The fun never stops.
One of the many great things about the NFL is the ability to keep fans engaged 12 months of the year. Even more impressive given the playing season only runs from September to February.
Or the first week of January if you are an Indianapolis Colts fan.
So despite not being on the field for the best part of a month, there is still plenty of off field action to keep fans of the Colts engaged.
Not least, the NFL Draft of which excitement and content will ramp up once the Super Bowl champions are crowned.
Although Mock Draft season is well and truly under way – I have already completed one with my fellow HuddleUK writer Stuart Chalk – that is not the only topic of conversation for Indianapolis Colts fans.
First of all, following a disappointing season, changes have been made at a coaching level. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has left Lucas Oil Stadium.
After a year where the team finished 24th in points allowed – the third time in his three years the team finished in the bottom ten for this metric – it was perhaps inevitable a change would be made.
New man in charge
In steps Lou Anarumo. Recently discarded by the Cincinnati Bengals after six years.
From the outside it looked like a relatively successful period, which included a Super Bowl appearance, as well as Conference Championship games. It did, however, go a bit stale for him and the Bengals in 2024.
However, he is a hugely experienced coach who has been in the league a long time, and has now been tasked with rejuvenating a unit that has potential, but looks like it needs fresh ideas.
It will be interesting to see how the Colts refresh their defense in the offseason. There are some definite needs, which can be addressed either through the draft or via free agency.
General manager Chris Ballard spoke at his end of year press conference about the need to do things differently this offseason. We will wait to see how this plays out, but hopefully a change of approach is coming.
Sprechen sie Deutsch?
One thing Anarumo had better have is an up to date passport! It was also announced that the Colts will be returning to Germany for the second time in three years.
This time it will be the first game ever to be played in Berlin. For those fans who reside outside of the USA, it is always hugely exciting when a team visits internationally.
The NFL continues to try and grow its brand globally, and having teams playing football on international soil is an integral part of this. The opponent has yet to be named, but it will be a designated ‘home’ game for Indianapolis.
Time to get out the German phrase book, start looking at travel arrangements and look forward to seeing the Colts – and hopefully a revamped defense – on international ground again!
