The Indianapolis Colts have come a long way since the days of the Dallas Texans; so much so, in fact, that the NFL insists the two teams should not partner today. (Probably due to the confusion resulting from the Houston Texans) The Colts have created their own legends since 1953 when they changed their name to the Baltimore Colts, and have won three NFL championships and two Super Bowl championships, the last victory coming in 2006. in XLI. The Indianapolis Colts’ chances in 2008 remain promising, especially considering last year’s final score of 13-3. The Colts performed very well, but they lost their divisional round to the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs. As the team heads into its 56th season, it may be payback time, especially when they face the Chargers in a rematch on November 23, 2008.

For the first time in 24 seasons, the Colts will begin play from Lucas Oil Stadium leaving the RCA Dome behind. Management is pleased with coach Tony Dungy for this season, just as he has been for the past seven, and equally pleased with quarterback Peyton Manning, who returns as the starting quarterback for the 11th season. This may or may not be Tony Dungy’s final season, as he announced that he would be back for at least one more season. Whether or not we see him next year may depend on the team’s final score in 2008. The Colts also promoted Jim Caldwell to Associate Head Coach, putting him in line to inherit Tony Dungy’s spot when he decides to retire.

The team released three players, including wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe, defensive tackle Anthony McFarland and linebacker Rob Morris. The team also lost Rocky Michael Boiman and Dan Klecko to the Philadelphia Eagles, Jake Scott to the Tennessee Titans, and Benjamin Jeffrey Utecht to the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL Draft also provided Indianapolis with some exciting new prospects. The team won Arizona State center Mike Pollak, Georgia Tech linebacker Philip Wheeler, Kentucky tight end Jacob Tamme, Georgia linebacker Marcus Howard, Virginia tight end Tom Santi, Wake Forest center Steve Justice, Michigan running back Mike Hart. , Mount Union wide receiver Pierre Garcon and Buffalo center Jamey Richard.

The reaction to the Indianapolis Colts in 2008 has been mixed. His rematch with the San Diego Chargers is generating a lot of interest, although most NFL fans are leaning towards the Colts. The Chargers are seen as a wild card winner and respected by most football experts who name them as one of the most talented teams in the entire NFL. In fact, last year’s losing 13-3 performance was one of the best in the entire sport, second only to New England’s record-breaking 18-0 attempt and Dallas’ impressive 13-3.

Don’t write off the Colts just yet; they dominated the NFL in 2006, winning their fifth overall championship title and posting one of the best records in the league for the following season. The Colts may still be hungry for more pigskin glory.