Indianapolis Colts Football

COLTS DAILY HEADLINES: JUNE 19TH EDITION

Each morning Colts.com will take a look at the top headlines surrounding the Indianapolis Colts from around the globe. What is the local and national media saying about the Colts?

Take a look below at the top five pieces from Wednesday, June 19^th.

New Tony Dungy book on marriage due out next February

By: Staff, Indianapolis Star

Former Colts head coach Tony Dungy is back again at writing another book.

After writing “Quiet Strength,” Dungy is now writing “Uncommon Marriage: What We’ve Learned about Lasting Love and Overcoming Life’s Obstacles Together,” with his wife Lauren, and Nathan Whitaker.

The book is scheduled to hit shelves on Feb. 11, 2014.

“Tyndale Momentum highly values its relationship with the Dungys, and we are thrilled to have Lauren join Tony to write about their love story, as well as address a question that even couples in the best marriages must answer from time-to-time: How can we make our relationship stronger?” said publisher Jan Long Harris.

Colts receiver Palmer giving back to his hometown of Elkhart

By: Angelo DiCarlo, WNDU.com

Nathan Palmer headed back to his old high school on Tuesday night to promote a football camp he will be hosting on June 22.

“Everything is unbelievable,” Palmer explains with a big smile.

“Sometimes I wake up and I’m like pinch me because I almost can’t believe that my dreams actually came true.”

The Elkhart, Ind. native Palmer carries the strong community tradition of Colts players.

“Here I stood in the same school that you are standing in right now and had the same dream that you have and I made it,” Palmer says of what he will tell campers. “That’s the message I want to give to my community–people say Elkhart is a small town but I came from Elkhart and I’m playing in the NFL. We all can do it.”

AHMAD BRADSHAW’S TWO SUPER BOWL RINGS RANKS SECOND ON COLTS ROSTER

Ryan Grigson isn’t one to delve into his approach to free agent tactics but there’s no question the Colts general manager did his due diligence in acquiring numerous veteran offseason additions.

In his two seasons as Colts GM, Grigson has made several moves with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Grigson’s familiarity with the Eagles and the NFC East in general was also seen during the 2013 offseason.

First it was the signing of LaRon Landry, who was a member of the Washington Redskins from 2007-2011.

Then some three months later the Colts signed former New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw.

Grigson was a member of the Eagles personnel department back in 2009 when Bradshaw had one of his finest games in his then third NFL season.

In an early December game involving two teams in the playoff hunt, Bradshaw gained 101 total yards and a touchdown but it was Grigson’s Eagles who pulled out a 45-38 victory.

Now Bradshaw will join Grigson, and the Colts GM described what the six-year running back brings to the Indianapolis backfield.

“I think he’s a great fit for this offense,” Grigson said of Bradshaw. “The thing about him is he’s just turning 27. He’s still a young man. He’s got we feel plenty of tread left on the tires. At the end of the day, he’s just a nice fit in terms of his demeanor and the way he approaches football and life.”

Another asset that Bradshaw carries with him to Indianapolis is two Super Bowl rings, which ranks second on the team behind only Adam Vinatieri.

The end goal for the Colts in 2013 revolves around making a trip to Bradshaw’s old home field (MetLife Stadium) in trying to add to his, and the entire team’s, number of Super Bowl rings.

“It doesn’t hurt to have a guy who’s been there and done that,” Grigson said of Bradshaw’s Super Bowl pedigree. “The more guys that walk in this door that already expect greatness of themselves without needing it beaten into their head at all, that’s just an added bonus.”

COLTS DAILY HEADLINES: JUNE 18TH EDITION

Each morning Colts.com will take a look at the top headlines surrounding the Indianapolis Colts from around the globe. What is the local and national media saying about the Colts?

Take a look below at the top five pieces from Tuesday, June 18^th.

Pagano wins Halas Award for overcoming adversity

By: George Bremer, Anderson Herald Bulletin

Chuck Pagano was named the 44^th winner of the George Halas Award on Monday afternoon.

Pagano becomes the fourth Colt ever to capture the award which is given each season to a player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award,” Pagano said in a statement released by the Colts. “The encouragement I received from my family, friends, the Irsay family, the Colts organization, the city of Indianapolis and fans around the country was overwhelming. The outpouring of prayers, love and support from a community that hardly knew me made me realize how fortunate and proud I am to serve this organization and city.”

Colts moving Robert Mathis, which could help sack total

By: Darin Gantt, Pro Football Talk

Much has been made about the Colts outside linebacker position and the amount of depth they have on the edge.

In this piece, Gantt points out that the Indianapolis Star’s Mike Chappell said that Pro Bowl outside linebacker Robert Mathis has been moved to the weak outside linebacker spot, where he should get more “rush opportunites.”

According to Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star, the Colts have moved Mathis to the weak outside linebacker spot, where he should get more rush opportunities.

PFT, PFT Planet agree on Colts’ Mt. Rushmore

By: Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk

Pro Football Talk is in the process of assembling four-man Mt. Rushmore’s for each NFL franchise and they have decided, along with the fans, on the Colts foursome.

The Colts’ Mt. Rushmore group consists of John Unitas, Peyton Manning, Raymond Berry and Marvin Harrison.

Or in other words, a pair of Hall of Fame quarterbacks with their favorite receivers.

COLTS DAILY HEADLINES: WEEKEND EDITION

Each morning Colts.com will take a look at the top headlines surrounding the Indianapolis Colts from around the globe. What is the local and national media saying about the Colts?

Take a look below at the top five pieces from June 15-17^th.

Monday Morning Quarterback

By: Steve Gleason, Sports Illustrated

For the next few weeks, Peter King’s normal Monday Morning Quarterback will be filled with content from guest writers.

This week it comes in the form of Steve Gleason, the former New Orleans Saints special teams standout.

Gleason shares a very heart warming story on his struggle with ALS and even explains the struggles he has to go through just to type the MMQB piece.

Indianapolis Colts 1st round pick Bjoern Werner continues to ‘play up’

By: Phil Richards, Indianapolis Star

Richards sports front piece is a feature on the Colts first round draft pick.

The piece highlights many people who have had a major impact on Werner’s path from Germany and now to the Indianapolis Colts.

Werner’s story has been well documented and now it’s the progression on the field that is the next hurdle in an incredible journey.

“He’s a natural,” Colts coach Chuck Pagano said of Werner’s move from college defensive end to professional outside linebacker. “He’s a great athlete. We know his measurables, all those things we know. But the one thing we didn’t know was, we had a good idea, but the F.B.I., what we are putting on his plate, his football intelligence, is off the charts.

“He doesn’t make many mental (mistakes), so we’re going to keep throwing stuff at him and use him in a bunch of different roles. He can be effective not only in the run game, but when we get to third down, he’s going to be a hard guy to block.”

An analysis of the Indianapolis Colts’ roster going into preseason camp

By: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star

The breakdown to a 53-man roster will be the hot topic over the next few months and Chappell took a look at that magical number in a blog over the weekend.

Chappell notes the depth that is on both sides of the football that goes hand-in-hand with the rise in expectations after an 11-5 regular season.

“It’s like when I walked in here for the first time and you see all those banners, we want to build off that,’’ Ryan Grigson said. “We set the bar high. Our owner sets the bar high.

“We expect greatness.’’

THE LAST WORD – JUNE 14TH

Jeffrey Gorman, Bob Lamey, Jimmy Matis and Matt Taylor recap the this week’s mini-camp and the hottest NFL off-season story lines on this week’s edition of The Last Word on 1070 The Fan, 1070thefan.com  and FM 107.5 beginning at 6pm tonight!  The guys also talk more football by welcoming on Michigan football coach Brady Hoke.  Also, Kyle Peterson, former MLBer and ESPN College World Series analyst, explains how far the Indiana Hoosiers can go in Omaha!

COLTS DAILY HEADLINES: JUNE 14TH EDITION

Each morning Colts.com will take a look at the top headlines surrounding the Indianapolis Colts from around the globe. What is the local and national media saying about the Colts?

Take a look below at the top five pieces from Friday, June 14^th.

Colts Notebook: Luck leading by example

By: George Bremer, The Herald Bulletin

Bremer took a look at the extra work that Luck put in following Thursday’s final day of minicamp practice.

The second-year quarterback stayed a bit longer on the practice field to work with his speedy receivers on deep routes.

“He’s going to lead by his work ethic,” Pagano said. “Then when he has to say something, it’s like E.F. Hutton, when he speaks, they listen. So he’s going to do well in that role.”

The deep ball has been a point of emphasis this offseason for Luck and he assessed the progress.

“I do feel like I’ve made some strides,” he said. “I’m not where I want to be. But it’s something I can work on through this off time and get with the receivers on throwing to stationary targets. There’s a good plan that (quarterbacks coach) Clyde (Christensen) and Pep have put together to get good at that.”

Pagano wants Indianapolis Colts to focus on the playbook with training camp set for next month

The Associated Press

Chuck Pagano huddled his team together around noon on Thursday and gave them one final message before letting them go for over a month.

“You have to stay in the mental part, you have to stay in the physical part, you can’t just stop,” coach Chuck Pagano said. “If you get totally away from it, you’re going to come back and you’re going to be lost.”

It might read as offseason on the schedule but for man Colts the grind is ramped up with training camp coming up in late July.

“Nothing changes for me,” Wayne said. “I don’t have the bones of a 24-year-old. I can’t sit down for too long.”

Colts notebook: Andrew Luck, receivers will work together

By: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star

Reggie Wayne let the cat out of the back, sort of.

Following Thursday’s minicamp practice, Wayne acknowledged that the receivers and Andrew Luck will be getting together sometime over the next month in Miami.

He also left with a message for his teammates.

“That’s what we’ve been preaching for the last two or three days,” Wayne said. “When you leave here, you don’t go back on vacation.

“We’re a young team. We have a new offense. This is not an offense where you can take a break.”

Colts GM Ryan Grigson: ‘We don’t need (Luck) running for his life’

By: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star

Before the start of Thursday’s third minicamp practice, general manager Ryan Grigson spoke with the media on a variety of topics.

The offensive line additions came up and Grigson noted the importance of keeping Andrew Luck healthy and upright in 2013.

It was evident, Grigson said Thursday, “we have to do a premium job of protecting our quarterback. He’s obviously an outstanding player.

“We don’t need him running for his life. We need him to feel as comfortable as possible.”

It’s been an extremely busy offseason for Grigson and his staff and the depth added has created plenty of competition heading into training camp.

“This is a long, grueling season,” Grigson said. “You can never let off the gas. You never know what tomorrow’s going to bring.”

LIVE CHAT TODAY AT 11:00 A.M.

Looking for a place to have your Colts questions answered at the end of the week? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

This Friday, I will host a one-hour chat called “Horseshoe Roundup” beginning at 11 a.m. During the offseason, the chat will take place every two weeks and it will move to a weekly schedule once the regular season gets closer.

The chat will cover a variety of topics with the focus being the pertinent news during that time period. I will take your questions and try to answer as many as I can during the hour.

For this week, the Colts just wrapped up a three-day minicamp including an open practice at Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday.

What questions do you have about the Colts now that the offseason picks back up before training camp begins on July 27.

What did you think of your first look at safety LaRon Landry? Are you pleased with the past month or two with training camp next on the schedule?

How about Ahmad Bradshaw? What are your thoughts on the two-time Super Bowl Champion joining the Colts?

Feel free to join the chat via this link around 11:00 a.m. on Friday (scroll to the bottom of the page) and we will talk for an hour about whatever is on your mind.

STATEMENT FROM COLTS ON THE NEW NFL BAG POLICY

The Indianapolis Colts are reviewing the new NFL bag policy for fans attending home games at Lucas Oil Stadium during the 2013 season. The Colts will comply with the new rules and will provide detailed information to fans in the near future.

PLAYERS AND COACHES RELISH BEING BACK INSIDE LUCAS OIL STADIUM

Nearly a year ago to the day, Chuck Pagano stood in front of various media outlets and spoke of the importance to control your home field in the NFL.

It was one thing to say it but for a team coming off a 2-14 season, the proof would have to be concrete and measured in the form of wins that fall.

The Colts did just that with seven home victories in eight contests last season and the team relished the chance to get back inside of Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday night.

“It’s always nice to be here,” quarterback Andrew Luck said. “It truly is a remarkable venue. As players, we definitely appreciate it. We definitely appreciate the great support from the fans.”

One point Luck made that should not be taken for granted is the chance to work in an evening/night setting at Lucas Oil.

Last year, the Colts did not play any regular season night games and in 2013 have a rather large one on the schedule this season when the Denver Broncos come to Indianapolis for an 8:30 p.m. kickoff on Oct. 20.

“It’s an added bonus to get here at night,” Luck said. “Just to get around and see how it differs from an afternoon was nice. Putting all that aside, I thought we got better, put in productive work. We got better as a football team (Wednesday).”

Outside linebacker Robert Mathis gave Colts fans a glimpse into an intimidating looking facemask that the Pro Bowler will be wearing this season.

Mathis is the longest tenured Colts defender and being back in the home venue never gets old.

“It’s a lot more exciting practicing in front of our crowd in the stadium that we’re going to play in every Sunday,” Mathis said on Wednesday night.

“I think we put on a good show on for the crowd, gave them something to look forward to this upcoming season. Everybody had fun.”

The crowd on Wednesday was over 10,000 fans for the open minicamp practice and the players took note of their dedication.

On numerous occasions, Luck has been amazed about the football IQ of Colts fans and Wednesday was another chance to see that first hand.

“I tell you, great, great fans. I’m astounded every time I come here or do anything with the Colts,” Luck said.

“The people that show up, it feels like you truly have the whole state of Indiana behind you. So it’s great to see all the support today, really special.”

COLTS DAILY HEADLINES: JUNE 14TH EDITION

Each morning Colts.com will take a look at the top headlines surrounding the Indianapolis Colts from around the globe. What is the local and national media saying about the Colts?

Take a look below at the top five pieces from Thursday, June 13^th.

Colts’ Bradshaw gets the boot for open practice

By: Pete DiPrimio, Fort Wayne News-Sentinel

DiPrimio took a look at a man in a boot on Wednesday evening.

That man was new Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw and he is pleased to call Indianapolis his new home.

“This is a blessing for me,” Bradshaw said. “The Colts are an organization that cares. This is the right fit for me.”

Minicamp is all about mental reps as Bradshaw recovers from a foot injury before he hits the field for training camp.

“He wants to go, but he’s not ready,” Pagano said. “We’ve got one practice left. It wouldn’t make any sense to have him out there and re-injure that foot and miss half the season.”

Colts are looking at 4 players and 1,300 pounds to fill key nose tackle position

By: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star

Chappell takes a look at one of the most competitive position battles across the Colts roster at the nose tackle position.

How important is a nose tackle in a 3-4 defensive scheme?

Chappell asked two key cogs.

“The pinpoint of the defense,” explained Aubrayo Franklin.

Added Josh Chapman: “You’ve got to be the heart and soul of this defense.”

A majority of the article looks at Chapman who has turned some heads this offseason and his head coach has high praise for the second-year tackle.

“Chappy’s like sticking a 700-, 800-pound safe in the middle,” Pagano said. “You’re not going to move him. Someone tries to come in the house and take the safe, it ain’t happening.’’

Colts hold open minicamp for fans at Lucas Oil Stadium

By: Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Star

Many topics are covered in Chappell’s notebook of Wednesday evening’s open minicamp practice.

Chappell mentions the big plays on both sides of the ball, owner Jim Irsay’s presence and a crowd of around 10,000 people at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“I thought we put on a very good show for the crowd,’’ linebacker Robert Mathis said. “We gave them something to look forward to this upcoming season.’’

The attention also turned to No. 44 on the sideline as Ahmad Bradshaw was a spectator while resting a foot injury that is expected to be healed in time for training camp.

“He’s standing right there. He’s got the script in his hand. He was into it,’’ Pagano said. “When he gets back . . . he’ll be ready to go. He won’t miss a beat.

Andrew Luck taking a firm grip on Colts’ reins

By: Mike Garafolo, USA Today

Garafolo takes a look a the relationship between Luck and backup Matt Hasselbeck with a focus on the page turning from 2012 to 2013.

“I don’t think anybody’s content. Last year was great, I’m proud of it and all that stuff, but no one’s worried about that now,” Luck told USA TODAY Sports. “We could’ve won zero games or won all of our games. For us, it’s about this year. That’s where our focus is.

“Guys just get that. And the tone that starts at the top with Chuck is one of ‘Work hard, no matter what the circumstances, be thankful you have a chance to play football and give it all you’ve got.’”

As a 15-year veteran, Hasselbeck has a keen eye for strong quarterback play and sees just that on, and off, the field in Luck.

“Andrew was incredible,” Hasselbeck said. “‘Here we go, we’re going to do this. Next, Donald Brown, what’s your favorite bag drill? Cool, that’s what we’re doing. Let’s go.’

“He wasn’t bossing anybody around. It was fun. It was cool. Some people don’t have that personality. They’re good players, but they don’t have that.”