Indianapolis Colts: More Questions Than Answers

After three successful seasons where they came very close to returning to the Super Bowl, the decline has caught up with the Colts, who once again rely on the talent of Andrew Luck, on a team with many more weaknesses than strengths, and where free agency took away many key pieces.

Chris Ballard, the new general manager, arrived with the mission of righting the ship, but during the offseason he did not sign players who could make a difference. Therefore, a difficult season is anticipated for a team that had one of the worst defenses in the league. Andrew Luck continues to be the face of the Colts.

However, the hope is that he can stay healthy. He is coming off a season of over 4,000 yards and 31 TDs. His favorite target is T.Y. Hilton, a short but talented receiver with excellent hands, who will be paired with Donte Moncrief, who has been hampered by injuries. He missed seven games last year, so he will have the help of Phillip Dorsett and Kamar Aiken, who joins from the Ravens.

At the tight end position, they lost Dwayne Allen, but they trust that Jack Doyle will improve on the 59 receptions he had in 2016. Carrying the ball, they still have Frank Gore, who became the first running back aged 33 or older to surpass 1,000 yards since John Riggins in 1984, which is an impressive feat for a player with an average of less than four yards per carry.

Christine Michael, who has similar physical characteristics to Gore, arrived to rotate in that position. Rookie Marlon Mack will also have his opportunities. The offensive line is a disaster. It does not open holes and is porous in protecting its QB. Anthony Costanzo is responsible for guarding Luck's blind side, and it is also expected that Joe Haeg and Le'Raven Clark will improve their level.

On defense, coordinator Ted Monachino has a difficult task: improving the 30th-ranked defense in the NFL, 27th against the pass and 25th against the run. On the front line, Johnathan Hankins, a Giants tackle, arrives, and they hope for the return of Henry Anderson, who missed the 2016 season due to a knee injury.

There will be new faces at linebacker: John Simon, Sean Spence, and Jabaal Sheard. The problem is that none of them were starters on their previous teams last year; Edwin Jackson is the only one returning. The Colts' first two draft picks were used to reinforce the secondary, and both will be starters: Malik Hooker as free safety and Quincy Wilson as cornerback.

Nate Hairston, another rookie, will play in the nickel defense. The experienced player here is Vontae Davis, but he struggles a lot with injuries.

And yes, the 44-year-old veteran, Adam Vinatieri, has not retired. He will continue to handle field goals, and last year he made 27 out of 31 attempts, including 7 out of 9 from over 50 yards. In a team with more doubts than certainties, and where only Luck is a guarantee, the Colts' chances of making an impact are very limited.

THE FIGURE

Andrew Luck / Quarterback

A big part of the Colts' aspirations rely on the health of Andrew Luck, who in recent years has struggled with injuries due to hits he takes. This guy, three-time Pro Bowl selection and in 2016 the highest-paid player in the league, has already led his team to the Championship Game and in three of his five seasons in the NFL has surpassed 4,000 passing yards.

CHUCK PAGANO - NFL Record: 52-34 / With the team: 52-34

In the five seasons he has coached the Colts, Pagano has never had a losing campaign, and in three seasons he has taken the team to the playoffs.

He is a fighter, who has already battled leukemia, which has earned him the respect and admiration of his players.