The Indianapolis Colts’ first 2009 preseason game is Friday at home, which means fans at last will have something for which most have longed for a little more than seven months.

Football. Real football. In pads. Full speed.

And most importantly, against another team.

But what, exactly, will be seen Friday? What should fans be looking for when the Colts (12-4 last season, second place in the AFC South) play host to the Minnesota Vikings (10-6, NFC North Champions) at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis on Friday at 7:30 p.m?

That’s a question we’ll be addressing over next couple of days as the Colts finish their final preparations for the preseason opener.

We’ll start with offense, and we’ll make you click one more link to Examiner, where you can read five storylines to watch when the Colts have the ball: