Five points to watch as the Colts open preseason in St. Louis

After a long, over-hyped lockout, no meaningful games are missed (only the Hall-of-Fame game). The Colts are four hours west in St. Louis for their first preseason game of the year. In this matchup, it’s more about who’s on the field than who isn’t.

— We all know Peyton Manning won’t be taking any snaps in this game; he’s still recovering from the neck surgery he had in May. Curtis Painter will get the start under center and probably play a quarter or so. Then we may find out if Dan Orlovsky is a viable backup and if he can outshine Painter.

There’s something about Painter that fans don’t like. He’s like the joke around town. Nonetheless, if Peyton Manning isn’t healthy, the Colts are doomed anyway. What the Colts are trying to find out however, is if Manning has to miss a couple games, can Painter or Orlovsky keep things in places and win a few games if necessary to say, secure a playoff berth or home field advantage.

— The Polian’s drafted offensive lineman with their first two picks in the 2011 NFL Draft, Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana. Management understands they need Peyton on the field and so they’re determined to shore up the first line of defense. Because of the lockout, rookies missed valuable time to get acclimated with the team, playbook and work out with teammates. Then with number-18 taking a lower salary, the Colts re-signed running back Joseph Addai (Manning’s last line of defense).

— The team now is deep at running back, Joseph Addai, Donald Brown, Devin Moore, Javarris James, Delone Carter, Chad Spann, and Darren Evans. Addai will only play the first series to get a few reps in. Then can Donald Brown stay healthy and be a strong asset? The horseshoes selected Carter in the draft, primarily for short-yard gains. Indianapolis-natives Chad Spann (North Central) and Darren Evans (Warren Central) will work their butts off to make the roster. Spann is also a possible kick returner. All aspects need improvement, and the position should progress with so much talent for the Colts to consider.

— Pat McAfee may reap the benefits of one big change this offseason. Kickoffs are now moved forward five yards to the 35 yard-line, paving the way for more touchbacks. That may be the biggest assist to the Colts who have always struggled on special teams. Just last postseason, a long return by the Jets gave them an opportunity to kick the game-winning field goal. The focus each kick for McAfee should be to drill it into the end zone so no decision by the opposing team needs to be made. In the past, the Colts have allowed the opponent to begin past the 30 yard-line. They should gladly force a touchback and run like they stole something.

— And finally, what is the defense looking like? Can the d-line provide a solid run and pass rush? We know Freeney and Mathis will be huge but how about the inside positions. I’ve heard nothing but great things about rookie Drake Nevis (3rd-round pick). Indy lost Clint Session to the Jaguars–so who steps up? Will Pat Angerer play a pivotal role on the team this year? And Bob Sanders is now with San Diego but the Colts re-signed Melvin Bullitt. The secondary is tremendously important but may not have enough resources. The defense is in question throughout–let’s just say it’s a project in the making.

Colts-Rams kicks off from St. Louis at 8 pm on WNDY in Indianapolis. Don Fischer and Mark Herrmann will have the call.

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