ANDERSON, Ind. – Job requirements for offensive linemen are rather straightforward.
It doesn't mean the task is easy.
However, there's not a whole lot to dissect in what coaches seek for tasks among the offensive line group.
"You run block and you pass block," offensive line coach Joe Philbin states as the necessities offensive linemen need to do.
"Those are the critical elements in their job and it's my job to get them to perform at a high level."
Philbin was hired to help the Colts improve their play in the trenches.
But players know their individual games have to be better to make the improvements in protecting Andrew Luck and opening up holes for Frank Gore and the run game.
"It's more on us to keep (Luck) upright and we know we have to do a better job than we have in years past," third-year guard Jack Mewhort says.
"Guys are aware. In years past, we haven't been up to par in keeping Andrew upright. When you have a guy like that, if you can protect him, good things are going to happen. That's a big emphasis for us in camp and we are excited about the opportunity."
A sneak peak inside the Colts camp athletic training room.
Mewhort also made it clear that the Colts need to be better in the run game.
As that process manifests throughout camp, the Colts will also juggle the dilemma of continuity and competition this time of year.
The Colts would love to settle on a starting five as early as possible in camp.
They also know things must play out, particularly at right guard, with the full pads now being worn.
Or, as GM Ryan Grigson puts it, "Who's going to survive Camp Philbin?"
"It sure looks like that is going to be one heck of a competition," Grigson says of the offensive line group. "There are different paths to continuity based on your circumstances. I think we're always for throwing the best five out there across the board, regardless of anything, and going from there. But that plan isn't as easy as it sounds because who we felt our best five were in the offseason could totally change once physical contact is involved in camp or guys come back off injury, so that's what we have to wait out.
"Mental toughness is also such a big part of it, along with consistency, while so much is being thrown at them under all different types of stress. We'll just continue to watch these guys work their tails off and keep a close eye on who is doing what they're expected day in and day out from their coach and clearly presenting that on tape to us all. Coach (Pagano) and I both feel that whomever survives Camp Philbin will be more than capable of playing for us (laughs)."
