Colts will need more from defense

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Quarterbacks
League MVP Peyton Manning is coming off his most remarkable season yet. He threw for an NFL-record 49 TD passes, and is the NFL's most productive and cerebral quarterback. He prepares more diligently, reads defenses more adeptly and makes adjustments at the line better than any of his peers.

Indianapolis' coaching staff has so much trust in Manning that he arrives at the line of scrimmage with three possible plays and is allowed total freedom to change into or out of any of them before the snap. His athletic skills are average, but he has good arm strength and throws with great accuracy and touch.

And though he isn't very mobile, his quick release helps to get him out of trouble vs. pressure (he was sacked only 13 times in '04). Because of Manning's huge contract and impressive durability (he never has missed a game in his seven-year career), the backup position is almost an afterthought.

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