Colts preseason No. 1 vs. Buffalo – five things to watch

Ah, football season is here.

NFL players have been hitting one another for the better half of the last two weeks. Finally — and that’s what every player will tell you — the Colts get to hit someone else. As the Colts host the Buffalo Bills to Lucas Oil Stadium (1:30 p.m., WNDY), it’ll be exactly 30 years to the date since the Colts played their first game as the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts, fired up by the ChuckStrong movement, went 11-5 last season. While I’m not ready to make a prediction for this season, I don’t expect much drop-off. Yes, there was something to rallying behind their coach, Chuck Pagano, who fought and beat leukemia. This season, the team appears to be much better and is more experienced (that includes Pagano).

Here are the top five items I’ll be watching in preseason game No. 1 vs. Buffalo.

1. Offensive line – It was just brutal last year, resulting in heavy hits, fumbles and forced throws by Andrew Luck. Colts GM Ryan Grigson added new pieces – and bulk – in what should ultimately smooth out and protect Luck.
2. New OC – After the success Bruce Arians had as offensive coordinator and fill-in head coach for Pagano most of the season, he landed a head coaching opportunity in Arizona. Pagano then replaced Arians with Luck’s offensive coordinator for two seasons at Stanford. It’s still unclear what’ll be different, but expect less gambling and closer to a 50/50 split of run and pass.
3. How the defense shapes up – Jim Irsay opened his wallet and let Grigson spent some of the most money in the league during the offseason. How do those guys looks, particularly on defense which has never been much of a strength for the team. The secondary, for once, looks to be a strong asset. Can the defensive line put pressure
4. Who owned the offsesason – There’s always a few guys that were focused and aggressive in the offseason. I’m curious to see who the guys are that made great strides. We’ve heard a lot about Josh Chapman, who didn’t play last year because of an ACL suffered in college, or wide-out Griff Whalen.
5. Play and get out – The last thing anyone wants to see in the preseason is injuries. They want to get some reps, gain some comfort, accomplish some of their goals and then get out without losing anyone. That’s always key. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

One for the road: Jerry Hughes – the Colts traded him to Buffalo in April. There will be no highlight tribute videos at LOS today. Simply, because he earned more flags on the field (during special teams) than he actually contributed. Will he get in and do anything for the Bills?

Broadcast note: 1) Most are thrilled for some football today, but I’m most excited to see my friend and the legend, Don Fischer, back in front of a mic. He has announced Colts preseason games on television for nearly 20 years. IU football is right around the corner. Love me some Fisch. 2) Bob Lamey has a new partner in the radio broadcast booth. Former Peyton Manning backup and avid golfer Jim Sorgi replaces Will Wilford on the Colts’ Vectren Radio Network.