB. Age: 26.
   Re-signed with Colts
   
   A very effective cover-2 weakside linebacker. Shouldn't play in another system.
   
   
5. Marvin Harrison, WR. Age: 37.
   I'd like to believe that Marvin Harrison has something left in the tank, but his inability to separate from corners last season says otherwise. Still, there's a chance he never got in shape because of his injuries and offseason gun-shooting situation.
   
   
6. Josh Thomas, DE. Age: 28.
   Re-signed with Colts
   
   A 4-3 left end who plays well against the run.
   
   
7. Dominic Rhodes, RB. Age: 30.
   Signed with Bills (2 years)
   
   The last year Dominic Rhodes averaged more than four yards per carry was 2004. He maintained a figure of 3.5 this season. He's an adequate backup, but he's clearly over the hill.
   
   
8. Darrell Reid, DT. Age: 27. - Signed with Broncos
9. Tyjuan Hagler, OLB. Age: 27. - Re-signed with Colts
10. Keiwan Ratliff, CB. Age: 28. - Signed with Steelers
11. Adam Seward, ILB. Age: 27. - Signed with Jaguars
12. Matt Giordano, S. Age: 26. - Re-signed with Colts
13. Ed Johnson, DT. Age: 25. - Re-signed with Colts
14. Bryan Fletcher, TE. Age: 30.
15. Kenton Keith, RB. Age: 29.
16. Brannon Condren, S. Age: 26.
17. Clifton Dawson, RB, Colts. Age: 25. - Signed with Texans
18. Roy Hall, WR. Age: 25.
19. Mike Dragosavich, P. Age: 24.
20. Buster Davis, ILB. Age: 25. - Signed with Texans
21. Rufus Alexander, OLB. Age: 26. - Signed with Lions
22. Corey Hilliard, OT. Age: 24.
23. Jared Lorenzen, QB. Age: 28.

2009 NFL Free Agent Rankings





Divisional Rival History:
Houston Texans: The Texans have existed now for seven years. In those seven seasons, they've only beaten the Colts once out of 14 times. It would have been twice if it wasn't for Sage Rosenchoker's self-debaclation.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Most of these games are close; 12 of the last 14 meetings have been decided by eight points or less. The Jaguars won one of the black-sheep contests, 44-17 on Dec. 10, 2006. David Garrard got hurt in the other.
Tennessee Titans: These teams have split their season series the past three years.



Features to be Posted This Offseason:

1. 2009 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
2. Detailed season preview
3. Fantasy football projections
4. Positional rankings
5. Daily updates on free-agent signings

2009 NFL Offseason Pages