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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at the Oakland Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Indianapolis Colts 33-25. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at the Oakland Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Indianapolis Colts 33-25. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
23

Indianapolis Colts 8-8

Last week: 3rd, AFC South
Last rank: 23rd

Looking Back: After three consecutive seasons of going deeper into the playoffs, the Colts finished 8-8 for the second consecutive year. The team had its chances to get back to the playoffs but at times Indianapolis was its own worst enemy. Andrew Luck enjoyed a solid year but once again he didn’t get the support he truly needed.

Looking Forward: Embattled Chuck Pagano is still the team’s head coach. And we do know that Pat McAfee is no longer the team’s punter – opting for retirement following a colorful career. But what does that mean for a club that has seemingly underachieved in some people’s eyes? Of course, we know that’s not really the case and this is a club in need of talent in many aspects. It’s time to take a closer look at the true issues surrounding the club. Despite all their problems, the Colts fell just short of winning the AFC South each of the past two years.

Offseason needs: The Colts have a new general manager in Chris Ballard. His first and main priority is to address a defense that seemed to get worse over the last few years. In 2016, Indianapolis ranked 25th against the run, 27th vs. the pass and only two teams in the NFL allowed more total yards per game. Outside linebacker Erik Walden had a big year and accounted for one-third (11.0) of the team’s sub-par 33 sacks. But he is slated for free agency, as is strong safety Mike Adams. One of the Colts’ surprise player of ’16 was tight end Jack Doyle and he could hit the market as well.

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