Indianapolis Colts Set Sights on Super Bowl XL

 Cody Flores, staff writer

Led by two-time league MVP Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts are looking for their first Super-Bowl title in more than 30 years.

For the past few years, the Colts have been an offensive power house, putting up stunning statistical numbers and averaging more than 30 points per game. The only problem that they always seem to have is a struggling defense. Last year, the Colts’ defense was ranked 29^th in the NFL, letting opponents average more than 370 yards per game against them. Even though they were ranked second in offense, they still couldn’t get to the big show with a lackluster defense.

They have definitely turned that around this year with an eighth place defense. Improvements have been made by coach Tony Dungy, and the defense has already gotten better. They are holding opponents to less than 300 yards per game and getting offenses off the field quickly so Manning can pick apart the opposing defense. The defense is led by the elusive defensive end Dwight Freeney and his famous “spin” technique. Freeney not only is there to make the big plays, but is also a leader on the field. 

The always explosive offense is led by Manning. The teams quarterback has been MVP for the past two consecutive years. He set the record for most touchdown passes in 2004 with 49, breaking Dan Marino’s record of 48 set 20 years ago. He is the first QB to pass for more than 3,000 yards in his first seven seasons and is the first player with six consecutive 4,000-yard seasons. He is currently on pace for number seven.  Manning has proven himself to be one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. He makes smart, calculating decisions and knows how to get the job done. He reviews film for hours, studying defenses and uses that to aid him on Sundays.

The Colts’ no-huddle offense gets defenses as confused as a hungry baby in a topless bar. It catches defenses off guard and allows Manning to take advantage. He gets to the line of scrimmage, observes the defense, and then does what he needs to do. The fact that he calls his own plays shows he is not only one of the top quarterbacks physically, but mentally as well. Defenses are nervous when faced with Manning and the Colts’ offense just like a long-tailed dog in a room full of rocking chairs. Defenses must be alert and also well conditioned to face the fast-paced Colt offense.

Manning is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league, and that has a lot to do with the “weapons” he has to work with. Marvin Harrison is one of very few receivers to have 900 catches and is Manning’s primary target on the field. Manning and Harrison have become the first quarterback-wide receiver duo to hook up for more than 10,000 career yards.

While most teams struggle to find one great receiver, the Indianapolis Colts have found three.  Brandon Stokley and Reggie Wayne, along with Harrison, are both 1,000-yard club members and keys in the success of the Colts’ offense. Manning always has somebody open to throw to.

The Colts’ strong attack through the air is complemented by their equally successful ground attack. Running back Edgerrin James rushed for more than 1,500 yards last season and is averaging 4.5 yards per carry this year. He is a strong back that can run over defenders while picking up extra yards with his quick feet. He gets more carries than almost any other back in football, and a sure thing with the ball. He is an MVP candidate for this season and deserving of the title. 

Though a good football team, for the past few years they have always been dominated by one team.

As Indianapolis went into Foxboro with an 0-6 record against Tom Brady’s New England Patriots, me and other Colt’s fans were scared. Never had Manning defeated New England at home. The Patriots have always been the team that has stopped the Colts’ Super Bowl hopes, but not this year. Manning led the Colts to a 41-20 victory over the Pats and finally got the monkey off their backs. But the playoff gorilla still remains.

With the season coming closer to the end, the Colts seem like the team to win the big show. They are number one in the NFL and are looking to capture that first-round bye and home field advantage. With the trio of Manning, James, and Harrison, the future looks bright for the Colts. A strong offense and an increasingly better defense has the opposition scared. Can the Colts win the Super Bowl? I know they can. This is the year for Dungy and Indianapolis.