Colts camp

Each summer I make an extended-stay annual trip to Indiana (Mike has joined the past two years). For the past three years, conveniently, the Indianapolis Colts have held their training camp in my old stomping ground  -  Anderson, Indiana. Fortunately for me, in the past, I was able to witness firsthand the maestro-effect that Peyton Manning had on the team. I was also able to see a human bobble head in Jim Caldwell. Those two were quite the contrasting tandem. Obviously some crap happened last season (embarrassing record, scary QBing, and exposé of faulty management) that led to a complete shake-up, the first pick of the draft, and the departure of maestro Manning. With all of that being typed, clearly this year Mike and I saw something completely different at camp. 

First of all, the tone of the camp was completely different - both in the stands and on the practice fields. In the stands there were sad Manning fans, indifferent fans, and the loyal blue crew. Once in "Colts City" I made it a point to verbally proclaim to Mike that I would punch a ___________ wearing a Manning jersey. I only saw 1-2. And I am pretty sure that those people were under the age of 12. Physically roughness aimed at the expense of a minor may be frowned upon in the great county of Madison, which is within the great state of Indiana. I could be wrong. 

I have to say - the tone of the team on the field was a 180 from last year. Last year I felt sick watching the team "practice." Effort was not noted, heads were down, and they only person coaching was the injured Peyton. This year, however, the Colts (albeit a different roster) looked energized, refreshed, and eager to get the season started. There was no half-speed, lackadaisical effort exuding from the men wearing numbers or shouting orders. 

Speaking of those shouting orders - I was impressed with coach Pagano. He was running around like a deer with mental capacity. He was involved in all of the drills (even the ones focused on the special teams). That is refreshing. Especially when I am mentally creating a Venn Diagram comparing Pagano to Caldwell. Bruce Arians was also very involved. And I have to note that he looked like a complete weird-o in tube socks and a fishing cap. He sort of looked like he wandered out of the early-bird special at MCL and found himself on a football field at Anderson, Indiana. Now there was a different quarterback.....

Ah, yes, Andrew Luck. What can I say? The guy looked fantastic. His passes are crisp, he has energized the fan-base, and he appears to have a solid grasp on leadership skills. I only watched him for about an hour - but I can see that he is going to exceed expectations. He will follow the route of Manning and not the route of Leaf.

So all in all, Mike and I were very impressed by the Indianapolis Colts camp. They looked sharp, energized, and motivated. I am looking forward to the season!