Colts: Love and hate
Colts: Camp tour | Rapid Reports | Bleacher Report
ANDERSON, Ind. -- Love-hate impressions from Indianapolis Colts camp on the 2010 season.
Love
• Peyton Manning. There is no erosion of his skill set. Some Colts observers think 2009 might have been his best season, even if the numbers weren't his best. As long as he's upright, this team will be Super good. The only thing to keep an eye on is his contract situation. He's entering the final year. Look for a deal that averaged $23 million or so.
• The receivers. With Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and the return of Anthony Gonzalez, the Colts have four capable starters. Wayne is the class of the group, one of the best in the league.
• Then there's tight end Dallas Clark, who had 100 catches last season. He is the perfect tight end for this offense. He isn't a great blocker, but he excels in this wide-open attack.
• The pass rush. With Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, they have the best speed rush in the league. Freeney, when healthy, is the best edge rusher in the game. They feast on teams when they have the lead. Rookie Jerry Hughes, the top pick, fits right in with the other two in terms of style.
• The corner tandem of Kelvin Hayden and Jerraud Powers, who started last season as a rookie, will be a good one. The two didn't play together much last season because Hayden missed time with injuries. This is a young pair to watch.
• Linebackers Clint Session and Gary Brackett. They are both undersized and have square builds, but they know how to get to the football. I call Session the "best chubby" linebacker in the league.
• Jim Caldwell as coach. He has done a nice job succeeding Tony Dungy, getting to the Super Bowl in his first season, even though he didn't have a great Super Bowl from a decision-making standpoint. He has the right temperament for the job.
Hate
• The change of offensive coordinators. I don't think Clyde Christensen is the right man for the job. Manning has endorsed him, but one wonders if it's because he can control him. Tom Moore, the longtime coordinator, is still around as a consultant, so that dynamic will be interesting to watch.
• The left side of the line. Left tackle Charlie Johnson is only OK and the Colts plan to move Tony Ugoh inside to left guard, where he is expected to start. That side has to be better than it was last season.
• The health of Bob Sanders. Will he ever play a full season? That's what happens when you throw your body around the way he does, although he's only 5-8. If he can stay on the field, the defense will be better.
