Are the Indianapolis Colts Doomed to Regress in 2013?
It will be hard for the Indianapolis Colts to match their impressive 2012 season.
The reloaded Colts turned 2012 into one of the most impressive stories in NFL history, turning a 2-14 season into a nine-game improvement the very next year. The Colts’ inspirational 11-5 performance will be tough to improve on in 2013.
The Colts are entering the second season of the Andrew Luck/Chuck Pagano era, but in many ways, 2013 will be almost like coming back again for the first time. After battling leukemia last season, 2013 will be Pagano’s first full season with his young quarterback. luck and Pagano will also be trying to implement a new offensive scheme from Pep Hamilton, who steps in for Bruce Arians as new offensive coordinator.
The Colts’ schedule in 2013 also presents its fair share of difficulties. In the AFC South, the Colts will attempt to unseat the Houston Texans as division champs, as well as try to keep down the rebuilding Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. The Titans loaded up on their offensive line in the offseason, which could mean big numbers for their running game. The Jaguars have been stumbling over recent seasons, but always give the Colts trouble, regardless. The Colts and the Jaguars split their two games last season, even though Jacksonville ended up with one of the worst records in the league.
The Colts also face the NFC West in 2013, which could be the best division in the NFL right now. The Colts must face Arains and the Arizona Cardnials, but the toughest of these games may be the trip to California, where the Colts will do battle with the NFC Champion San Fransisco 49ers. There’s also the return of Peyton Manning to Lucas Oil Stadium, which could be one the biggest games of the year.
Indianapolis may become a better overall team in 2013, but could still wind up with a worse record than last year. It will take some work and some luck (no pun intended) to improve on their impressive 2012, but this team has the talent and the drive to do just that.