finale

might be in the mix, but he has been slowed much of the offseason with a leg injury and is just now rounding into shape. Projected
winner: Avery. That's if he can stay healthy. Hilton might have the job later in the season.
Somebody to Watch
Freeney has been one of the league's best outside rushers over the past nine years. But his play tailed off some in 2011 and he enters
this season making the transition from down end to standup linebacker. But don't expect to see him dropping into coverage. This is a
player who will still spend most of the game attacking the quarterback. "We know what he does best," Pagano said. At $15 million for
this year, they better hope he gets there a lot.
Injury Roundup
• G Ben Ijalana was lost for the season with a torn ACL. It was uncertain whether he would push for time in the rotation anyway. The
book is that he might be a bust as a second-round pick in 2011.
• DT Josh Chapman. He is on the PUP list after having knee surgery last winter. He might spend the season on IR as a rookie. Watch
for him down the road, though.
• Avery. He has been having a good camp, but if he misses time it could give some younger receivers a chance to make the team.
The Last Word
Colts fans need to understand one word this season: Patience.
This is a work in progress, but in Grigson and Pagano they seem to have the right guys for the job. They are building through the draft
and did a nice job in their first one.
In getting Luck, they have the most important piece. Now comes the task of getting the right people around him. It will take a year or
two more, but it's sure nice to know you have the main piece in place.
As for this season, don't expect much. It's all about the future in Indianapolis -- one that looks bright with Luck.