For Chiefs fans wanting to know who they will have to defeat on their way to the AFC crown in the new Madden ’12 football series, look no further than the incredible offense of the Indianapolis Colts as one of the key teams to take down. ESPN continued to roll out the scores of two teams per day with the Texans and Colts today, and Indy fans have to be pleased with the high-octane offense for yet another year.
Not that a 98 overall rating is a surprise for Peyton Manning, but it also helps that Reggie Wayne stays at a 95 and Dallas Clark lands a 96 overall despite an injury plagued season. Both players have an incredible Catching rating of 98 for Wayne and 96 for Clark, giving Manning two surefire targets while others like speedster Pierre Garcon and young TE Jacob Tamme provide further check-down options.
The running game is weak behind a line that comes out rather average, so the Colts aren’t as well-rounded as some other teams in Madden. Joseph Addai, newly resigned with the real world version, comes in at 82 overall and Mike Hart backs him up at 71. The line is anchored by Pro Bowler Jeff Saturday in the middle, but other options aren’t so great. What’s enticing here, however, is the new rookie addition of Anthony Costanzo at 71. Noticeably absent, however, is the Colts second round pick of Ben Ijalana.
The Colts have a tremendous pass rush that starts up front on either side of the defensive line with the 93 overall ratings of both Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Both players have a 96 Acceleration rating and a Finesse Moves score of 97 and 96 respectively. Gary Brackett and Clint Session anchor the middle (although Session is now with Jacksonville) at 86 and 81 to best the linebacking corps.
The secondary is strong behind Antoine Bethea’s 93 overall rating and Kelvin Hayden at 85.