Training Camp starts today
 

The new season is underway. Luck is healthy and is in his second year in the same season. A bunch of new rookies are on the field. And Deon Cain starts his campaign as the greatest receiver to ever play the game.

About time we have something to discuss!

Luck limited next 7-10 days. Not the ideal start...

You’re underrating Cain. Not only will he go down as the great receiver in football history, he will be considered as the greatest player of all time. Ballads will be sung commemorating his achievements. There will be a new national holiday after the Super Bowl, known as Deon Cain Day.

No epic camp entrances is a little saddening...but let's go get us a Super Bowl!

Bout time you bought in !!! :rolleyes:

Bring it on!!!

Can't wait.
 

I'm leaving in 2 hours to head to Westfield for this first practice.

So what player is everyone going to keep an eye on in camp? Besides Deon Cain of course. I want to see Turay’s progress. Banagu, Ya-Sin, Campbell, and Funchess.

I want to see Autry continue to improve. Houston's presence could help him improve. he had 9 sacks last year, 5th among defensive linemen.

Any camp updates?

Not too much longer now. Thank goodness

Not used to having a lot a positive preseason hype, it's been a long time, hopefully the players don't get caught up in it. Should be a fun season.

How does Campbell look on returns? That will be a factor in the WR5/6 battles.

How will Okereke compare to Walker? I think it’ll still be Walker at the beginning of the year, but how far off does Okereke look?

What the fuck is wrong with him now? SOB!

Luck is still dealing with the calf strain.

https://twitter.com/mchappell51/stat...48274847555584

Day 1 review. Very slow day

So from the analytics they have determined a lot of injuries happen in the first 7-10 days of camp. So the Colts are going to gear things up slowly working the guys up into a routine.

https://www.1075thefan.com/blogs/kev...urns-full-team

• Honestly, the best news from the Colts’ first practice of camp was the injury report. We know the news on Andrew Luck from Thursday, but the Colts had some strong participation from all the other spring ‘injured’ guys. The likes of Deon Cain, Clayton Geathers, Ross Travis and Jack Doyle all took part in Thursday’s practice, including some team drills for the entire quartet. That was surprising, given the length of some of their respective injuries. Cain was the most notable, as the hype around him continues to build. We saw Cain even get a crack at kick returner on Thursday. Cain had some nice moments, and some rust, in team drills, but just his presence in practice No. 1 was impressive. At one point, you had Justin Houston tutoring Cain on the sidelines after a team session. Doyle also had a big catch early in team drills as he returns from kidney and hip injuries.

• Check out this deep touchdown from Jacoby Brissett to T.Y. Hilton from Thursday’s practice. Brissett really needed this after a shaky start on Thursday. And it’s very unfair that George Odum has responsibility for Hilton on this play. This is Hilton’s patented route and he ran it flawlessly.

• After some early rust from Brissett, and strong defensive play from the starters, Brissett finished Thursday’s practice on a nice note. The deep pass to Hilton was followed by a big play connection to Zach Pascal, who is someone that Chris Ballard mentioned on Wednesday after his key contributions last season.

• Late in practice, we saw a nice growth moment between Jacoby Brissett and Devin Funchess. With Funchess working out of the slot, the two missed a quick read on a blitz, leading to an incompletion. The two got together after the play and talked things over. On the very next snap, there was Brissett throwing a strike to Funchess down the field for a completion. This is not what we saw in the spring. It was important progress for the two youngsters.

• Defensively, the starting 11 on Thursday was a nickel package for the Colts. On the DL, it was: Justin Houston, Margus Hunt, Denico Autry, Jabaal Sheard. At LB, it was: Darius Leonard, Anthony Walker. In the secondary, it was: Kenny Moore, Pierre Desir, Quincy Wilson, Mallik Hooker, Clayton Geathers. So, it was Wilson over Rock Ya-Sin in completing that nickel group. Matthew Adams was the starting SAM linebacker when the Colts went to their 4-3 base defense. No surprises with any of that. When the next wave of corners came in on Thursday, the Colts went with Rock Ya-Sin, Jalen Collins and Nate Hairston (slot).

• On offense, the Colts continued to work the starting unit we saw in the spring: QB-Jacoby Brissett, RB-Marlon Mack, WR-T.Y. Hilton, WR-Devin Funchess, WR-Chester Rogers, TE-Eric Ebron, LT-Anthony Castonzo, LG-Quenton Nelson, C-Ryan Kelly, RG-Mark Glowinski, RT-Braden Smith. The likes of Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins, Jack Doyle, Mo Alie-Cox, Zach Pascal and Parris Campbell all rotated in pretty routinely with the first-team offense.

• Want to see some highlights of Andrew Luck, Deon Cain, Parris Campbell and Devin Funchess from Thursday’s first practice? Head to my Instagram story for those clips.

• The first two kick returners on Thursday were Zach Pascal and Parris Campbell. After that, you had Chester Rogers, Nyheim Hines and Deon Cain taking some reps.

• If you are looking for an undrafted guy who flashed a bit on Day One, go to Kansas CB-Shakial Taylor. He made a couple of nice plays on the ball.

• Just a crazy stat that only grows each season Adam Vinatieri continues to play in the NFL: This is Adam Vinatieri’s 24th NFL season in the NFL. Right now, the Colts have 26 players who weren’t even alive 24 years ago.

• Jack Doyle talked on Thursday with Dan Dakich about how he came in early this week to work with the quarterbacks and rookies. Doyle said ‘limited’ for him right now just means in workload or quantity of reps, and not in the intensity of what he can do when on the field for those reps.

• Frank Reich said the Colts are adjusting some things in practice this year after looking further into injury research this offseason. A few more water breaks and some slightly shorter sessions are the changes for the Colts in 2019. Reich believes that will help in the soft tissue injury department.

• What would constitute a good second season for Eric Ebron? Here is Reich’s answer: “It’s not just about the numbers. His numbers last year were spectacular and he played a lot of good football outside of the numbers. But just being more consistent with his route running. I really think Eric developed a lot as a route runner. I think his chemistry with Andrew really developed over the year, so to keep picking up from that. The technical parts of the route, at the top of the route, I think he’s continuing to work on and he’s demanding a lot of himself there. And then all of our receivers, you guys know I like our receiver group as good as any in the league, but just the consistency of all of us catching the ball and getting every ball that comes our way.”

• Here were the Colts who did not practice on Thursday: RB-Spencer Ware (muscle injury with a boot on his right foot/leg, on PUP list for 1-2 weeks). Quarterback Andrew Luck took part in individual drills before sitting out in the team session.

• The Colts will have three more afternoon practice sessions Friday-Sunday, before their first off day on Monday. The plan is for the first full-padded practice to take place on Saturday afternoon.

Yeah that wasn't normal. It must be more serious than they are letting on. Muscle separation from bone or a tear, something bad like that.

Taking it easy because they saw what happened to Kevin Durant when rushed back to play.

I also wonder if they are just using the calf as a reason to limit his reps during the offseason program and let his whole body recover (especially his surgically repaired shoulder) from last season + postseason games + Pro Bowl.

Almost all players have nagging type injuries by the end of the season and his off season didn't begin until Jan 27th.

He was apparently full go today, only 7-7 but was 9-9 and looked crisp.

Cain is getting tons of hype, hope it's legit. We could be terrifying on O this year!

Anyone hear Nyheim Hines on the radio yesterday?

That is an impressive dude. He was asked what his goals were, said he didn't really have any- then proceeded to rip off several very understated objectives that show how detailed he is while also demonstrating that he is extremely humble. Most impressively he started talking about technical elements of his routes and things he wants to improve on there. Then went on to say that his main objective (though he doesn't have any) is to put some of the 4.3 on display and put some 50-60 yard plays on the board this year.

He said this 2nd year he is much more comfortable, knows what is going on, knows where he is supposed to be, etc... This from a guy who as a rookie was already showing his ability to play the jack of all trades role and was a critical piece of the dynamic offense we put on the field last year. LOOK OUT!

He did indicate that he is the only "RB" that the WR coach often asks to attend the WR meetings as well.

Forever I wanted this team to pick up Sproles, was so disappointed on I think 2 different instances where we could have went after him and didn't. Damn it would be awesome if we finally got a youngster version of that...

Day 2


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=oAiF-7ASOfk

Day 3


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZI8wmrg004

Did anyone notice Nelson is sporting an old school handle bar mustache. He looks like the grizled vet from a old cop show.

Damn I hope Funchess progresses like Ebron did- that is just a gigantic man. You give Andrew two reliable behemoths in the red zone- might as well just give up the six and start walking the other direction...

I used to always marvel at the size difference between the Pats and us, particularly if I had good tickets and could just see the tangible difference in size- they just had BIG dudes all over the field and they just got over on us with physicality it seemed at every level. It's great to feel like we are in many ways becoming that team, a team that you just can't deal with on the size front. And with the insanity of speed in TY, Campbell, Hines to compliment... damn damn damn...

Apparently Caine is ballin out too

Yeah all sounds on that front seem positive.

And now Luck is sidelined with the quad again and is off the field for at least the next 5 days... damnit!

Highlights After a Few Days

Defense:
Autry is apparently having a good camp and has been unblockable. He even knocked Nelson on his ass.

Turay had some nice moves and plays, but has been limited by a shoulder. He even played the run well on a run down.

Leonard looks awesome and hasn't missed a beat. He has been sealing his side pretty much.

Anthony Walker has the middle locked down. No competition from any of the other LB's

The corner back competition is fierce and some talent is going to get cut. Early prediction on the five to make it

• Desir

• Moore

• Wilson

• Ya-Sin

• Hairston (takes the edge because of versatility)

Holder and some other press really like the CB group. Doyle thinks the group is average. So some range of opinion.

So where does this leave Jalen Collins and Marvell Tell? Not sure, because it seems Farley, Odum, and Willis are at the backup safety spots.

The competition is mainly for the backup spots, the starters seem to be the same as last year.


Offense
Parris Cambell has shown a lot of flashes and burned Collins on an redzone throw so bad that ppl were saying a guy shouldn't be that open. And Collins is doing well this camp. Cambell has made some mistakes also, but he looks promising.

Deon Cain has shown some flashes as well, but they are taking it slow with him. If he can stay healthy he may contribute this year.

Reece Fountain update

The WR group will be a tough one to make this year. Especially if we carry 4 RB's and 4 TE's, that means 5 WR's. Don't be surprised if Rogers makes the roster because of his versatility.

The dline has been getting the better of the oline, but that is not surprising. It takes awhile for offenses to get going and defenses usually look better at the beginning of the year. Once they get Luck back full time they should pick things up.

Chad Kelly has an impressive arm. Might make the practice squad.

Mo Allie Cox may have a breakout season.

Luck is controlling his rehab, so his participation is totally up to him. He doesn't care what anyone thinks and will pace himself how he thinks best. He is being cautious because he tried to rush the shoulder situation and it backfired, so he is being very cautious. That said he will be there week 1.

Just heard Chappy on DD. He said he feels very strongly that this is the best roster we have had since the 09' SB season. It's awesome to hear we're going to be putting starting quality players on the street this year. What was it 2 years ago we signed 6 waiver wire guys the day after cuts? Huge transformation- bravo Ballard!

Some updated notes from what I’ve read and heard:

Deon Cain has been up and down. Made some great grabs, had some drops. He should contribute this year in what will be the equivalent of a redshirt freshman year. Also Hooker is a big fan of Cain and said he will be a household name by the end of the year.

Funchess and Ya-sin were going at it in camp. Ya-sin was man coverage the whole time. Ya-sin made some mistakes early then started to shut down Funchess by the end. Getting in perfect position and using those long arms to tip away the ball. Even made a tip interception. Funchess made some nice grabs early over

Okereke has started showing up and making plays. He apparently hit Hines so hard on one play the pop echoed across the whole field.

Brisset looks much improved in camp. Likely because he has actual time to throw. That season he played he never had time. Look forward to seeing him play some. If he does well it will drive his stock up.

Grover Stewart remolded his body and is much leaner and more active as a result.

Eberflus said 5th round pick EJ Speed has been jumping off the practice tape physically. They want to see if they can get him prepared mentally enough to win a starting role. That would have to be at SAM which is only like 15-20 snaps a game. Initially looks like the long shot pick everyone was scratching their head over could work out. A starting LB with a 5th is pretty good. Leonard said he likes watching him and reminds him of himself.

The defense has been dominating the offense in practice. So much so the offense couldn’t even score the other day. Hard to read into that though, especially with Luck out. I will say, we have Speed, Rock, and a Hooker on defense. Gonna be a lot of fun.

If he makes the team hes going to play on kick cover and punt cover. Nothing wrong with that

There was a Fountain sigting. He made several catches in camp and apparently a beautiful over the shoulder grab in the corner of the endzone.

We are going to be cutting people that piss off some Colt fans big time including me. Love it

Yeah, WR4, WR5 may not be what we expect. Hell, I don't know if anything is certain beyond TY and Funchess.

And out of nowhere- apparently Chester had an exceptional day earlier this week. God bless I hope Luck is a go, if so, we might set new passing records.

Chester is gonna make the squad. He can play slot or outside. Cain, Fountain, Funchess, Campbell, Pascal cannot play both. The last couple depth slots are going to be with versatile guys likely.

My prediction: TY, Funchess, Rogers, Campbell, Cain
Maybe Foutain or Pascal to PS

What an improvement over last season.

Is there anyone other than Chester who can reliably catch a punt?

Heading to camp today I’ll post observations later