The offensive line issues, Colts President Bill Polian said early in the week, were not entirely unexpected. Four-time Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday missed the preseason with a knee injury, and left tackle Charlie Johnson missed with a foot injury. Johnson spent the regular-season opener playing much of the game against Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams, allowing a sack and a pressure in what Caldwell and Polian each said was a difficult circumstance.
There’s every reason to expect the Colts’ offensive line to improve. They’re an experienced group known for quality pass protection, and as Polian noted this week, they should improve with improved health and cohesion. History suggests the run defense will improve, too, at least enough to allow Manning and the Colts’ offense to get their footing, get leads and bring the strength of the Colts’ defense – rushing the passer and defending the pass – more into play.
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