Detroit Lions Schedule Preview: Indianapolis Colts

The Lions will wrap up with their AFC South opponents in early December when they host the Indianapolis Colts. I was able to get with Jeremy Nicholas, editor at Naptown’s Finest, to get an early primer on the Colts.

1. What is your initial reaction to the Colts’ 2012 draft?

Jeremy Nicholas: The Indianapolis Colts loaded up on offense in the 2012 NFL Draft, putting two new tight ends, two new wide outs, and a new running back into the frey with number one overall pick Andrew Luck. The choice to go so heavy on offense was surprising, but seemed sensible, that this team reloaded with so much youth on the offensive side of the ball to help and grow with their new quarterback.

2. What do you think of Chuck Pagano as head coach so far?

JN: New head coach Chuck Pagano is the polar opposite of Jim Caldwell, which is a breath of fresh air. This new team needs a strong voice to lead in the locker room. Quiet and passive is not going to work with so many young players on offense, and a defensive-minded coach who is aggressive and vocal will command respect from the veterans.

3. How has the defense fared with the transition to the 3-4?

JN: Pagano’s Raven-esque defensive scheme is still in the works, but has shown signs of brilliance. This new Colts team will attack, instead of playing to bend but not break. Some of the veteran Colts who are new to these ideas will take some time to adjust, but Pagano brought some other players in from Baltimore to help bring his new plan along.

4. Everything about Andrew Luck has been reportedly great so far. Is there anything you see that should temper fans’ enthusiasm?

JN: The excitement over Andrew Luck’s debut should be tempered with patience. As impressive and poised as he has seemed so far, he is still yet to see real game time. His legacy will be written once he plays 60 minutes with a defense chasing him around, throwing him down, and forcing rookie mistakes. Those mistakes will then be over-scrutized by the media. How he responds to these aspects of the pro game will truely show what this young man is made of.

5. What are your expectations for the Colts in 2012?

JN: The Indianapolis Colts will surprise many people in 2012. Although a lot is expected of Luck in the future, very little is expected of him right now. If the Colts win more than 2 games this season, it will be an improvement from their debacle last year. I think the Colts could be close, or right at .500 by the end of this season, and could even be in contention to win the AFC South if the Texans stumble late.

Head to Naptown’s Finest for more on the Indianapolis Colts.