2. Jerry Hughes may have to be patient – and the fans will, too. The more you're around the Colts this off-season, the more clear this becomes. They like Hughes, a first-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. They like him a lot. He has ability. He has the tools to be a big-time pass rusher in the NFL. All of it's true, but it's just as true that almost all great pass rushers have an adjustment period before they become great NFL pass rushers. Sometimes, as was the case with Colts five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney in 2002, the adjustment takes a half season. Sometimes, it takes more, even for great players. Hughes is a worker and he has talent, but it's unfair to expect double-digit sacks this season. More likely, he will show flashes and some fans may become impatient. He may be effective in spots, but it may be 2011 before Hughes shows his full potential as an NFL rusher. That's not a negative, nor does it make it a bad pick. It's just the reality of the position in the NFL.
3. Bob Sanders continues to look really, really good. You hate to belabor the point, but to Colts fans, it's one they don't mind having . . . well, belabored: Sanders, the Colts' two-time Pro Bowl safety, isn't practicing every day, but he's practicing regularly. On Wednesday morning, he looked quick and active, which is how he has looked on the field throughout the off-season when he has worked. We'll belabor another point, and that's that with Sanders having missed 26 games in two regular season there are obviously no guarantees, but the feeling that Sanders is more ready, more healthy and more capable of starting the season in full playing shape continues to grow. Sanders called the report by Michael Lombardi of NFL.com that he might not play again “tabloid” journalism, and those close to the Colts remain incredulous at the report's inaccuracy. Is there ever a guarantee with Sanders that he will be fully healthy? No, but Sanders' off-season was solid and there was no indication he wouldn't be ready for training camp.
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