INDIANAPOLIS – The debut of full pads did bring an uptick in intensity at Tuesday's Training Camp practice for the Colts.
While the live tackling sessions will have to wait in camp, Chuck Pagano was pleased with the tone on Tuesday, something the Colts are trying to set this time of year.
Here are some thoughts from Pagano, T.Y. Hilton and Scott Tolzien after practice No. 3:
Chuck Pagano on wanting to have a more physical Training Camp:
"I think there's a perception out there (about the Colts). We have to change that."
Bowen's Analysis:* *Call it what you want (skirmish, dust-up, scuffle), but the Colts had a few extracurricular activities post-whistle on Tuesday. That was expected with the full pads being donned for the first time this camp.
Pagano, and the Colts, clearly want a more physical camp in 2017 as they try to change the outside view of their football team. The goal this camp is to push players to a breaking point. Pagano liked the "thud" periods the Colts had on Tuesday, with live tackling periods still on hold.
WR-T.Y. Hilton on his Tuesday skirmish with CB-Vontae Davis:
"Just two guys that enjoy the game, competing. Sometimes the competitive nature comes out.
"At the end of the day, we are just trying to get better and help each other out. I love that guy."
Bowen's Analysis: Like is seen at every camp around the NFL this time of year, a brief scuffle is not uncommon. But the Colts had two of their Pro Bowlers exchanging words on Tuesday. Video of Hilton and Davis is below.
How did Hilton react? On the very next rep with Davis lined up across from Hilton, The Ghost ran a beautiful out route to the pylon for a sliding touchdown catch. This sort of scene on Tuesday (the skirmish, then the touchdown) plays right off the point above. You want to ramp up the competitive nature at camp? Have two of your best players get into it.
QB-Scott Tolzien on his early impressions of the Colts defense:
"A lot of new faces. Been great competition. They have some smart players back there so I have a lot of respect with the direction we are going."
Bowen's Analysis: Yes, the main headline on Tuesday centered around Hilton and Davis. But the starting defense is continuing to take shape. In particular, the front seven had a nice day during early inside-run periods.
We are seeing Jon Bostic and Antonio Morrison receive more and more starting reps together at inside linebacker. Tolzien was very complementary of Bostic and the football-IQ he brings to the middle of the Colts' defense. While the NFL game is changing to more pass-happy offenses, the AFC South still has some teams committed to the run, which is a part of the game Morrison excels in defending.
This is what happens when you have a top WR line up against a top CB. #ColtsCamp pic.twitter.com/FlpxM8ER2p — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 1, 2017
T.Y. Hilton on his skirmish, then touchdown, against Vontae Davis pic.twitter.com/f6FNnf1D65 — Kevin Bowen (@KBowenColts) August 1, 2017
The analysis from those producing content on Colts.com does not necessarily represent the thoughts of the Indianapolis Colts organization. Any conjecture, analysis or opinions formed by Colts.com content creators is not based on inside knowledge gained from team officials, players or staff.
