WESTFIELD, Ind. — Fans can expect a tough, competitive team out on the field at Grand Park Sports Campus when the Indianapolis Colts start training camp practices on Thursday.
On Wednesday — the official report day for camp — a handful of players, as well as head coach Frank Reich, spoke with the media as they officially embark on an exciting new chapter.
For starters, there is a strong feeling of newness — new coaching staff, lots of new players and a new location for camp.
The energy level is raised when everybody is on the same page and going through experiences for the first time together. The coaches are teaching everybody their schemes — both young and veteran — so the players are all in the same boat.
Players are also feeling antsy to go out and get physical by being able to hit the player across from them with pads on, as defensive linemen Margus Hunt and Al Woods echoed.
Reich mentioned the team will have a few "live" sessions throughout camp where the physicality will be ratcheted up, so it looks like Hunt, Woods and their brethren in the trenches will get their wish.
Along with an emphasis on physically matching up with the opponent, there is a whole new focus on toughness, both mental and physical.
As Reich puts it, it's, "a relentless pursuit to get better every day, and it's an obsession to finish."
There is also a youthful energy surrounding this team, as Reich as well as eighth-year left tackle Anthony Castonzo acknowledged, the average age on the roster has plummeted from recent years.
With youth — especially when playing rookies — comes obvious inexperience and a few more mistakes, but Reich made a point to say that it also means they bring more "juice, energy and enthusiasm."
Having quarterback Andrew Luck back with no restrictions certainly helps that energy level, too.
So, while at face value there is obviously a ton to soak in for everybody involved, something that can be expected out at practice is high energy and effort so that the team can embody Reich's vision of toughness.
