A Rundown of Tuesday's Happenings at Training
Camp
The Indianapolis Colts went through their second straight day of two-a-days Tuesday, practicing in the morning under ominous skies and then working in humid, overcast, then sunny, conditions in the afternoon. For the Colts, it's business as usual as they know once the games begin they will be asked to perform no matter the elements.
"I think everything that happens to you during training camp are things you have to adjust to and deal with because you're going to have to play (regardless of the weather)," Head Coach Jim Caldwell said.
The Colts saw all types of weather last season, from playing in a very hot and humid environment in Miami to a blizzard in Buffalo. Rain, snow, heat, it makes no difference, the show must go on.
"The weather's not bad," Caldwell said. "It's a lot of things. We have the humidity. Yesterday was a pretty hot day, and I think that's good for us, then (today) we practiced a little bit in the rain, wet ball drill and things of that nature. We're going to have to play in the rain at some point in time."
The franchise's singular moment since moving to Indianapolis in 1984 occurred in a driving rain storm. The Colts Super Bowl XLI victory over the Chicago Bears was the first Super Bowl in history to have steady inclement weather during the game, but it did little to dampen the spirits of the Colts that night.
"We can't call a game off because it's raining, so we have to practice in it, as well."
PLAY OF THE DAY
Indianapolis native and first-year Colts running back Devin Moore roared around the line during live punting practice this morning, blocking Garrett Lindholm's kick and then falling on the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. The Colts last blocked a punt in a regular season game in December 2007.
NOTE OF THE DAY
From November, 2003 to December, 2009, the Colts produced a regular-season record of 81-19, tying New England (2003-09) for the NFL's best 100-game regular-season mark.
CALDWELL SAYS
"Our veterans have been a group, number one, that have been around a long time, but they would never take on the position where they would say, 'Hey, I have it under control. I know everything that's going on; I don't have to work nearly as hard.' That's when you get into some difficulties. Our guys have always been up for the challenge. Every single day they go out to try to improve upon their craft. They're setting an outstanding tone for our young guys because I can stand in the meeting room and say, 'Hey, you want to know how to be a pro, how to play a position, how to do things the right way? Watch this particular guy.' Almost in every position we have a guy like that. We are fortunate and blessed in that regard. Obviously, you love to have a lot of veterans because that makes a difference in your squad in terms of consistency, and we've been fortunate and that is my desire." – Caldwell on his team having veteran leadership.
QUOTES OF THE DAY
"Absolutely. There is only one man's hands that have been back there. That's the way I look at it. If there are hands under there, they better be his." – Jeff Saturday on if he can tell if it is QB-Peyton Manning taking the snap from him.
"Everyone looks good in shorts and helmets, but when you get the pads on it really separates the men from the boys. It is good to be out there running around and getting hit, hitting people. That's what football is all about." – Gary Brackett on putting pads on for the first time in training camp.
CAMP SCHEDULE
The Colts held two practices at Anderson University on Tuesday. The morning practice began at 8:30 a.m. and ended around 10:00 a.m, after a thunderstorm shortened practice. The second session for special teams players only commenced at 3:30 p.m. On Wednesday, the team will practice twice again. The Colts hit the practice field at 9:30 a.m., and hold their first evening practice of training camp at 7:30 p.m.
WEATHER REPORT
The weather in Anderson on Tuesday was rainy with a high of 85 degrees, according to weather.com. Wednesday calls for isolated thunderstorms and a high of 90 degrees.
