EVEN THOUGH THE COLTS ARE THE DEFENDING SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS, ARE THEY THE PRESEASON FAVORITES?
The Colts lost linebacker Cato June, backs Mike Doss, Jason David and Nick Harper and tackle Montae Reagor from their defense; running back Dominic Rhodes is also gone. Pro Bowl left tackle Tarik Glenn might retire. Meanwhile, the Patriots added receivers Randy Moss, Donte’ Stallworth and Wes Welker and linebacker Adalius Thomas. They join a core group of proven winners led by quarterback Tom Brady, defensive lineman Richard Seymour and linebackers Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel. On paper, New England looks like the better team. San Diego and the Baltimore Ravens are among other teams lurking in the packed AFC. But Hoge questions the Chargers. “Everybody is anointing them as Super Bowl champions, but I don’t see that,” he says. “All-star teams don’t win championships for a reason. You need role players. Not everybody can be a star.” And as long as Peyton Manning is under center in Indianapolis, his team has a chance to win. “The defensive mass exodus is going to hurt them a little bit, b
