Sunday, August 24 2008 -- The Indianapolis Colts (13-3) have certainly matured over the years, becoming one of the most consistent clubs in the NFL. Tony Dungy seems to always put a winner on the field and over the last few seasons they've become more than just a passing threat. In the past half-decade, Indy has made it to the playoffs each time, and in 2006, they won the Super Bowl.

Offense

QB Peyton Manning (515 ATT, 337 COMP, 4,040 YDS, 31 TDs, 14 INT) is an elite performer. Smart, skilled and exceptionally accurate, he's one of the best. In 2007, wideout Marvin Harrison was sorely missed, as he was out for the final 11 games with a knee injury. He's back. TE Dallas Clark had 11 catches for scores and receiver Reggie Wayne had 104 catches and 1,510 yards. Joesph Addai, at running back, carried the ball 261 times, accumulating 1,072 yards and 12 touchdowns. Addai also grabbed 41 passes, picking up 364 yards and scoring three times. The Colts O-line is one of the best.

Defense

The Colt defense stopped just about everything and everyone. They finished first in points allowed, second against the air attack, second (tied) in picks and second in turnover ratio. The Colt secondary is voracious. LB Gary Brackett (116 tackles) is the anchor in a squad that seems to be constantly losing and adding players. The frontline could use more power and strength. DE Robert Mathis is the best of that group with seven sacks.

Special Teams

Indy's special teams are lacking. The coverage squads let opponents run back kicks eight times for scores. Placekicker Adam Vinatieri is composed and accurate, and punter Hunter Smith is a first-rate performer.

Overview

The Colts have another chance at first. That's if they are healthy. Peyton Manning and four other starters were sidelined for the preseason and must be healthy for this club to churn out wins. Last season, the defense was as good as the offense, making the Colts one of the best teams on both sides of the ball.