There's so much doom and gloom around the Colts right now, but what's something you're optimistic about for this upcoming season? I compiled a (brief) list:
The offensive line: The Colts finally have some continuity there, and you know what you’re going to get from guys like Anthony Castonzo and Jack Mewhort, who is in a contract year. Youngsters Joe Haeg and Ryan Kelly have shown a lot promise, and may be the two best on the line. Although unproven, the team seems to be high on Le'Raven Clark as well.
The defensive line: When is the last time - if ever - anyone was excited about the Colts' offensive and defensive lines? Free agent prize Jonathan Hankins is the piece they’ve been searching for in the middle, and that’s where the tone is set. Kendall Langford and Henry Anderson need to be healthy. Veteran Al Woods should get plenty of reps, and fourth-rounder Grover Stewart adds depth. Coming off his legal issues, you have to wonder if there's even room for David Parry.
The schedule: I'm always cautious about evaluating a schedule based on last year's results. One year ago, you would've thought Tennessee (went from 2-14 to 9-7) was an easy win and Carolina (defending NFC Champs turned 6-10) was a sure loss. Regardless, if you do base it on last year’s win/loss totals, the Colts have the worst schedule in the entire NFL. Nearly one-third of their slate comes against the Browns, 49ers, Rams, Jaguars (2), who were all terrible last year.