Indianapolis Colts Odds to Win the 2009 Super Bowl

This was the first time in several years that Indy did not take a major hit in free agency. It was wise to bring back Rhodes, especially for less than $1 million. Of the players lost, Fletcher and Gandy were the biggest surprises. Both were expected to have bigger roles in 2008 and both were suddenly given the ax after the first minicamp. Makes you wonder if the team knows something we don't. Morris and McFarland are finished after knee injuries. Scott was solid for the team, but they couldn't afford to keep both he and Ryan Lilja.

If everyone is healthy, this is probably the best overall defense the Colts have fielded in the Tony Dungy era. Safety Bob Sanders is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, an honor he earned by being an absolute demon against the run despite his small stature. Nobody reads the run quicker or takes better angles of attack than Sanders, who has also improved his range in pass coverage. His fellow safety Antoine Bethea earned a Pro Bowl spot, as well, and his all-around game fits well in the base Tampa 2 scheme the Colts primarily employ. But as good as the safeties are, what sets this group apart from past Colts' units are the corners. Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson are both capable of playing tighter man coverage and being more physical with receivers. That allows Defensive Coordinator Ron Meeks to mix his coverages and looks, making the defense harder to read for opposing QB's. Jackson is a converted safety who has not lost his zeal against the run, and he slides inside in the nickel package quite effectively.

Quarterback Peyton Manning says he is disappointed that he can't be at training camp. Manning spoke on a conference call Thursday about his recent surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee. The two-time MVP said he's not sure exactly how long it will take to recover because he's not used to being injured.

Manning had been receiving conservative treatment for an inflamed bursa sac since February, but the pain increased and showed early signs of infection. Manning has never missed a regular season start in 10 pro seasons since being selected by the Colts with the first overall selection in the 1998 draft. He threw for 4,040 yards and 31 touchdowns last season, leading Indianapolis to the AFC South title.

It's pretty simple--Super Bowl Champs. This is one of the top 3 teams in the league, and if all the key parts stay healthy, nothing less than another Super Bowl is a disappointment. Don't expect the team to mail in season-ending games if they've already wrapped up playoff slotting either, which rose up and bit them hard last year.