You could argue, and win the argument, that the Indianapolis Colts have been the most stable NFL franchise of the last decade.

That's why this year's training camp looms as the most important one since Tony Dungy's first season in 2002.

Jim Caldwell takes over for the retired Dungy as head coach and, unlike most first-year coaches, he has a wealth of talent at his disposal. With that talent comes pressure. Dungy's track record of 12-win seasons – an NFL-record six in a row – has set the bar at an exceedingly high level.

As the Colts open training camp Monday at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, plenty of questions abound.

Here are the top five:

1. How will Caldwell's leadership differ from Dungy's?


The answer should reveal itself over the course of the season. The coaches share some similarities, in that they tend to be analytical, slow to anger and treat their players with professionalism rather than brow-beating. Caldwell has said he's likely to raise his voice a little more often than Dungy, but he's not a screamer.

One asset for Caldwell, at least offensively, is that he has quarterback Peyton Manning on his side. Uncharacteristically, Manning publicly questioned some of the coaching-staff uncertainty earlier this spring, but is now fully on board with Caldwell's vision. The two have long worked together when Caldwell was quarterbacks coach, so they know each other's tendencies well.

Any time a new coach takes over – at any level – players are likely to test that coach's control to a degree. Caldwell should have to deal less with this considering the veteran nature of his locker-room leaders.

Moore retired as offensive coordinator and Mudd retired as offensive-line coach in order to maximize their retirement benefits. They've now returned, with the titles of senior offensive coordinator and senior offensive-line coach.

The Colts coaches who filled the temporarily vacated roles never officially received the offensive-coordinator or line-coach job titles. Clyde Christensen is the assistant head coach/receivers coach, and Pete Metzelaars is offensive quality control/assistant offensive line.

Caldwell said Friday that Moore and Mudd will be back in their usual spots, with Moore contriving offense with Manning and Mudd shaping the line alongside Metzelaars.

If it hasn't happened yet today, it should come to fruition before the first practice at 8:30 a.m. Monday. The Colts have a history of signing top picks at the final hour before opening camp.

For Brown, who could be part of a two-back attack with veteran Joseph Addai, it's critical that he be in camp. The Colts' offense requires intensive work and study, and rookies who aren't up to speed won't be in the lineup. If he's in camp, he can also push Addai, which could help the Colts' running game return to form after a poor season a year ago.

The Colts have two other draft picks to sign: defensive tackle Fili Moala and wide receiver Austin Collie.

Reggie Wayne is a great player, and he'll officially assume the No.1 receiver spot he's unofficially occupied for the last two years. There's no Harrison on the team – he was a one-of-a-kind talent at his peak – but this is a pivotal season for Anthony Gonzalez. Gonzalez has been used both split wide and in the slot. Without Harrison, he's the best candidate to move outside opposite Wayne.

Pierre Garcon is another possibility, but his potential has outshined his performance so far. Roy Hall, the Ohio State product, faces a pivotal year in establishing his NFL credentials. Collie, a fourth-round pick, could be a factor, too.

With tight end Dallas Clark adept at the slot and some other quality tight ends on the roster, Gonzalez seems most likely to fill Harrison's position. No one could fill Harrison's shoes from his prime years.

This could be the most interesting development of the early season. Coyer comes from Tampa Bay, where he was assistant head coach after serving four years as defensive coordinator for the Broncos.

The Colts' infamous struggles against the run will be among the first orders of business and Coyer will be able to use a heftier defensive line if he so desires. The team re-signed Ed Johnson, a 6-foot-2, 296-pound defensive tackle who was dismissed from the team by Dungy. Also returning is Antonio Johnson (6-3, 310), who entered the lineup late last season.

The Colts also drafted USC's Moala (6-4, 303) and Michigan's Terrance Taylor (6-0, 319).

Coyer's defenses in Denver were known for their great pass rush and, as he takes over with the Colts, he retains the assets of defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis and safety Bob Sanders.

The style of the Colts' Cover-2 defense won't change overnight, but subtle shadings could be in the works.