TEAM OVERVIEW
Strengths: Matt Ryan and Nick Foles, both Super Bowl starters, provide a substantial upgrade at quarterback. Defending NFL rushing champ Jonathan Taylor (right) will run behind two new starters on what is likely to remain one of the league’s top offensive lines. Yannick Ngakoue has added energy on a young, improving defense and Stephon Gilmore looks healthy and aggressive after two injury-filled seasons. Weaknesses: Michael Pittman Jr. could thrive — if the Colts find a complementary receiver. Expect early growing pains from Alec Pierce, Indy’s top draft pick who has worked largely with the starters. Finding a new TE for Jack Doyle also will be challenging, and the sudden retirement of Khari Willis could leave the Colts somewhat thin at safety though rookie Nick Cross has been a pleasant surprise.
Camp development: Gus Bradley knew from his experience with Ngakoue that the acquisition would immediately improve Indy’s pass rush. But Gilmore’s aggressiveness has been contagious in a secondary that has batted away passes at a remarkable rate. In time, the Colts will learn whether the amount of breakups are the result of improvement or an unproven receiving group. Expectations: The Colts are relying on Ryan’s still-strong 37-yearold arm to lead them back to the postseason. If Pierce or anyone else emerges as a solid second receiver and Taylor replicates his breakout season, the Colts could finally have the balance coach Frank Reich craves. This could also be the best defensive unit of Reich’s five-year tenure.