Colts Training Camp Updates.

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AROUND THE FIELD IN INDIANAPOLIS

• Quarterback: Peyton Manning and the New England Patriots' Tom Brady are considered two of the best ever to play the position. Manning has two fewer rings than Brady, but Manning is trusted to do more at the line of scrimmage than any other quarterback. Jim Sorgi is well-versed in offensive coordinator Tom Moore's playbook. But Manning is this team's one indispensable player and should be fully recovered from July 14 knee surgery when Week 1 rolls around.

• Running back: Joseph Addai is a shifty runner, excellent receiver and willing blocker. The return of Dominic Rhodes is an upgrade from Kenton Keith in the passing game. Rookie Mike Hart is a likely successor to Rhodes.

• Wide receiver: Reggie Wayne has evolved into the No. 1 receiver with Marvin Harrison inheriting Wayne's role as 1A — if his knee is ready. Anthony Gonzalez is the slot receiver in three-wide sets. Ex-Titan Courtney Roby is the most experienced backup, ahead of Roy Hall and Devin Aromashodu.

• Tight end: Dallas Clark is on the cusp of becoming a Pro Bowler. Moore prefers two-tight-end sets to disguise run-pass intent. With Ben Utecht lost via free agency, Jacob Tamme was drafted in the fourth round. But Gijon Robinson could make the jump from the practice squad to start at H-back.

• Offensive line: What makes this group better than its individual parts is Manning's pre-snap recognition and quick release. Center Jeff Saturday is among the league's best. Left guard Ryan Lilja was re-signed, but right guard Jake Scott was not. Tony Ugoh played well as a rookie left tackle after Tarik Glenn's unexpected retirement. Figure rookie Mike Pollak to replace Scott. Ryan Diem is a proven right tackle. Versatile Charlie Johnson seems best suited for backup duty.

• Defensive line: Raheem Brock and Ed Johnson anchor the inside. But the strength is speed rushers Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Fifth-rounder Marcus Howard is a clone of the 235-pound Mathis. Darrell Reid and Quinn Pitcock add to the tackle rotation.

• Linebacker: Defensive captain Gary Brackett is a student of the game who is always around the ball. Freddie Keiaho flashed play-making potential on the weak side before injuries limited him last season. Hard-hitting Tyjuan Hagler is lost for two months to a torn chest muscle. Clint Session and rookie pass rusher Philip Wheeler will fill in with Rob Morris gone.

• Secondary: Bob Sanders is the torpedo-tackling tone-setter for a crew that calls itself "The Hit Squad." Free safety Antoine Bethea also earned Pro Bowl honors. Sanders, Bethea and corners Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden enter their third season together.

• Special teams: Kicker Adam Vinatieri, 36, fought through a bum hamstring during a spotty 2007 season. The coverage units are also a big concern, allowing eight overall touchdown returns the past two years. T.J. Rushing is emerging as a dual return threat.

• Coaching staff: Tony Dungy has assembled an excellent staff of teachers, which is why he is confident about playing young players early. Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd have been with Manning since his 1998 rookie season. Associate coach Jim Caldwell is Dungy's successor. Defensive coordinator Ron Meeks is a respected teacher of the Tampa 2.

• Outlook: If the stars stay healthy, the Colts should have every chance to make another Super Bowl run. One issue that could dog this team is lingering uncertainty about whether this is truly Dungy's last stand.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/colts/2008-07-27-organization-report_N.htm?csp=34

Manning in town, but not at practice

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) -- Colts coach Tony Dungy says quarterback Peyton Manning is in Terre Haute but is being kept away from practice to prevent the risk of an infection in his healing left knee.

Manning had surgery to remove an infected bursa sac from the knee on July 14.

When the Colts reported to training camp at Rose-Hulman last week, Manning was still at his Indianapolis-area home. Dungy says Manning has now moved to an undisclosed location in Terre Haute. He won't say where that is because he doesn't want a lot of people around Manning.

In Manning's absence, longtime backup Jim Sorgi is continuing to work with the regular offensive starters.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/specials/preview/2008/07/29/colts.ap/index.html

Marvin Harrison Training Camp vid from NFL.com

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80982812

Colts Training Camp Battle: Mike Pollack vs Charlie Johnson

Despite playing center at Arizona State, the Colts insist that second round pick Mike Pollack will play guard for them this year.

And there is an opening. Long time starter Jake Scott has left for the Tennessee Titans and Indy needs a new right guard. Right now, the battle is between Pollack and third year player Charlie Johnson. Johnson is a converted tight end and backed up rookie Tony Ugoh at left tackle last season.

The problem here is that neither Johnson or Pollack are guards by trade. Johnson struggled with speed ends last season, so a change should do him well. Pollack played center at ASU but will be asked to move over a spot.

Right now, put your money on Pollack. He is extremely athletic for an interior lineman and is a punishing pass blocker. He fits the mold of what the Colts want from their offensive linemen. Johnson may end up being that utility guy that can be thrown in anywhere if there is an injury issue.

Of course, Pollack could end up at center down the road. Current center Jeff Saturday is on the downswing of his career and may see Pollack as his eventual replacement.
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2008/07/23/colts-training-camp-battle-mike-pollack-vs/

Looks like Session might win the starting spot.

Quote :

“Clint is going to step up at sam [strongside linebacker],” Keiaho predicted. “I have all the confidence in the world in him once he gets used to the new job.”

http://www.tribstar.com/sports/local_story_210233833.html

Training Camp Photos from Colts fan who went to camp.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/mmjr95/sets/72157606407157535/

Thanks isamualson

Sirius NFL Radio reporting from Colts Camp

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The Red Zone Live is reporting from Colts camp today. So far, they've interviewed Marlin Jackson, Kelvin Haydenn, Jim Sorgi and Adam V.

Marlin and Kelvin have stated that Marvin is looking great! It looks as if he hasn't missed a beat!

Jim Sorgi did a lot of redzone plays. The first couple apparently didn't go very well and Coach Moore let Jim know it! But then things seemed to click, so Jim getting a lot of reps with the 1st team can do nothing but help the Colts out in the end.

From Jim Miller and Solomon Wilcots, Gonzo is looking great! He's running great, crisp routes.

And Adam states that even with Peyton gone, he's not far away and they know he's watching film and helping out Jim and the other QBs.

So far, everyone sounds very upbeat and very confident.

Coming up in hour 2, Dwight Freeney, Bob Sanders and more!

Updates for hour 2:

Interview with Freeney. States he is on schedule for recovery and things are going good. Jim Miller stated he looked lean and cut so he must be on the treadmill and Freeney concurred with that. He's been doing pool work as well to keep himself in shape.

Jim and Solomon talked about how he has to start off strong and fast to get over any mental hurdles he might have from the injury. But, they compared him to John Randle in that he's small, compact but fast and dangerous. The main point is can his foot handle the stress of being banged around to see where the swelling is at and where his comfort level is at. They feel we should see him in possibly the final two pre-season games to test it out.

Bob Sanders interview was next:

He's nursing some injuries but he accepts nothing less than playing more than 100% and that's the attitude everyone takes. Stated that they are looking at different packages in addition to their bread and butter, the cover 2.

On the young guys getting reps due to Freeney, Sanders, etc taking "breaks", but Brackett is helping the young LBs getting up to speed on the plays. He states all the young guys are stepping up and working hard.

Bob has been working on his mental preperation. Physically, he feels everyone can do it, but the mental preparation is important. It comes from studying film, practicing on the field, etc and that is the main thing they have to focus on.

He also states consistency is important because they didn't play that consistent last season at times and that is an important focus for them this year.

On the Colts apparently under the radar as far as the press is concerned: He says that don't worry about that and they actually like it. Less media attention means less distractions.

Beating Jacksonville, Chargers, Patriots: Can't make any mistakes, especially in the AFC South because it's getting tougher each season.

On Gray: Hasn't had a chance to pump him for information about the Jags, but since Jim and Solomon mention it, he'll definitely do it!

On the AFC South: Jacksonville is stacked in every phase and the D has to stop the run. Feels it's exciting and makes the Colts strive to be better. On the Titans improving, he feels the only way to keep the Colts on top is to prove it and keep the AFC South title in Indy.

The 2007 third-round draft pick out of Ohio State is on the "reserve/did not report" list.

"He's going through some personal things," coach Tony Dungy said. "He's going to let us know when he can be back."

Pitcock, 24, could not be reached for comment. Neither Dungy nor Pitcock's agent, Brad Leshnock, chose to address speculation on an NFL-related Web site that Pitcock has lost the desire to play. Dungy said Pitcock participated in the offseason conditioning program without issue.


http://m.indystar.com/news.jsp?key=293371&rc=sp

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS 7/29

--- Cornerback Kelvin Hayden broke up a pass in the end zone from quarterback Jim Sorgi in red-zone drills in the morning practice.

--- Tight end Jacob Tamme caught a short touchdown pass from quarterback Jaren Lorenzen in the morning practice.

--- Veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne continued to have a strong camp, catching several passes from Sorgi in the morning practice.

--- Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez caught a short touchdown pass from Sorgi in the morning practice.

--- Wide receiver Onrea Jones caught a short touchdown pass from quarterback Quinn Gray in red-zone drills in the morning practice.

--- Tight end Zac Herold caught a short touchdown pass from Gray in the morning practice.
http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=8df6cb62-b43f-4c6b-80ef-02ba1a80f13f

PLAY OF THE DAY 7/29

The Colts held just one full-squad practice on Tuesday.

That came in the morning, and toward the end of the session, sixth-year veteran tight end Dallas Clark combined with fifth-year veteran quarterback

Jim Sorgi for the standout play of the day.

On the play, Clark ran a deep pattern down the right sideline. With starting cornerback Kelvin Hayden covering, Clark caught the pass from Sorgi for a 25-yard gain.

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=8df6cb62-b43f-4c6b-80ef-02ba1a80f13f

Colts second-year DT Pitcock retires

"After much deliberation and careful thought, Quinn resolved to retire from the NFL. He notified the Colts of this decision last week. Quinn is grateful for the opportunity the Colts gave him, and he wishes his teammates and the whole organization nothing but the best going forward."

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcsouth/0-2-113/Colts-second-year-DT-Pitcock-retires.html

Manning/Freeney/Sanders expected back in 4th PS Game
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Colts | Freeney to be ready for action
Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:24:08 -0700

The NFL Network reports Indianapolis Colts DL Dwight Freeney (foot) is expected to be ready for action in the team's fourth preseason game.

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Colts | Sanders expected to be ready for action
Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:23:45 -0700

The NFL Network reports Indianapolis Colts FS Bob Sanders (shoulder) is expected to be ready for action in the team's fourth preseason game.

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Colts | Manning expected to be ready for action
Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:23:23 -0700

The NFL Network reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning (knee) is expected to be ready for action in the team's fourth preseason game.

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS 7/30

--- Early in the night practice, reserve quarterback Quinn Gray threw a 20-yard pass to wide receiver Onrea Jones.

--- Midway through the night practice, quarterback Jim Sorgi threw a long touchdown pass down the middle of the field to wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

--- Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez caught a 15-yard pass midway through the night practice.

--- Cornerback T.J. Rushing batted down a pass from Sorgi intended for wide receiver Reggie Wayne in the night practice.

--- Late in the night practice, Gray threw a long pass to reserve wide receiver Roy Hall, a 30-yard pass that took the offense inside the defense’s 10-yard line.


http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=ffd57bfd-e20a-4cd9-ba03-7c5652853725

No roster moves anticipated

— Despite the potential loss of Pitcock, don’t expect the Colts to go searching the league’s waiver wire in an attempt to find another defensive tackle. At least not yet.
For now, Indianapolis will look to its young defensive linemen — Ed Johnson, Keyunta Dawson, Eric Foster, Colin Ferrell — along with veteran Darrell Reid to help fill the void.

“It’s always the same thing,” Dungy pointed out. “I mean, last year Anthony McFarland got hurt and it was a tough day for the defense. Ed Johnson got more of an opportunity to play and played great. Someone will get more of an opportunity now and step in and that’s usually what happens.”

http://www.tribstar.com/colts/local_story_212232828.html

PLAY OF THE DAY 7/30

The highlights of the day came in the night practice, with quarterback Jim Sorgi – playing in place of injured starter Peyton Manning – pleasing a large crowd with several long passes and a successful late drive.

On one play midway through the night practice, Sorgi threw deep down the right sideline to wide receiver Marvin Harrison, who caught the pass and stepped the last five yards into the end zone for a 50-yard touchdown reception.

In the last session of practice, Sorgi led the offense on a successful drive in the two-minute drill, first throwing deep for a 40-yard gain to second-year wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, then finishing the drive with a short touchdown pass to tight end Dallas Clark.

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=ffd57bfd-e20a-4cd9-ba03-7c5652853725

Peyton is in an undisclosed location in Terre Haute so that nobody will bother him.

Excuse me for chuckling.

Only the Colts . . .

All they need to say is "Peyton is here but he's not going to be available to the media or fans," and that would more than suffice. What, do they think we're going to stake out the dormitories for a money shot of football's Loch Ness Monster? Are fans going to beat down the doors of his lodging -- wherever that might be -- demanding autographs and war stories?

This has turned into the NFL's version of "Where's Waldo?" Peyton is in the Colts' witness protection program. Maybe we can put Dog the Bounty Hunter on the job.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/SPORTS15/807310433/1004/RSS02

Rhodes plays with new #.

Spectators attending Colts camp probably noticed Rhodes no longer wears uniform No. 33. That belongs to second-year safety Melvin Bullitt, so Rhodes is now No. 38.

“I tried during mini-camp [to get No. 33 from Bullitt],” Rhodes admitted. “We started talking about money and stuff like that. Then I got to the point where, you know, I never paid for that number. I just always got it and wore it. It’s a blessing I’ve had all these years that’s been good to me.”

Huey also stressed that the depth chart behind Addai is not settled for anyone yet, including Rhodes.

“I don’t care how good he’s been or what he’s done in the past,” Huey said. “It’s a new year, a new season, new people.

“We’ve got some rookies who are working well. Mike Hart from Michigan is doing a good job.
Cliff Dawson, who’s been here [one year], is doing a good job too. Those youngsters like Chad Simpson and Mike Hart are doing well on special teams. They’re trying hard to make the team.”

http://www.tribstar.com/colts/local_story_211223912.html

three centers doing well

Quote :

Mudd said some of the early focus of camp has been on the three offensive linemen Indianapolis selected in this past April’s NFL Draft – second-round guard Mike Pollak, sixth-round guard Steve Justice and seventh-round guard Jamey Richard.

"I like them,” Mudd said. “I like all three of them. They’re doing well. They’re making progress and they seem less lost, which is good. That means they’re learning what to do and how to do it and when to do it for the most part. They still mess things up, but one thing I like about them is they’re not hanging on the edge.

“When they don’t do something right, they’re not hanging right there and getting down and staying down. That impedes progress. They seem to be able to get rid of it and get on with life.

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=2efeb396-836f-4821-98f9-26564fc8c094

Brackett sitting out, Morris may be re-signed

Quote :

The Indianapolis Colts haven’t ruled out re-signing veteran linebacker Rob Morris.
...
Starting middle linebacker Gary Brackett has been limited to one practice a day, then was held out of this morning’s full-squad session after apparently aggravating a hip injury Wednesday night. Brackett underwent hip surgery during the offseason and is expected to undergo tests to determine the latest problem. He watched morning practice with no apparent discomfort.

“Don’t know if he got hit or it’s just sore,’’ Dungy said.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/SPORTS03/80731058/1100

Reid: Back at fullback

Quote :

Darrell Reid is back to working both sides of the line of scrimmage. Along with his normal backup defensive tackle spot, he has assumed the role of fullback when the offense is in short-yardage situations.

"Right now if they need me at fullback, I'm willing to do it,'' Reid said. "As long as I'm helping the team, I don't mind doing anything.''

Reid handled that role in the past, but Luke Lawton was the Colts' fullback last season. Lawton was waived in the offseason, leaving the team with no legitimate fullbacks on the roster.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080731/SPORTS03/807310427/1100

PLAY OF THE DAY 7/31

Quote :

Thursday was a light workday, so let's go back to Wednesday night for a noteworthy moment. As quarterback Jim Sorgi offered a nice pump fake, wide receiver Marvin Harrison put a double move on cornerback Kelvin Hayden along the right sideline. Harrison got behind Hayden, caught a perfectly thrown pass and tiptoed along the sideline for the last 5 yards for a touchdown.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080801/SPORTS03/808010396/1100

PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS 8/1

--- Wide receiver Devin Aromashodu caught a touchdown pass in the end zone from reserve quarterback Quinn Gray in the afternoon practice.

--- Tight end Zac Herold caught a short touchdown pass from reserve quarterback Jaren Lorenzen in the afternoon practice.

--- Tight end Dallas Clark caught a 15-yard pass from quarterback Jim Sorgi in the afternoon practice.

--- Rookie wide receiver Pierre Garcon caught a pass from Quinn Gray after it deflected from the hands of linebacker Brandon Archer in the afternoon practice.

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=94b3927b-ff67-477e-b6f9-a3954b7577f0

PLAY OF THE DAY 8/1

Quote :

Brannon Condren, a second-year safety, has had multiple interceptions in the first week of training camp.

One of the most memorable came late Friday morning.

Condren, a fourth-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft from Troy, intercepted a pass from reserve quarterback Quinn Gray in the final session of the morning practice. Condren returned the interception for a touchdown.

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=5e4ba92f-5745-4fee-8b52-dab2fbca03ed