With the Indianapolis Colts starting training camp on the first of August, I think it’s time to take a good look at what the team did this offseason and why the Colts have serious Super Bowl expectations this year.

Last January, Colts fans watched in dismay as New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount ran through the Colts' defense for 148 yards and three touchdowns, similar to his performance against the Colts a year ago in the Divisional round game. The silver lining to the loss was that they made it one round further than the year before. With Tom Brady under suspension for the first four games of the Patriots’ season and the fact that Peyton Manning ran out of gas down the stretch last season and can’t play in cold weather, the Colts could be poised to be the team to beat in the AFC.

The Colts made a lot of noise this offseason by going out and acquiring two big-time veterans in Andre Johnson and Frank Gore. While Johnson, who turns 34 this season, may have lost a step, he still had over 900 yards receiving last season using his incredible route-running ability and utilizing his big frame. While his touchdown total dipped last season, I think Johnson could have a great comeback year. Last year in Houston, Johnson had Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing him the ball. With Andrew Luck being worlds better than Fitzpatrick, he will do a better job at getting Johnson the ball, especially in the red zone. As Luck’s number two option, Johnson could easily finish with 1,000 yards receiving this season.

One thing that Gore and Johnson have in common is that they both spent their entire careers with the team they’re coming from. While I think Gore will see his carries reduced going from a run-heavy offense to a pass-first offense, Gore will be the first good running back Luck has had behind him. Trent Richardson didn’t work out for them in his two-year tenure with the Colts (understatement of the century), and Ahmad Bradshaw was better suited as a pass catcher than a ground threat. With Gore back there, it will keep the defense honest so they can’t drop back and sit on the pass as defenses have in the past.

One thing the Colts did in the offseason that I found puzzling was drafting Philip Dorsett, a receiver out of Miami. While a receiver with Dorsett’s skill set and promise will without a doubt be a welcome addition to an already high-powered offense, I think they should have tried to improve their run defense, especially with that being one of the leading factors in their playoff loss to the Patriots. While the addition of Trent Cole will surely improve their run defense, getting Malcom Brown at number 28 would still have been a steal, considering he was projected to be selected between 12th and 17th.

Even though Luck lead the league in passing touchdowns last season, I think he can still get better, which is scary to think about as he is already considered one of the game’s elite quarterbacks. His ability to leave the pocket and run when nothing is there, combined with his pinpoint accuracy, could make Luck a serious MVP candidate this season. The Colts will also have Dwayne Allen fully healthy again, who proved to be one of Luck’s favorite red zone targets last season, hooking up for eight touchdowns.

I would like to end this piece by thanking long-time Colts receiver Reggie Wayne for 14 years of incredible service, including six Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl Championship in 2010. He was one of the best players to ever put on the Colts uniform, and we wish you luck no matter where you may go next!