The Colts' linebackers are better than you think. (Insider).

When thinking about the top units in the league, the Rams' receivers, the Buccaneers' defensive linemen and the Eagles' secondary generally come to mind. Parts of the Colts--the parts on offense--might get consideration but certainly not their linebackers. Based on past performance that's appropriate, but it won't be for much longer.

Middle linebacker Rob Morris is flanked by Marcus Washington and Mike Peterson, forming the starting unit at the center of a defense that was ranked last in the AFC and 29th in the NFL in total defense in 2001. The Colts were 25th in the league against the run and 29th against the pass. On a defense that bad, how can the linebackers be good?

The talent is there. Morris, Washington and Peterson offer excellent combinations of athleticism and speed. But, more important, here are three reasons why we think the Colts will have one of the top linebacking units this season:

Speed and schemes. Coach Tony Dungy's defensive strategies are built upon the aggressive use of speed and the ability to get up field. This is perfect for the Colts' starting linebackers because they all have the speed and range to make plays from sideline to sideline. The player who will benefit most is Washington. Last year, he finished second on the team with eight sacks, and he is capable of making a big play on every snap. Washington won't blitz as much as last year because Dungy's scheme is based on generating pressure with the front four on the defensive line. However, Washington clearly has the burst to the ball and the playmaking skills to produce big numbers.

Better defensive line play. Morris had a team-best 114 tackles last year, but that's deceiving because many of his stops were down the field as the Colts' defensive line struggled to hold its ground against the run. In Dungy's defense, the defensive line will do less anchoring and more gap shooting, using quickness to beat offensive linemen to a spot. That's why the team's defensive linemen are preparing for the season by losing weight. The slimmed-down linemen will be encouraged to disrupt the running game by getting into the backfield. This will allow the linebackers to attack the line of scrimmage as they sniff out the run.

Morris has struggled to achieve consistency but has done a good job of filling holes quickly and taking great angles to the ball. If the defensive line does as it is supposed to do in this new scheme, Morris can do what he does best--focus on attacking the run at the line.

Rookie pass-rushing specialist Dwight Freeney should increase the pressure the Colts put on quarterbacks. In addition, Dungy's cover 2 scheme will give the linebackers more help over the top in pass coverage. Peterson is excellent in coverage and has good ball skills.