| Andrew Perna. 7th March, 2009 - 1:20 pm
 Record: 12-4
Trench Counter: 1.8 (14th)
Point differential per game: 4.9 (9th)
Payroll: $93.4M (29th)
Cost Per Win: $7.8M (1st)
Passing offense: 255.9 (5th)
Rushing offense: 79.6 (31st)
Passing defense: 188.1 (16th)
Rushing defense: 122.9 (24th)
Turnover differential: 0.6 (4th)
Strength of schedule: 2nd
If their season were a song: Letdown - Radiohead
Game-by-Game (Score, Trench Counter)
Week 1: CHI, 13-29 Loss, -3.1
Week 2: @ MIN, 18-15 Win, -9.6
Week 3: JAX, 21-13 Loss, -3.2
Week 4: BYE
Week 5: @ HOU, 31-27 Win, -3.1
Week 6: BAL, 31-3 Win, 14.9
Week 7: @ GB, 14-34 Loss, -12.9
Week 8: @ TEN, 21-31 Loss, -3.1
Week 9: NE, 18-15 Win, 6.6
Week 10: @ PIT, 24-20 Win, 5.3
Week 11: HOU, 33-27 Win, -3.7
Week 12: @ SD, 23-20 Win, -6.6
Week 13: @ CLE, 10-6 Win, 4.9
Week 14: CIN, 35-3 Win, 15
Week 15: DET, 31-23 Win, 9.1
Week 16: @ JAX, 31-24 Win, 1.9
Week 17: TEN, 23-0 Win, 16.9
Season Summary
After stumbling out to a 3-4 record, the Colts raced out to win nine consecutive games to end the regular season. All the respect they earned after turning their season around, however, vanished with their somewhat shocking overtime loss to the Chargers in the first weekend of the postseason. With Tony Dungy and now Marvin Harrison no longer in town, a new era will begin in Indianapolis.
Reina Value and FIC Rank
Quarterback
- Peyton Manning (6th, 906, -41%)
After three horrible performances to begin the 2008 campaign, Manning regrouped during Week 4’s bye and won himself the NFL MVP award over the final thirteen weeks of the season. His numbers (4,002 yards and 27 touchdowns) would have been even better if Indianapolis had employed a better running game and had a tougher offensive line.
Running Backs
- Dominic Rhodes (29th, [399 rushing, 174 receiving], 395%)
After a one-year stay in Oakland, Rhodes returned to Indianapolis and ended up playing a larger role in the team’s offense than expected. He rushed 152 times for 538 yards and six touchdowns, and was more of a threat in the passing game than Addai (twenty more catches). He never had more than 86 yards in a game, but had six games with four or more receptions.
- Joseph Addai (41st, [171 rushing, 147 receiving], -4%)
Addai was a vast disappointment in 2008, especially after tallying back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to begin his NFL career. After missing one game in his first two campaigns, the running back missed four games in 2008 and tallied just 544 yards on 155 attempts. He averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, a 0.6 drop from 2007 and a 1.3-yard decrease from his rookie year. His best performance, by far, came in Week 11 against the Texans when he ran 22 times for 105 yards and grabbed four passes for 48 yards and two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving).
Wide Receivers
- Reggie Wayne (10th, 748, +0%)
There is no longer a question as to whether or not Wayne has surpassed Harrison as the team’s top target, especially with the latter no longer an active member of the roster. Wayne’s continued development made the move possible, thanks in no small part to five straight seasons of at least 1,055 yards receiving. He’s been a home run threat and a possession receiver for Manning, who would be smart to start holding pregame practice sessions with his new unquestioned No. 1 target.
- Anthony Gonzalez (40th, 445, 124%)
After a strong rookie season, Gonzalez improved upon his numbers with 57 receptions for 664 yards and four touchdowns in 2008. With Harrison gone, he should be targeted more by Manning next season. Like Wayne, he’s good on both immediate and long routes and has a good set of hands. Barring an offseason acquisition, Wayne, Gonzalez and Dallas Clark will be the team’s three-headed receiving monster.
- Marvin Harrison (41st, 439, -76%)
After a second consecutive disappointing season, the Harrison Era is officially over. His combined numbers (80 catches, 883 yards and six touchdowns) in 2008 and 2007 were considerably less than his averages from 1999-2006. He’s a first ballot Hall of Famer, but despite his struggles Manning has continued to excel. A knee injury has limited him severely as of late, but he will undoubtedly land on his feet somewhere else.
Tight End
- Dallas Clark (3rd, 562, 82%)
Clark, always a dangerous threat, was targeted a lot more in 2008 due to the injury woes of Harrison. As mentioned above, assuming another substantial receiver isn’t added, Clark will be a huge offensive force once again in 2009. He set career-highs in receptions (77) and yards (848), but was unable to top the eleven touchdowns he recorded in 2007. Clark, who has always been one of Manning’s favorite red zone targets, is one of the best pass-catchers at his position.
Defensive Summary
The Colts struggled when trying to stop the run, which was a huge reason why they fell to the Chargers in the playoffs. San Diego tallied 167 rushing yards in their Wild Card matchup, including 105 yards and two touchdowns on twenty-two carries by Darren Sproles. Their secondary was strong, despite injuries, but their overtime debacle perfectly showcased their shortcomings. The Chargers amassed 32 yards on their game-winning drive back on Jan. 3 at Qualcomm Stadium.
Biggest draft needs
The Colts are pretty fast, but want to get a little bigger on defense, where it appears as though they need the most work. As mentioned, they were very good against the pass this past season, so look for them to grab a tackle or linebacker that showed elite ability against the rush in college. A talented running back, or help on the offensive line would be beneficial as well.
Previous Audits
32. Detroit Lions
31. St. Louis Rams
30. Oakland Raiders
29. Cleveland Browns
28. Seattle Seahawks
27. Cincinnati Bengals
26. Kansas City Chiefs
25. Jacksonville Jaguars
24. Buffalo Bills
23. Denver Broncos
22. San Francisco 49ers
21. Dallas Cowboys
20. Houston Texans
19. Green Bay Packers
18. Chicago Bears
17. Arizona Cardinals
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15. New Orleans Saints
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