Indianapolis heads into critical offseason with big plans after surprising success

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck responds to a question from the media while standing at his locker at the Colts complex Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, in Indianapolis. The Colts were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens, 24-9, in a NFL football wild card playoff game on Sunday. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (The Associated Press)

Indianapolis Colts' Justin Hickman, left, hands a football to Jerrell Freeman after autographing it for Freeman at the Colts complex Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, in Indianapolis. The Colts were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens, 24-9, in a NFL football wild card playoff game on Sunday. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (The Associated Press)

INDIANAPOLIS – Andrew Luck expects better things from the Indianapolis Colts next season.

After overcoming the temporary loss of coach Chuck Pagano in September, the Colts accomplished things nobody thought possible. The team, projected to be among the worst in the league, won 11 games and reached the playoffs behind Luck and a rookie class that produced more combined yards rushing and receiving than any team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.

Their magical run ended with a 24-9 loss Sunday at Baltimore. The plan now is to use the offseason to reinforce what looks like a promising future.

Luck says he'll work on his footwork and accuracy, and general manager Ryan Grigson is expected to have more than $40 million to help upgrade the team in free agency, too.