After a dissapointing 9-7 campaign the Colts look to get their first playoff berth under Coach Dale this upcoming season. With an ultimatum coming from the front office Coach Dale will have to deliver on that playoff berth or look for another job at seasons end.
The feel around the Colts complex this offseason has been upbeat. Despite the loss of veterans Marcell Dareus, Vontae Davis, and strong safety James Sample the team will be bringing back a largely intact roster. Also cut were a couple youngsters from the receiving core, te TJ Samuel and wr Carlos Rodgers. Team officials wouldn't rule out bringing back Samuel and/or Rodgers back if available at the right price.
The Colts have already decided to tag C Ryan Kelly at $8.68m for next season. This leaves Indy with around 40 million to spend entering fa and not many glaring holes to fill. Safety and rb are rumored to be the teams top targets. Vontae Davis' departure leaves a need in the secondary. As it stands it is unclear what exactly the teams plan is for that position group as their is a lot of flexibility. A lot depends on the organizations belief in John House and whether or not they feel he can step in and assume the job of starting SS. Also, despite 3rd year player Xavier Tatum's breakout performance down the stretch last season the team will look for a back to assume a lot of the responsibility in the run game.
Marcell Dareus made quite the impact with Indianapolis residents with his play the field play and as spokesman for Steak n Shake during his time here. This Saturday Steak n Shake will be hosting a farewell party for Marcel Dareus from 2-4pm at the US Highway 36 location in Avon. Bring the family out and lets send Marcel out right!
The Colts turned the ball over on downs late in the 4th quarter to fall to 3-7 on the season. While coach Colin felt the offense played well enough to win the defense simply didn't. Russell Wilson went 24/25 302yds 1td 1int. The Colts also allowed a couple of break backing runs to Thomas Rawls at pivitol parts of the game. Rawls found the endzone 3 times and finished with 113 yds on 14 carries.
Andrew Luck led a balanced passing attack finishing 17/25 274yds 2td. Martavious led the receiving core with 99 yds on 5 rec and 1 td. Rookie HB Xavier Tatum continues to progress nicely in the lead role. Tatum finished with 12 car 77yds and 1td. With Charcandrick West set to return from a broken thumb next week questions linger around Colts camp as to how carries will be distributed moving forward.
On defense the Colts failed to record a sack once again. They currently have a league low 8 sacks.
While the Colts prospects for the 2017 season continue to decline there are a couple bright spots that should be noted. The Colts do have one of the younest teams in the league. Versus Seattle they started 8 rookies and another 5 second year players. Also the Colts plan to be big players in free agency this offseason. Shoring up the front seven will be the top priority.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - After dropping their previous twogames the Colts rallied behind Andrew Luck's arm (286yds 3td 2int) to victory on Sunday versus the Chiefs.
Again, Phillip Dorsett (5 rec 87yds 2td) was able to wreak havoc on the opposing defense while Robert Turbin (14 att 84 yds) was able to add ample support on the ground.
On the other side of the ball the Colts defense struggled with Travis Kelce ( 10 rec 174yds) but were able to keep Pro Bowl running back Jamal Charles (15 att 53yds) in check.
Up 31-24 late in the 4th quarter with the Chiefs driving the Colts were able to stall the offense and force a field goal. On the ensuing possession the Colts were able to get a couple first downs and run the clock out.
Next week the Colts (4-4) head to Lambeau to face the Packers (3-4).
In other Colts news the team traded FS Mathias Farley to the Arizona Cardinals for a 5th round pick in the upcoming draft. The Colts were high on Farley but due to a logjam at the position felt the move was best for all parties involved.