INDIANAPOLIS -
From Eric Yutzy:
No matter how you characterize the 2012 Indianapolis Colts, their new plan of action beings Sunday in Chicago.
After an offseason of massive change, including a new front office, coaching staff, and quarterback, the Colts' season opener against the Bears is the true beginning of a new era.
Sunday is all about the debut of the Colts' new franchise quarterback. Rookie Andrew Luck has impressed in preseason and practice. Expectations for the number one overall pick are high.
Luck first real test comes against a defense that consistently ranks amongst the best in the NFL. The Chicago Tribune reports that since 2004: the Bears defense leads the league in takeaways (266), three-and-outs forced (437), three-and-out percentage (26.6 percent) and third-down percentage (34 percent). Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher returns less than a month after arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Against a defense that thrives on pressure, the Colts offensive line will feel the heat. They have struggled at times in the preseason protecting their rookie quarterback.
The preseason provides small glimpses into how a team will actually fare. There is so much new and unknown about the Colts in 2012. Sunday will be the first glimpse into the new regime. Whether it's the just a rebuilding project or the first step in "rebuilding the monster"remains to be seen.
From Rich Nye:
After winning just two games last season, and thereby earning the top pick in the NFL draft, Colts owner Jim Irsay decided to rebuild his franchise. Colts fans will need a roster for Sunday's season opener in Chicago. So many familiar names are gone - Manning, Clark, Addai, Saturday - replaced by rookies and free agents.
The future of the team appears to be in good hands with rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. In the preseason, Luck showed he is ready for the NFL. He commanded the huddle, made accurate throws, took a few hits and even showed some mobility outside the pocket. Luck's success this season may not depend so much on his own abilities, but on his protection. The Colts offensive line includes at least three new starters.
The Colts defense takes on a new look with a hybrid 3-4 scheme. The most dramatic change is the conversion of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis from defensive ends to outside linebackers. But make no mistake, the primary job of both Pro Bowlers will remain rushing the quarterback. The Colts searched the entire preseason for a cornerback to complement Jerraud Powers. New general manager Ryan Grigson hopes he found his cover man in Vontae Davis, acquired in a trade with the Dolphins just two weeks before the season starts.
New head coach Chuck Pagano has adopted the theme "Building The Monster" for this season. The Colts are not a monster that scares anyone right now. Some publications rank the Colts as the worst team in the league. The season will reveal if the monster has any teeth. I see the Colts winning five games this season. That's improvement, more than double the win total of a year ago. Anymore wins than that would be Luck for the horseshoe.
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