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NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Indianapolis Colts

2016 Record: 8-8, Third Place in the AFC South

The Indianapolis Colts still have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Andrew Luck. And their receiving corps remains solid.

But only if the Colts could protect Luck with any sort of regularity.

Luck was sacked a whopping 41 times over the course of 2016, and fans are already worried about injuries becoming a factor behind Indy’s weak offensive line. This unit didn’t get much help via the NFL Draft either, only adding former USC tackle Zach Banner, in an otherwise weak draft class.

Yet the Colts defense, so horrible in 2016, did receive some notable upgrades. Safety Malik Hooker should help out immediately. Cornerback Quincy Wilson was a nice find in Round 2, and defensive end Tarell Basham will bolster what was an aging defensive front.

Strengths

Luck remains the pinnacle of Indianapolis’ success. If he’s protected and playing well, the Colts should still be one of the top offensive teams in the league. And that’s fine.

Running back Frank Gore, even at 34 years old when the season begins, remains a powerhouse until otherwise proven wrong.

Weaknesses

The offensive line is still a major concern. And the Colts weren’t aided by few realistic draft options either.

And while the defense received some much-needed help, especially within the secondary, one has to worry a bit about how well someone like Hooker — not known for good angles or sound tackling — will handle his first year as a pro.

Indianapolis’ pass rush lost linebacker Erik Walden to free agency. Who replaces him?

X-Factors

Finding someone to emerge as the premier pass-rusher this season is a must. It’s the only way the Colts will be able to hide any glaring weaknesses in the defensive backfield.

Can Gore continue his production at such a high level? Let’s hope so. But he won’t have the best of O-lines to work behind. Neither will Luck.

How long will Indianapolis gamble on this approach?