2012 Opponent Preview: Week 1 Indianapolis Colts face Chicago Bears
It’s time to start a new series of opponent preview. In this series, we will preview opponents that Indianapolis Colts will face in the 2012 season.
Colts are coming off a worst season in 20 years. They finished the 2011 season 2-14.
After qualifying for playoffs for nine consecutive seasons from 2002 to 2010, they failed to qualify in the 2011 season.
The main reason behind that was the absence of their elite quarterback Peyton Manning. He was core of the team for nearly 12 seasons.
In January 2011, Manning got a severe neck injury which kept him out for the rest of the season. He had many surgeries to curtail the effect of such type of threatening injury.
He also missed the entire last season. Colts discharged him in March this year. It was a big decision Colts made after having Manning for nearly 14 years.
This season, Colts are coming into the field with a completely new line-up. Colts also have completely reshuffled their coaching staff and administrative officials. They have hired a new general manger Ryan Grigson. They have acquired
the services of Chuck Pagano as a new head coach.
Above all, they have drafted Andrew Luck as the number one overall pick in the 2012 draft.
With a quality quarterback in their hand, Colts have bolstered the offence with draftees like Coby Fleener, T.Y. Hilton and LaVon Brazill.
Colts have also released some veteran players of Manning’s era that include Joseph Addai, Gary Brackett and Dallas Clark.
With coach Pagano having the reputation of making a good defence, Colts will be hoping for a better performance by the defensive team.
Week 1: Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears are looking great this season after an average campaign in the 2011 season, finishing 8-8.
Bears have added wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who brings the much-needed strength to the offence.
Bears failed to continue their winning streak in the 2011 season, after winning seven games out of their first ten games. The defence looks very strong again.
Head-to-Head
Colts and Bears have played a total of 41 games against each other. Colts have won 23 games while Bears have won 18 games.
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