The INDIANAPOLIS COLTS have been one of the NFL's most successful teams over the past 10 years, winning 115 regularseason games since the start of the 2000 season, the most by a team in a single decade.

The Colts have advanced to the postseason in each of the past eight seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances (XLI and XLIV) and can tie the Dallas Cowboys (1975-1983) for the most consecutive playoff appearances in NFL history. The team has also notched at least 12 wins in seven consecutive seasons, an NFL record.

"Easy and the NFL, those are not synonymous terms," says Colts head coach JIM CALDWELL on the continued success of the organization. "You can see many times where teams have been very good one year and not do as well the next year, maybe not even make it to the playoffs. I don't take it lightly that we were able to put it together and do it extremely well. I am humbled by it to be honest with you."

CONSECUTIVE SEASONS WITH 12+ WINS

TEAM YEARS STREAK
*Active (Source: National Football League)
Indianapolis Colts2003-20097*
Dallas Cowboys1992-19954
Oakland Raiders1967-19693
Miami Dolphins1983-19853
Denver Broncos1996-19983
San Francisco 49ers1996-19983
Philadelphia Eagles2002-20043

 

CONSECUTIVE POSTSEASON APPEARANCES

TEAM YEARS STREAK
*Active (Source: National Football League)
Dallas Cowboys1975-19839
Dallas Cowboys1966-19738
Pittsburgh Steelers1972-19798
Los Angeles Rams1973-19808
San Francisco 49ers1983-19908
Indianapolis Colts2002-present8*

 

Colts All-Star DALLAS CLARK, who last year became the second tight end in NFL history to record at least 100 receptions in a season, says the key to continued success is to start the year with a clean slate, avoid complacency and keep improving.

"Always try to push yourself," says Clark. "I think that's so important for an athlete to do; to always improve and be your biggest critic. If you have that kind of mindset, it's easy to come back after a good year, just like it's easy to come back after a bad year. In both instances, you just want to come back and keep playing and keep trying to do better than the year before."

In 2009, Indianapolis set an NFL record with 23 consecutive regular-season victories. Motivated by the desire to attain future success, the Colts know that last year means nothing and the preparation is already in the works for 2010.

"Sustaining our consistency on the field is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication," says Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING. "It's a new year with new challenges."

NFL FOOTBALL ARTICLES [...]

 

NFL 2010: Colts Look to Keep Playoff Streak Alive