The Colts are a good example of how to build a football team. (Michael Conroy/AP)

One organization I have always admired is the Indianapolis Colts. From top to bottom, the Colts are built cohesively, from the superstar, #18, all the way down the coach’s clipboard to safeties, defensive linemen, linebackers, and reserves.

Much like a successful business, Bill Polian and the Manning-era Colts have a clear vision for their organization’s success, a vision they stick to throughout the draft and free agency when building their roster each spring.

When I think about it, this trait—we might call it “organizational cohesion”—is evident on nearly all teams that survive in the hunt for a Super Bowl come January. This trait is also the reason why John Fox may have the Broncos closer to bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to the Mile High city than diehard fans expect.

Let me explain. Indianapolis has been built deliberately to score touchdowns early, then, with the lead, attack the opposition’s hapless quarterback as he tries to rally. For the better part of the last decade (wins have been harder to come by in recent seasons), this is how the Colts have amassed twelve-win season after twelve-win season: Pass all over you until you’re forced to mount a comeback, then unleash the hounds when you try.
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