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Colts Dominate NFL.com’s All-AFC South Team

By Luke Schultheis

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According to NFL.com Analyst Dave Dameshek, the Indianapolis Colts are well-represented on NFL.com’s All-AFC South team entering this season. Nearly half of the assembled All-AFC South team plays for the Horseshoe, as 11 of the 25 total players are members of the Colts:

"OffenseQuarterback: Andrew Luck, Indianapolis ColtsHe’s 3-for-3 in getting the Colts to January, and with each passing year, he’s gotten ’em one weekend closer to February. Since Indy reached the AFC title game last season, that means … well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.Wide receiver: T.Y. Hilton,Indianapolis ColtsThe Colts’ offense has a chance to be one of those all-time great units, with Gore, Andre Johnson, a pair of higher-end pass-catching tight ends in Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener … and this splash-playmaker-who-makes-more-than-just-splash-plays gem.Wide receiver: Andre Johnson, Indianapolis ColtsPerhaps this generation’s least-heralded future Hall of Famer moves to Indy. If the former longtime Texan can stay healthy, a massive year awaits.Tackle: Anthony Castonzo, Indianapolis ColtsPerhaps the only dependable piece on the Colts’ line, the starting left tackle gets moved to the right side on our team.DefenseDefensive end: Robert Mathis, Indianapolis ColtsAs long as we’re doing the if thing, if Mathis can get beyond the Achilles injury that — combined with a four-game suspension — kept him from participating in 2014 and reach his career average of double-digit sacks, the Colts’ defense has a chance.Inside linebacker: D’Qwell Jackson, Indianapolis ColtsFrom Cleveland to Indy, the tackling machine has stayed consistent. He posted 141 tackles for theBrowns in ’13 and 138 for the Colts in ’14.Cornerback: Vontae Davis, Indianapolis ColtsTrump your pals and impress the experts by invoking the name “Vontae” the next time a debate over the mythical Best Shutdown Corner rages around your local tavern.Safety: Mike Adams, Indianapolis ColtsThe undrafted journeyman (Indy is the fourth stop in his 11-year career) landed in the Pro Bowl last season.Special TeamsReturner: Phillip Dorsett, Indianapolis ColtsSight unseen, the first-round pick — who is expected to fill this role this season — is better than any of the veteran options available. But let’s also appreciate the man who held the post in Indy for a time last season, Griff Whalen. There just aren’t a lot of guys named Griff.Kicker: Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis ColtsThe future Hall of Famer led the league in efficiency last season, making 30 of his 31 attempts.Punter: Pat McAfee, Indianapolis ColtsWe’d put him on the team if only for his mirth-making in the locker room. The fact he happens to also be the best punter in the division is a bonus."

NFL stars like Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, Vontae Davis, and even the underrated Anthony Castonzo are obviously no brainers within the division. However, it’s also great to see veteran players like Andre Johnson, Robert Mathis, D’Qwell Jackson, and Mike Adams get some love too. Not to be forgotten, the Colts also apparently rule special teams in the AFC South, as two All-Pro’s in Pat McAfee and Adam Vinatieri lead a trio that also includes the blazing fast Phillip Dorsett as a returner.

Having so many players on the All-AFC South team, it’s not only a testament to how many talented players comprise this  year’s Colts team, but it also speaks volumes about the current depleted talent level of the division. The AFC South likely contains two NFL bottom-feeders in the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans yet again, and the Texans figure to fare right around .500 next season.

The Colts have historically dominated this division, especially in recent seasons. This All-AFC South team partially helps to portray a big reason why.

That, and a certain #12 of course. 

Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Carter quarterback Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts (12) warms up before the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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