HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –this year's parity in the NFL)
"I would certainly say that I think it's been fairly even for a long time in terms of parity. I think that's always been the case. This year, at this point in time, it's obviously a bit unusual in that regard, but I just think that every week, week in and week out, there are so many good teams and a very small difference, a very slight difference between each club."
* *
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –the next starter at the safety position)
"We will find out as the week goes on. They have an opportunity. We will work them and see who emerges."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –the next starter at kick returner)
"We have a number of guys that have an opportunity. Obviously Kenny Moore just signed. He'll have an opportunity back there. Justin (Tryon), who did it last week for us."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –what he knows and likes about Kenny Moore)
"We had an opportunity to evaluate him when he was coming out of college, and he is certainly a guy with good hands who has ability, but we get a chance to see him up close and personal here the next couple of days."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –Pierre Garcon's status)
"We'll see. I know he's feeling good, so we'll see how it goes."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –defense needing to make a play when it has to)
"I think it is a matter of that and there is consistency across the board. The thing that happens to you is it is not like every guy is playing poorly. It's just that maybe a breakdown here or there creates problems for you, and that's what we've had. So we have to get back to more consistent play across the board."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –pass pressure)
"I think it is cyclical. I think people go to some extra lengths to try and make certain that they do not put themselves in position to let our guys get an up-the-field-rush going, but part of that is also making certain that you stop the run. You force them into those situations. They were able to stay in third and manageable, get the ball out of their hands a lot quicker. I do think that we have control over some of those aspects. If we play like we are supposed to play and know how to play I think those opportunities will come back to us."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –biggest adjustment without Melvin Bullitt)
"Overall, you are dealing with someone who has less experience. So, all of the things that come with that. You are looking at having to curtail some things that you do. It just depends on how fast they can come along."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –if 'Next Man Up' mantra is posted anywhere in the facility)
"No, there is not, but it is certainly part of the culture."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –where 'Next Man Up' mantra originated)
"I am not certain where Tony (Dungy) got the phrase from. It could be one that he created himself. Until further notice, we'd have to say he created it, but it has just been a mantra around here for a long time."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –what 'Next Man Up' means to Coach Caldwell)
"The big thing is that we do not necessarily harp on guys that get injured, bellyache about a 'woe is me' kind of attitude when we do have a bit of a challenge. We embrace it. Whoever is next in line to step up and do the job, we expect them to do so and we've gotten that for the most part."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –players speaking about the frustration in the locker room about the 2-2 record and if Coach feels it)
"Certainly. As much as we've won around here, it is highly unusual for us, but I don't think that is a bad thing. I would feel a little bit more concerned if it was the other way around. I think it is something our guys take to heart just in terms of how they perform and our record, etcetera. It's what we do and it's our job. We know we have to be better."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –what he sees in the Kansas City turnaround)
"I think it is probably one of those things that even during the course of last year they were honing their skills, getting a little bit better, but what I see this year is that they are talented group that's playing well together. They have a real fine offensive line that's certainly blocking extremely well, backs that are running the ball, (Jamaal Charles) averaging seven yards a carry, (Thomas) Jones is obviously up over four and they are doing a lot of things well, throwing the ball well, returning it well. Their defense is certainly holding teams to fewer points than anyone in the AFC, so I think they are doing a lot of things extremely well. The other thing, too, is they are talented."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –if he sees New England while looking at K.C. tape)
"You see some. Obviously, the two guys that are running offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, their roots are certainly deep and embedded with that philosophy and you can see it certainly on the field."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –how the Colts find players to bring in to fill vacancies)
"The guys in our personnel (department), Bill (Polian) and Chris (Polian) and Tom (Telesco), that's what they do. They know everyone in the league. They know who's on rosters. They know every single individual basically out on the street. They keep a running total. They know who fits our system and who doesn't and there is always a pool to work from and oftentimes we are fortunate to find a guy or two that has been in our system, so the learning curve is not as steep."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –if it is important to find players that have Colts experience when bringing someone new in)
"That would be ideal, but it doesn't always happen that way, particularly when you are looking at short turnarounds. The more they know the better, but that is not always the case. Sometimes you do not have that luxury and therefore you have to start from scratch."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –Aaron Francisco and his knowledge of the defense)
"He does. He's been in it and certainly has been immersed in the things that we do and understands it, so it is not as much of an issue on getting him up to speed."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –DaJuan Morgan and his familiarity with the Chiefs system)
"I would assume he has seen them and knows the personnel, that kind of thing. There are a lot of guys in this league that are on one team and go to another. I am not certain it serves any real advantage. You still have to go out and read your keys and play."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –the feeling that everyone has a chance to step in and play)
"The big thing is that we talk about it often and that everybody understands that you do have an opportunity even if you are on the practice squad, that you do have to prepare each week as if you do have to play because some strange things do indeed happen. I remember a few years back when Montae Reagor was on his way to a ballgame and was in a traffic accident. So there was a guy who certainly had he not thought about preparing that week and getting ready, and this happened hours before the game. So, someone had to come up, had to fill in and play. Had they not studied and had not been prepared it certainly would not have faired as well. Also, we talk about it often, we cite examples, and this week is a great example obviously with Mike Newton coming form the practice squad to the 53, and had he not been an individual that had studied, worked and prepared, he'd find himself a little behind, but that's not the case. He has been studying. He has been preparing. So it makes it a lot better for all of us."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –Mike Newton)
"He was opportunistic (in training camp) and we hope that we'll see some of that again here in the next week or so."
HEAD COACH JIM CALDWELL (on –Mike Newton, and others, getting a chance to play and showcase his talents)
"That's what they are all looking for. They are all looking for that opportunity. Most of them are chomping at the bit and so he has an opportunity to step in there and compete with the rest of that group."
