Oh, it was the Agony and the Ecstasy for the 2005 Indianapolis Colts.

For three months last fall they were the Lords of All Creation. They stood at 13-0 and were firmly squeezing the groin of history. Most bobbleheads and pundits were proclaiming them one of the Best Teams Ever, while others were lurking in the shadow praying for a miraculous fall.

And fall they did.

First, there was the stunning death of Tony Dungy's son. Next there was a two-game losing streak in Weeks 15 and 16, ending their run at the Perfect Season. The cloak of invincibility was finally burned to ashes by a rougher, tougher Pittsburgh team in a bizarre and intense Divisional Round game in the RCA Dome. The crippling loss and end of the Colts season left everyone with a sense of homesickness for a place that never existed.

But that was then, and this is now. The sooner that the Colts embrace the horror of their tragic winter the sooner they can move on. They've had months to grieve and recoup, and the 20 starters that they returned should be hardened by the emotional roller coaster ride of last season. Throw in the amazingly clutch Adam Vinatieri and the explosive Joseph Addai, and a young defense with another year of experience under its belt, and Indy is back in business.

However, I'm not counting on another assault on The Ages this season. Despite savvy and skill that was brought back the Colts lack depth in key places. Their schedule is more difficult and includes a stretch where they travel to Denver, New England and Dallas in a four-week span. Further, they've been fortunate and injury-free for the past three years. All luck runs out.

The Colts are the clear favorite to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Tough to argue with. Hopefully a fresh start and clean state will be a boon to their psyche. However, I don't think there's a chance that they are as dominant in the regular season. Off-field distractions and bizarre on-field incidents aside, they may have peaked last year.

Here's Doc's 2006 Indianapolis Colts Preview

2005 Record: 14-3 (7-2 home, 7-1 road)
2005 Rankings: 3rd offense (3rd pass, 16th run); 11th defense (15th pass, 16th run)
2005 Against the Spread: 9-7-1 (3-6 home, 5-1-1 road); 6-11 vs. total (2-7 h, 4-4 r)
2006 Odds: 6/1 to win Super Bowl, 2.5/1 to win AFC, 1/5 to win AFC South, 11.5 wins O/U
2006 Strength of Schedule: 21st (.484 opp. win %)
Key stat: The average difference between Colts defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney and the starting offensive tackle that they line up against is 61.8 pounds. Mathis and Freeney each avg. 256.5 pounds, while the average tackle tips the scales at 318.3 pounds.

Key acquisitions: Adam Vinatieri, K (from N.E.); Joseph Addai, RB (draft)
Key departures: Edgerrin James, RB; David Thornton, LB; Larry Tripplett, DT; Mike Vanderjagt, K; Troy Walters, WR

Offense: Even though the Colts lost The Edge, they won't lose their edge. They had the league's top average point-differential with +12, and the secret of their overwhelming offense is that amazing offensive line. The unit remains intact; meaning whoever they throw in the backfield will rush for 1,000 yards. However, last season Indy was content with scoring early and then working the clock - hence their 6-11 mark vs. the total. Without the patience of James I don't think they'll be as effective on the ground. Still good, but not as effective. More passes means more points, though I still feel they'll be facing inflated totals.
Defense:Indianapolis' D allowed the second-fewest points in the league in 2005, yielding just 15.4 per game. Some believe with more experience in the secondary and the continued emergence of their front four that this defense could actually be better. Not me. Tripplett and Thornton were two key players from a run defense that was 28th in regards to opponents' yards per attempt (4.4). Freeney is already experiencing shoulder troubles, and if he goes down get ready for some 38-31 shootouts.
X-factor: Tony Dungy. He has been the model of consistency in his career, but what he's doing doesn't work when it comes to winning a title. He needs to try something crazy, inventive and/or different.
Outlook: Indy is still one of the AFC's best teams despite losing more than they gained this offseason. I'm taking the under on the wins total. I expect a step back for the franchise this season because you can't stay at the top forever.

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