As the Indianapolis Colts get ready for their 2016-2017 season, you can expect some familiar faces to lead the way. Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, and veteran running back Frank Gore will head the offense while the defensive core will feature Vontae Davis, Mike Adams, and Robert Mathis.
A disappointing 2015 to look back on
Coaches, players, owners, and fans involved with the Colts can all agree that last season was a massive letdown. Indy was expected to make its way right back to the AFC Championship but instead went 8-8 and missed the postseason for the first time since 2012. The Houston Texans went on to win the AFC South and its automatic playoff berth.
Andrew Luck could not stay healthy. When he played, he hardly looked like himself, and when he didn't, Matt Hasselbeck's performances were solid for a backup, but not enough to get the job done for a team with playoff expectations. Behind a veteran running game and a sneaky-good receiving core, the Colts put up the best fight they could. The defensive side of the ball has long been a problem, and so Indianapolis will be hoping for a much better 2016 season.
Offseason moves
What better a way to begin an offseason than signing your franchise QB to the NFL's biggest deal? The Colts did exactly that, agreeing with Luck on a massive six-year, $140 million contract to lock up their man for the near future.
Indianapolis's next move was drafting Ryan Kelly, arguably the top center from the 2016 draft class and a prospect who is loved by the Colts organization. The rest of the major additions came through free agency, where the defense received a boost with the signings of Patrick Robinson and Antonio Cromartie. The secondary will be deadly once Vontae Davis returns from injury. Linebacker Akeem Ayers was also brought in to bolster a much-improved defense.
The Colts also decided to hold onto Dwayne Allen at tight end and allow Coby Fleener to join the New Orleans Saints. Also on offense, Robert Turbin will be the new backup to Frank Gore. Turbin showed flashes of potential while a member of the Seattle Seahawks and looks to expand on such performances in his time in Indy.
2016-2017 outlook
The potential for a good 2016 may depend upon how good a job new offensive line coach Joe Philbin does in securing protection for Andrew Luck and opening running lanes for Gore and Turbin. If Luck stays healthy, he should be back to the high standards he set with elite performances in his opening seasons.
On D, the secondary's expectations are high after the additions at cornerback. The linebacking core also looks to have gained much-needed strength and skill. The Colts know that the defense is still a long way from the level that will bring them a Super Bowl, but for now, the current unit is a big improvement.
Division games are always important, but the Colts also have to focus on a slate of multiple other big games that could be pivotal in determining their success. The season opener against the Detroit Lions will set the tone for the season, and Indy will be tested with tough road games against the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers, both championship contenders. The matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thanksgiving Day will give the Colts a good mid-season test.
The goal should be to win the division and ideally make the Super Bowl. Luck, defense, and winning the battle in the trenches will be needed to reach such a standard.
Prediction
This writer predicts the Colts to finish atop the AFC South with an overall regular-season record of 10-6 and a loss in the divisional round of the playoffs. It will be a step back in the right direction.