Atlanta Falcons matchup preview: Indianapolis Colts

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

FB: What’s the best offseason move made by the Colts?

ER: Signing Andre Johnson (and to a lesser degree Frank Gore). The Colts have a lot of talent at wide receiver, but not much experience. They desperately needed someone to fill the mentor role that Reggie Wayne left behind. Johnson is one of those players who is so talented but on a perpetually bad team and you end up feeling sorry for him. He’s very motivated and gives the team exactly what they need for the next few seasons.

FB: What’s the worst move?

ER: I believe that the team will regret letting Cory Redding leave. He was the emotional leader of the defense on and off the field. There doesn’t appear to be anyone filling that role yet and until Robert Mathis returns, the defense doesn’t really have an outspoken leader.

You could also argue that drafting WR Phillip Dorsett was a bad move, since the team had so many needs on defense. That said, Dorsett has been impressive in OTAs and could have a bigger impact than any of the defensive players left at the 29th pick would have had.

FB: Have the Colts addressed their needs?

ER: In the short term, yes. The NFL is a win now league and building for the future amounts to finding a franchise quarterback. There shouldn’t be any questions about the team’s offense, but it remains to be seen if the defense will mesh this season and not allow the Patriots to run all over them.

The draft helped address some of the long term holes on defense, but there is no guarantee that those picks will work out.

FB: What are your expectations for the Colts’ 2015 season?

ER: I expect the Colts will win another AFC South title and be a lock for the playoffs. Given the schedule, they should be pressing for one of the top two seeds and that first round bye. Home field advantage throughout the playoffs is definitely in the cards.

If the recent trend with this team holds, they’ll go to the Super Bowl. They’ve gotten one step further in the playoffs every season since Andrew Luck was drafted in 2012.

Next: Previewing the Week 11 matchup