THE DAILY DIGEST | Indy Football Report Editor John Oehser takes a look at what they're saying about -- and what's going on around – 2010 Indianapolis Colts training camp . . .
The Indianapolis Colts reported to 2010 training camp Sunday morning. The main story of the first day was that there wasn't much of a story at all.
DE Robert Mathis reported to camp.
So did WR Reggie Wayne.
Mathis and Wayne, a pair of Pro Bowl selections last season, each missed the Colts' off-season because of contract issues, but through that time the thought here was it would have been surprising if either missed significant training camp time, or really any at all.
A couple of reasons:
Each is a team-oriented player, and neither is by any stretch dumb.
For the latter reason, it seemed silly to think either would miss training camp time knowing that given the labor uncertainty in the league – and knowing that QB Peyton Manning hadn't gotten his contract done in the off-season -- it was unlikely any movement would occur on their contract.
The two made their point in the off-season. Their absences didn't hurt the team in a signficant way, and they let management know they were serious about getting new deals. They did something equally important Sunday:
They arrived at training camp on time, again showing that while they are professional football players and therefore playing for a short period of time with the idea to become as financially secure as possible, they are also professionals in the sense that they know when to report and they know it's time to work when they do.
Their arrivals don't close the issue. They each obviously want to be paid more, and it will be a concern of each player going forward. But considering the history of each as solid, high-character guys, it would be surprising if their off-season absence has a negative influence this season.
SANDERS, GONZALEZ OK . . .
There was also good news for the Colts on the injury front, with Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell saying he expects S Bob Sanders to participate in training camp, and Manning saying he WR Anthony Gonzalez has looked healthy in recent weeks.
Manning worked with Gonzalez in Tennessee in recent weeks and said the hamstring issues that limited him in organized team activities appear to be resolved.
“I had dinner with Gonzo last night and he sounds really good,” Manning said. “We had kind of July off and we spent a little time down in Tennessee some. Gonzalez and Collie came down there and worked out with me because he missed mini-camp. He wanted to get down there and get some reps. He and I had three really good days of throwing where I thought he looked good and I thought he looked quick, had a good burst on all his routes. So his hamstring, I think, that is fully healed.
“I know he’s really excited to be here in training camp and get started with truly kind of a fresh start to the 2010 season. I know the 2009 was frustrating for him. So, I’m excited for him. There is going to be good healthy competition at the wide receiver position all across the board. All those guys are going to make a big impact for our team this year.” . . .
TOWNSEND SIGNED . . .
Also on Sunday, the Colts addressed their cornerback depth by signing veteran DeShea Townsend, who spent each of his previous 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The move is notable because the Colts typically forego signing veterans, but they are inexperienced at the spot after their top three: Kelvin Hayden, Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey. Hayden and Powers are expected to start, with Lacey at the nickel, but beyond that, there is no NFL experience on the roster.
Ray Fisher, a seventh-round selection from Indiana, is expected to push for playing time, and Townsend gives the Colts a veteran option to complement a relatively young position.
QUOTABLE . . .
Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell on talking to other coaches whose team had lost Super Bowls: “I have. For the most part I think it’s a wise thing to do to get a sense of something that you might be able to offset, but for the most part our team has been very good, outstanding at compartmentalizing. That’s one of the things that I think is the reason why we’ve been able to do well year in and year out. I’m not just talking about year in and year out; I’m talking about the week to week. I think that all of you who have been around our team recognize that even after a big win you really can’t tell by the temperament if they’ve won or lost. After a tough loss it’s a tough issue, and our guys have been able to separate those things and focus on the task at hand. You’ll see the same kind of approach this preseason.”
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