2007 Recap
Following a Super Bowl season in 2006, the Indianapolis Colts posted a 13-3 record and finished first in the dangerous AFC South. The Colts dominated on both sides of the ball all year, scoring 28.1 points a game and surrendering 16.4, but were defeated by a young, talented San Diego Charger team in the divisional playoff.
The Colts continue to be lead by perennial Pro Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning, who threw 31 touchdowns and passed for 4,040 yards. His strong supporting cast included RB Joseph Addai, who topped 1,000 yards; WR Reggie Wayne, who caught 104 passes for 1510 yards; and TE Dallas Clark, who caught 58 balls for 616 yards and 11 touchdowns. The defense was led by a strong pass rush with DE Robert Mathis, seven sacks, and S Bob Sanders, who had 97 tackles and two interceptions. The Colts will spend the off-season trying to keep the talented team together.
Team History
The Indianapolis Colts, formerly the Baltimore Colts, were established in 1953 and soon began to dominate the NFL. The team, led by Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas, won championships in 1958 and 1959, and continued its dominance in the 60s. The Colts were famously beaten by the New York Jets in Super Bowl III after being 17 point favorites. The Colts continued their success after the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, winning three straight AFC East title in the mid-70s, but soon fell from the upper echelon.
The Colts moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984 after the lease to the stadium had ended and the dwindling fan base did not justify the upgrade of facilities. The Colts re-emerged as a dominant team in the 21st century under the leadership of Peyton Manning at quarterback and became the first team to win 12 games or more for five straight seasons, from 2003-2007.