2008 Indianapolis Colts Offense

Quarterback

Quarterback Jim Sorgi returns to backup Payton Manning, Sorgi will holding the clipboard for his 5th season behind Manning. Rookie Adam Tafralis and quarterback Josh Betts will battle for the third slot behind Sorgi. If any of these three quarterbacks see significant playing time it will be a long season for Colts fans as all are inexperienced players in the NFL.

This will be running back Joseph Addai’s third season in the NFL. Having rushed for 1,000 yards his first two years, Addai will remain the feature back in Indianapolis. With Addai’s ability to also catch the ball look for him to possibly improve on his 15 total touchdowns of a year ago.

After a year to forget in Oakland running back Dominic Rhodes returns to Indy, Rhodes helped play a part in the Colts Superbowl victory in 2007. Rhodes will get plenty of snaps in ‘08 as he backs up Addai.

Rookie Mike Hart (Michigan), the Colts 6th round pick should also see plenty of action in 2008. Hart fits nicely into the Colts offensive attack. Hart is a good blocker, solid runner, and has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

Two time Pro Bowl receiver Reggie Wayne continued to impress in 2007. With Marvin Harrison playing in just five games because of a knee injury, Wayne had his best year as a pro. Reggie Wayne finished ‘07 with 104 receptions 1,510 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Marvin Harrison had a serious knee injury a year ago and at his age (36 in October), it could limit his productivity. But in ‘07 Reggie Wayne showed he was ready to be Peyton’s new number one receiver.

Second year receiver Anthony Gonzalez showed promise as a rookie. Gonzalez caught 37 passes for a 15.6 yard average in ‘07. He displayed a knack for making the big play and catching the ball in the middle of the field. His production in 2008 should increase along with his playing time.

Young wide receivers Roy Hall and Devin Aromashodu will compete for playing time. Both receivers are big, physical players. Aromashodu has more game experience than Hall, having played in six games catching seven passes for 96 yards and a 13.7 average. But both players should see more field time in ‘08 due to Harrison’s possible decline.

Tight End Dallas Clark (58 rec. 616 yds. 11TD in ‘07) is one of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets. The same will hold true again in 2008 with the departure of fellow TE Ben Utecht to Cincinnati. Clark will mentor rookie TE from Kentucky Jacob Tamme. Tamme is an intelligent player with good feet and great hands and will fit right in with the Colts offense.

The Indianapolis Colts offensive line isn’t the best in the league but they get the job done on Sunday’s. Veterans Jeff Saturday (center 10yrs.) and Ryan Diem (right tackle 8yrs,) are the leaders on the O-line. Coach Dungy hopes the line can play in every game together in ‘08. Only Saturday and LG Ryan Lijia started in all 16 games a year ago. The line however did support a 1,000 yard rusher in Addai, and Manning was sacked just 21 times.

Rookie Mike Pollak of Arizona St. was the first pick in the ‘08 draft for the Colts, selected in the second round. Pollak is expected to get playing time at both the center and guard positions.

Manning will be Manning in 2008, no reason to expect any drop-off in production. If Marvin Harrison isn’t 100%, the receiving core is still pretty solid with Wayne and Gonzalez. The offensive line should be able to keep Manning on his feet and also create holes for the running back. The surprise on offense could be RB Mike Hart. Hart can run between the tackles and is a solid blocker and receiver. He may be used a lot on 3rd downs.

The AFC South is a tough division but the Colts should remain playoff contenders in 2008.