Indianapolis Colts: 5 reasons they’re Super Bowl contenders

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Dewey McDonald (31) celebrates after tackling Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker (83) on a punt return during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Dewey McDonald (31) celebrates after tackling Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker (83) on a punt return during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Dewey McDonald (31) celebrates after tackling Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker (83) on a punt return during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Dewey McDonald (31) celebrates after tackling Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker (83) on a punt return during the NFL divisional playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The last three seasons have been successful ones for the Indianapolis Colts, but disappointing ones as well. While they have made the playoffs for three years in a row, they have fallen short of a Super Bowl appearance (and of course, a win) all three years.

The upside is that they have improved every year though. In 2012, the Colts were one and done in the playoffs due to a trouncing by the eventual Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens.

In 2013, they beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round with an amazing come-back win, only to get beaten handily by the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round.

Then this past season, the Colts beat the Cincinnati Bengals 26-10 in the Wild Card Round, and the second seed Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round by a score of 24-13, only to get torched by New England again, 45-7. While that game is remembered more for some deflated footballs the truth is that the Colts were simply outplayed on every level by the Patriots.

While the exits were painful for Colts fans, the improvement has been steady and each year they get a little closer to the real goal—a Super Bowl Championship.

The thing is, each year the same giant holes were present and very rarely addressed or if they were addressed, they were done so badly (Trent Richardson anyone?).

This year, things look different. The Colts have attacked several areas of concern and added some talent which should help them get over the hump.

There’s a lot to be excited about for the Indianapolis Colts and their fans and they will absolutely be in the hunt for a Super Bowl Championship this season.

Here are five reasons why they remain legitimate contenders for the upcoming 2015 NFL season.

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