A Rundown of Saturday's Happenings at Training
Camp
The Indianapolis Colts were honored to welcome NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to training camp on Saturday morning. Commissioner Goodell visited with the players, staff and the media during the morning at Anderson University prior to the team's Blue & White mock game.
In visiting with the media, Commissioner Goodell commended the Colts for holding training camp at a local university where fans would be able to get out and see the team.
"It's closer to the fan base, and I think that's a great thing," Goodell said. "You see the crowd out there. We're doing that around the league. People want to see their team and be able to see how their team develops. I think that's a great thing for the fans."
Goodell also spoke of his impression of the Colts franchise.
"It starts with an outstanding organization and system and outstanding players. I think you see that represented here in the Colts," Goodell said. "(Colts Owner and CEO) Jim Irsay, (Colts President) Bill Polian, (Colts Head) Coach (Jim) Caldwell has now taken over the reigns, and obviously they have a tremendous foundation in that locker room and out on the field from the players. That's a tribute to the way the organization has run their team."
The Colts' seven consecutive seasons of 12 or more victories also earned praise from the commissioner.
"I think in this system now where it is so competitive, and the competitive balance in the league is at, I think, an all-time high, I think it even makes their record over the last decade even more impressive," Goodell said.
Goodell then talked with the fans and saw some of the Colts' mock game before departing for Canton, Ohio, for tonight's Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
PLAY OF THE DAY
In the first quarter of the Blue & White game, linebacker Gary Brackett stepped in front of a Peyton Manning pass and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown. In regular season play, Brackett has one career interception return for a touchdown. The defensive captain intercepted a pass against Denver in 2003 and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown.
NOTE OF THE DAY
The Colts have a 38-10 record in AFC South play since the division was formed prior to the 2002 season.
CALDWELL SAYS
"It certainly wasn't perfect. We had a lot of good things, but we have a lot of things we need to work on as well, but that's kind of why we do it. You kind of go through the exercise to get a sense of the flow of the game and you'll maybe work on some things, maybe something will pop up that maybe you haven't anticipated, like we had a little substitution error at the end of our substitution period. Those little things make a difference." - Caldwell on if he was satisfied with his team's performance in the mock game.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I think we did good. Obviously, we still have to go back and look at film. I think it's funny. It's never as good as you think when you go back and watch film. On the offensive part, it's never as bad either. I think those guys had a couple of long drives. Obviously, they had some plays with tipped balls and Mike (Newton) did a great job of taking advantage of some opportunities. Overall, I think we both got better out here today." – Gary Brackett on the defense's performance in the Blue & White game.
CAMP SCHEDULE
The Colts held the annual Blue & White mock scrimmage Saturday. The team has the day off on Sunday and resumes practice Monday with two practices. The first is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and the second at 3:30 p.m.
WEATHER REPORT
The weather in Anderson on Saturday was sunny with a high of 81 degrees according to weather.com.
