My Dallas Clark Blog

After failing to win the AFC South for the first time since 2002, the Indianapolis Colts wasted no time climbing back to the top. They finished the 2009 season with a 14-2 regular season mark to recapture the division title. The Colts then went on to win the AFC championship, but they weren't able to collect their second Super Bowl ring in four seasons. Coming so close to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy again should drive Indy in 2010.

Offense: Led by quarterback Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts averaged 26.0 points per game last season (No. 7 in the NFL). As you might expect, they did most of their damage through the air. Behind Manning's 4,500 passing yards, Indy boasted the NFL's second-best passing attack. Manning also tossed 33 touchdown strikes, and his numbers were good enough to earn him a record fourth MVP award.

Manning's numbers could be even better in 2010 when you consider how many talented wide receivers he has to work with. Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are two of the best in the game, and they get plenty of help from Pierre Garcon and Auston Collie, who burst onto the scene last season. The Colts will also benefit from the return of Anthony Gonzalez.

Indy was the worst running team in the NFL last season, largely because of how few times it runs the football. When the Colts do dial up a running play, Joseph Addai is a good option. The versatile back ran for 828 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2009. He also caught 51 passes for 336 yards and three more scores. Donald Brown is a solid backup.

Manning's ability to read defenses and call plays at the line of scrimmage is second to none. This incredible talent is the biggest reason why the Colts led the league in third down efficiency offense last season. It can be mighty tough to get this offense off the field.

Defense: The Colts finished No. 8 in the NFL in scoring defense last year, giving up only 19.2 points per game. It was the third straight season in which the Colts have finished in the top 10 in scoring defense. The defense will have the potential to be even better in 2010 with the return of safety Bob Sanders.

Safeties Antoine Bethea and Melvin Bullitt are very good players, but Sanders takes the Indy defense to a whole new level, much the same way Troy Polamalu does in Pittsburgh. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year hits like a ton of bricks and brings a great deal of energy and passion to this team.

Pro Bowl defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis return to head up the defensive line. Freeney recorded 13.5 sacks and Mathis added 9.5 in 2009. The Colts' interior line also got better with Daniel Muir and Antonio Johnson showing improvement.

The linebacker unit is solid with captain Gary Brackett and Clint Sessions returning.

Prediction: 1st AFC South: Plain and simple, if Manning is healthy the Colts will make another Super Bowl run. Along the way, they'll win 10 or more games for an eighth-straight season while capturing another division title. NFL lines makers have listed the Indianapolis Colts as the -150 favorite to win the AFC South division.

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