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Colts’ High-Powered Offense Looks to Improve in 2004

http://www.colts.com/ImageResizeCach...14_385x210.jpg
Colts.com (click for full story)

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--- An improved offensive line. The unit lost reserve tackle/guard Adam Meadows, who was released then signed with the Carolina Panthers, but all five starters from late last season – tackle Tarik Glenn, guard Tupe Peko, Saturday, guard Rick DeMulling and tackle Ryan Diem return, along with second-year veterans Steve Sciullo and Makoa Freitas, who started 19 combined games last season.

The offensive line tied for second in the NFL last season by allowing 19 sacks, and the Colts finished with more than 100 yards a game rushing.

“You’re just getting stronger there,” Saturday said. “We were no. 1 or 2 in sacks last year, and we did well rushing the ball. All you’ve got to do is keep adding. We can’t rest on what we did last year. We’ve got to accentuate those things and get better at the things we didn’t do well.

“I’m excited to see how it’s going to turn out.”

Manning, a four-time Pro Bowl player who will enter his seventh NFL season next season, said during summer school he considered this the deepest, most talented offense in which he has played in the NFL. There are more options are receiver, he said, and the running back talent – with fullback Tom Lopienski potentially figuring in the game plan – is as potent as it has been since 1998.

“It’s another year in the system,” Manning said. “We’re adding some wrinkles. And (offensive coordinator) Tom (Moore)’s using the personnel we have to do some different things. We’ve got a fullback we can use. That’s a good wrinkle for us.

“Tom’s always been about the weapons we have, but I really feel like this year – top to bottom, at the major skill positions – we’re as deep as we ever have been.”

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“You’re just getting stronger there,” Saturday said. “We were no. 1 or 2 in sacks last year, and we did well rushing the ball.

Not really. The Colts were a mediocre 19th in total rushing yards and 26th in average per rush at 3.7 ypc. And that's with the #1 passing offense in the NFL. Edgerrin James just isn't as feared as he was prior to his knee injury in 2001. If the Colts are to improve offensively (that's scary) they will need the James of '99 & Y2K to show up.

They are going to need a better offense with losses to their D. They lost Washington, Macklin, Harris, and Bratzke. That's four defensive starters they lost, although they may get Bratzke back.

I like the way the Texans match up against the Colts now and even more in the future. Seems like a transference of power within the division, I don't see (other than continuity) how they have improved very much. They had a very weak draft, seemingly adding only for depth with no playmakers. The Texans added four, two through the draft & two through f/a, plus return two on the defensive line who where out basiclly all last year. I say bring on the Colts, Payton Manning, all his firepower and improved offensive line, lets get it on now :popcorn:

Peyton's contract is why the Colt offseason did not go as well. When is Harrison due a contract? I can't imagine what a cap hit that will be for them.

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When is Harrison due a contract?

Next year--won't that be fun?

I think James and Harrison's contracts are both up next year. Leaves them with quite a dilemma.

eek: Colts’ High-Powered Offense Looks to Improve in 2004 .......

...... But can their D stop Anyone ??!!??!!

lol:

That's right...their D went from bad to worse....on paper that is...

either HArrison or James will be gone from there mark my words. They got a good back up for james though.

Well if one of them goes it will be James.

right...if one of them goes it will be james because harrison is a one of a kind reciever...james is often injuried...but i don't see them letting either one of them go...i think they'll get together and manning will take a pay-cut...harrison will take a reasonable amount and james being the injuried one will take what he is given...if they're smart that's what'll happen...because with all three of them fighting for top dollar they won't be together...the sad thing is dungy is a defensive minded coach and is being given no real talent on defense