The Colts re-signed two starters Tuesday 4/15 who had been restricted free agents, defensive tackle Josh Williams and cornerback David Macklin. They also re-signed second-year running back Ricky Williams.
8/9 @ Chicago Bears 7:00 PM
8/15 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 7:00 PM
8/25 @ Denver Broncos 7:00 PM
8/29 CINCINNATI BENGALS 7:00 PM
2003 REGULAR SEASON
DATE OPPONENT
9/7 @ Cleveland Browns 12:00 PM
9/14 TENNESSEE TITANS 12:00 PM
9/21 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 12:00 PM
9/28 @ New Orleans Saints 7:30 PM
10/6 @ Tampa Bay Buccanears 8:00 PM
10/12 CAROLINA PANTHERS 12:00 PM
10/19 BYE 12:00 PM
10/26 HOUSTON TEXANS 4:15 PM
11/2 @ Miami Dolphins 1:00 PM
11/9 @ Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 PM
11/16 NEW YORK JETS 4:00 PM
11/23 @ Buffalo Bills 1:00 PM
11/30 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 1:00 PM
12/7 @ Tennessee Titans 1:00 PM
12/14 ATLANTA FALCONS 1:00 PM
12/21 DENVER BRONCOS 8:30 PM
12/28 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
8/15 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 7:00 PM
8/25 @ Denver Broncos 7:00 PM
8/29 CINCINNATI BENGALS 7:00 PM
2003 REGULAR SEASON
DATE OPPONENT
9/7 @ Cleveland Browns 12:00 PM
9/14 TENNESSEE TITANS 12:00 PM
9/21 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 12:00 PM
9/28 @ New Orleans Saints 7:30 PM
10/6 @ Tampa Bay Buccanears 8:00 PM
10/12 CAROLINA PANTHERS 12:00 PM
10/19 BYE 12:00 PM
10/26 HOUSTON TEXANS 4:15 PM
11/2 @ Miami Dolphins 1:00 PM
11/9 @ Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 PM
11/16 NEW YORK JETS 4:00 PM
11/23 @ Buffalo Bills 1:00 PM
11/30 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 1:00 PM
12/7 @ Tennessee Titans 1:00 PM
12/14 ATLANTA FALCONS 1:00 PM
12/21 DENVER BRONCOS 8:30 PM
12/28 @ Houston Texans 1:00 PM
how the fvck can indy still keep this kicker vanderjack??
football is about discipline,respect,the ultimate team "fight in the trenches " game
what this jackass said. how the hell can the coach look him in the eye. every season every team goes through turmoil up and down time.wont others lose question dungy if the kicker is right or els.
hes a good kicker but not the greatest.alot of teams would of traded for him
this would of never been accepted in chuck knoll. tom landry, shula years
wouldnt it be a great starting point for indy this year by trading this fool. stating we as a group will fight together, and give a team a good morale boost? win together and lose together
maybe my dad taught me too much about whats right and wrong. too much about respect and what not to say
football is about discipline,respect,the ultimate team "fight in the trenches " game
what this jackass said. how the hell can the coach look him in the eye. every season every team goes through turmoil up and down time.wont others lose question dungy if the kicker is right or els.
hes a good kicker but not the greatest.alot of teams would of traded for him
this would of never been accepted in chuck knoll. tom landry, shula years
wouldnt it be a great starting point for indy this year by trading this fool. stating we as a group will fight together, and give a team a good morale boost? win together and lose together
maybe my dad taught me too much about whats right and wrong. too much about respect and what not to say
The Colts offseason has been marred by Mike Vanderjagt's stinging comments regarding his coach and quarterback. As the Colts build toward next year, the pressure to prove such comments incorrect will only subside if coach Tony Dungy can motivate his team deep into the playoffs and quarterback Peyton Manning has at least one impressive postseason showing. It certainly will not hurt their cause for Bill Polian to have a typical Polian-esque draft class.
Needs: CB, OG, DT, TE, LB, speed WR
Aside from a man to censor their kicker when he gets yipped on the fine elixir of yeast and hops, Polian has areas he needs to upgrade in order to aid improvements. The Colts failed to score a touchdown in last year's postseason and seemed to lose on-field confidence as the season progressed. They need to upgrade the line in front of Manning. The Colts offense can get quite tricky and they need five solid men who all know what they are doing as a base for their star quarterback. Despite the signing of Brandon Stokley, a wideout with terrific speed would be helpful. They also need a complement to the solid TE Marcus Pollard.
Defensively, they are a solid defensive tackle away from fielding a hellacious defensive line. Perhaps their biggest need lies at cornerback, but the Colts may have to reach with the draft's 24th pick to grab one of the available remaining.
When Sunday ends and Mr. Irrelevant has found his relevance:
The Colts will have a starting cornerback and another backup and two interior offensive linemen. Polian also will have grabbed a run-stuffing defender who can collapse the pocket for ends Chad Bratzke and Dwight Freeney and a wideout with blazing speed who can stretch the other side of the field from all-world wideout Marvin Harrison. Depth at linebacker and tight end would also be good value picks. Considering RB Edgerrin James has already begun to work out and is on track to return to pre-injury form, the Colts are already in better shape now than they were a year ago.
Needs: CB, OG, DT, TE, LB, speed WR
Aside from a man to censor their kicker when he gets yipped on the fine elixir of yeast and hops, Polian has areas he needs to upgrade in order to aid improvements. The Colts failed to score a touchdown in last year's postseason and seemed to lose on-field confidence as the season progressed. They need to upgrade the line in front of Manning. The Colts offense can get quite tricky and they need five solid men who all know what they are doing as a base for their star quarterback. Despite the signing of Brandon Stokley, a wideout with terrific speed would be helpful. They also need a complement to the solid TE Marcus Pollard.
Defensively, they are a solid defensive tackle away from fielding a hellacious defensive line. Perhaps their biggest need lies at cornerback, but the Colts may have to reach with the draft's 24th pick to grab one of the available remaining.
When Sunday ends and Mr. Irrelevant has found his relevance:
The Colts will have a starting cornerback and another backup and two interior offensive linemen. Polian also will have grabbed a run-stuffing defender who can collapse the pocket for ends Chad Bratzke and Dwight Freeney and a wideout with blazing speed who can stretch the other side of the field from all-world wideout Marvin Harrison. Depth at linebacker and tight end would also be good value picks. Considering RB Edgerrin James has already begun to work out and is on track to return to pre-injury form, the Colts are already in better shape now than they were a year ago.
Thanks jeffrey01.
I think the question has to be, who will Indy get to replace Vandy if he leaves or who wants him for that money.
I think the question has to be, who will Indy get to replace Vandy if he leaves or who wants him for that money.
sometimes it not about if he is hard to trade or who to replace
football like no other sport is the ultimate team sport where all the players on 3 phases of the game (off,def, & special teams ) has to be on the same page together
why are all the discipline, give me respect, no shit coaches always succesfull
bad apple in a team creates cancer
CASE CLOSED
will or will they not talk about vandy and his comments all year long next year?
enough said
football like no other sport is the ultimate team sport where all the players on 3 phases of the game (off,def, & special teams ) has to be on the same page together
why are all the discipline, give me respect, no shit coaches always succesfull
bad apple in a team creates cancer
CASE CLOSED
will or will they not talk about vandy and his comments all year long next year?
enough said
The Indianapolis Colts' evaluation process leading up to next weekend's NFL draft has included a closer look at several prospects.
Although the team does not comment on which players it might be pursuing, agents for eight players have confirmed their clients either recently have visited the Colts' Union Federal Football Center or been put through private on-campus workouts by the team.
Included on the list of visitors to Indy are Notre Dame wide receiver Arnaz Battle, Michigan tight end Bennie Joppru and Robert Mathis, a pass-rushing standout at Alabama A&M. Howard linebacker Tracy White, Texas Tech guard Rex Richards and Missouri safety Taurus Ferguson also have met with Colts officials.
Among the players the team's scouting department put through on-campus workouts are Ohio University running back Chad Brinker and Central Michigan linebacker Darvin Lewis.
While not specifically addressing the Colts' pre-draft activity, coach Tony Dungy recently noted the objective is to upgrade the entire roster.
"I don't think there's any (position) that if we had to line up and play today we couldn't because we don't have this or we don't have that," Dungy said. "We feel good about our team.
"We just have to keep adding young, fresh bodies to both sides."
Joppru is projected as a second-round pick by several publications. He might be the complement to Marcus Pollard that was missing in 2002 after Ken Dilger was cut. The 6-3, 259-pounder was Michigan's No. 2 receiver as a senior with 53 catches for 579 yards and five touchdowns.
Mathis, meanwhile, could be an ideal fit for Dungy. An undersized defensive end in college -- 6-0, 230 pounds -- he led the Southwestern Athletic Conference in sacks three years in a row, breaking the NCAA Division I-AA single-season record with 20 as a senior. Mathis also added 30 tackles for loss and 10 forced fumbles last year.
Mathis likely will have to switch to outside linebacker in the NFL, an area of need for the Colts after they lost weak-side starter Mike Peterson. The athletic Mathis could contribute immediately on special teams.
"I know (the Colts) like him," said Hadley Engelhard, Mathis' agent. "Twenty sacks is 20 sacks, regardless where you get them."
Battle is considered a receiver with good size (6-0, 204 pounds) and room to grow as a player. He began his Irish career as a quarterback before switching to receiver for his final two seasons.
Lewis, like many of the players the Colts evaluate, would be a possible free agent acquisition if he isn't drafted.
"When a team brings in a player before the draft, obviously that player warrants some amount of interest," said Mark Lepselter, Lewis' agent. "We feel Tracy fits coach Dungy's defensive scheme."
!
Although the team does not comment on which players it might be pursuing, agents for eight players have confirmed their clients either recently have visited the Colts' Union Federal Football Center or been put through private on-campus workouts by the team.
Included on the list of visitors to Indy are Notre Dame wide receiver Arnaz Battle, Michigan tight end Bennie Joppru and Robert Mathis, a pass-rushing standout at Alabama A&M. Howard linebacker Tracy White, Texas Tech guard Rex Richards and Missouri safety Taurus Ferguson also have met with Colts officials.
Among the players the team's scouting department put through on-campus workouts are Ohio University running back Chad Brinker and Central Michigan linebacker Darvin Lewis.
While not specifically addressing the Colts' pre-draft activity, coach Tony Dungy recently noted the objective is to upgrade the entire roster.
"I don't think there's any (position) that if we had to line up and play today we couldn't because we don't have this or we don't have that," Dungy said. "We feel good about our team.
"We just have to keep adding young, fresh bodies to both sides."
Joppru is projected as a second-round pick by several publications. He might be the complement to Marcus Pollard that was missing in 2002 after Ken Dilger was cut. The 6-3, 259-pounder was Michigan's No. 2 receiver as a senior with 53 catches for 579 yards and five touchdowns.
Mathis, meanwhile, could be an ideal fit for Dungy. An undersized defensive end in college -- 6-0, 230 pounds -- he led the Southwestern Athletic Conference in sacks three years in a row, breaking the NCAA Division I-AA single-season record with 20 as a senior. Mathis also added 30 tackles for loss and 10 forced fumbles last year.
Mathis likely will have to switch to outside linebacker in the NFL, an area of need for the Colts after they lost weak-side starter Mike Peterson. The athletic Mathis could contribute immediately on special teams.
"I know (the Colts) like him," said Hadley Engelhard, Mathis' agent. "Twenty sacks is 20 sacks, regardless where you get them."
Battle is considered a receiver with good size (6-0, 204 pounds) and room to grow as a player. He began his Irish career as a quarterback before switching to receiver for his final two seasons.
Lewis, like many of the players the Colts evaluate, would be a possible free agent acquisition if he isn't drafted.
"When a team brings in a player before the draft, obviously that player warrants some amount of interest," said Mark Lepselter, Lewis' agent. "We feel Tracy fits coach Dungy's defensive scheme."
!
The SAFETY position is key to the Colts’ defense, a position that must produce big plays, big hits and crucial turnovers.
There were some such plays from the safety position last season, Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said recently.
There just weren’t enough.
“We need to get better play from there,” Dungy said.
The reason, Dungy said, is simple.
Although the Colts frequently played man-to-man pass defense last season, Dungy’s first with the team, his ideal pass defense is a Cover 2 zone defense. In that scheme, the one primarily employed while Dungy was the head coach in Tampa Bay from 1996-2001, the players in the secondary play more facing the quarterback than they can while playing man-to-man.
Secondary players facing the quarterback, by extension, see the ball more when it is in the air, and therefore make more interceptions.
Interceptions are the key to Dungy’s defensive philosophy, and if there was an area that disappointed him during a 10-6 playoff season in his first year with the organization, it was the defense’s inability to create turnovers, particularly interceptions.
During Dungy’s final three seasons in Tampa Bay, when the Buccaneers were widely considered one of the NFL’s top defenses, the Buccaneers had 21, 25 and 28 interceptions, respectively.
Last season, the Colts intercepted 10 passes.
While Dungy said that number isn’t entirely the responsibility of the safeties, the position is responsible for breaking on the ball while in the air and making high-impact plays against the pass and run, something Dungy said didn’t happen often enough in 2002.
“We need to get more big plays from our safety spot,” Dungy said.
Dungy said that doesn’t necessarily mean the big plays can’t come from players currently on the roster, although he did not rule out the team taking a safety in the upcoming draft.
Idrees Bashir, a 2001 second-round draft choice, started 14 of 16 games last season, finishing sixth on the team with 73 tackles. He also had two interceptions and had started 29 of a possible 33 career games, including playoffs.
The other starter last season was typically David Gibson, a fourth-year veteran acquired from Tampa Bay in an early season trade. Gibson started the final 10 games, including playoffs, and was third on the Colts with 81 tackles.
That total was the most among Colts secondary players, and in a crucial November victory over the Denver Broncos, he made a momentum-turning interception, the last interception for the Colts secondary all season.
Cory Bird, who entered last season as the starter at strong safety, started four games, but missed all but six games with a hip injury and was placed on injured reserve in late November. Jason Doering, like Bashir and Bird a 2001 draft choice – Bird was chosen in the third round; Doering in the sixth – was a key player on special teams and started six of the 15 games he played.
“I think in this scheme, guys get better from the first year to the second year in the system,” Dungy said. “I expect that to be the case at linebacker, and I also expect it to be true at safety. There are an awful lot of reads and reactions that need to be made from that spot, and when that’s true, players tend to get better in their second year.
One off-season move already has been made to address the area. In March, the Colts signed safety Rich Coady from the Tennessee Titans.
Coady, 27, spent his first three seasons with the St. Louis Rams, signing with Tennessee last season. He played primarily in passing situations last season and had 13 tackles with an interception he returned 24 yards for a touchdown against the Patriots in December.
A third-round by the Rams in 1999 from Texas A&M University, Coady has started six of 54 NFL games and has two career interceptions.
“We kind of bounced people in and out of the lineup last year because of injuries,” Dungy said. “Cory was hurt and Idrees got hurt and David Gibson came in and played. Continuity is important and hopefully, we’ll get that, but all of those guys will play better.”
!
There were some such plays from the safety position last season, Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said recently.
There just weren’t enough.
“We need to get better play from there,” Dungy said.
The reason, Dungy said, is simple.
Although the Colts frequently played man-to-man pass defense last season, Dungy’s first with the team, his ideal pass defense is a Cover 2 zone defense. In that scheme, the one primarily employed while Dungy was the head coach in Tampa Bay from 1996-2001, the players in the secondary play more facing the quarterback than they can while playing man-to-man.
Secondary players facing the quarterback, by extension, see the ball more when it is in the air, and therefore make more interceptions.
Interceptions are the key to Dungy’s defensive philosophy, and if there was an area that disappointed him during a 10-6 playoff season in his first year with the organization, it was the defense’s inability to create turnovers, particularly interceptions.
During Dungy’s final three seasons in Tampa Bay, when the Buccaneers were widely considered one of the NFL’s top defenses, the Buccaneers had 21, 25 and 28 interceptions, respectively.
Last season, the Colts intercepted 10 passes.
While Dungy said that number isn’t entirely the responsibility of the safeties, the position is responsible for breaking on the ball while in the air and making high-impact plays against the pass and run, something Dungy said didn’t happen often enough in 2002.
“We need to get more big plays from our safety spot,” Dungy said.
Dungy said that doesn’t necessarily mean the big plays can’t come from players currently on the roster, although he did not rule out the team taking a safety in the upcoming draft.
Idrees Bashir, a 2001 second-round draft choice, started 14 of 16 games last season, finishing sixth on the team with 73 tackles. He also had two interceptions and had started 29 of a possible 33 career games, including playoffs.
The other starter last season was typically David Gibson, a fourth-year veteran acquired from Tampa Bay in an early season trade. Gibson started the final 10 games, including playoffs, and was third on the Colts with 81 tackles.
That total was the most among Colts secondary players, and in a crucial November victory over the Denver Broncos, he made a momentum-turning interception, the last interception for the Colts secondary all season.
Cory Bird, who entered last season as the starter at strong safety, started four games, but missed all but six games with a hip injury and was placed on injured reserve in late November. Jason Doering, like Bashir and Bird a 2001 draft choice – Bird was chosen in the third round; Doering in the sixth – was a key player on special teams and started six of the 15 games he played.
“I think in this scheme, guys get better from the first year to the second year in the system,” Dungy said. “I expect that to be the case at linebacker, and I also expect it to be true at safety. There are an awful lot of reads and reactions that need to be made from that spot, and when that’s true, players tend to get better in their second year.
One off-season move already has been made to address the area. In March, the Colts signed safety Rich Coady from the Tennessee Titans.
Coady, 27, spent his first three seasons with the St. Louis Rams, signing with Tennessee last season. He played primarily in passing situations last season and had 13 tackles with an interception he returned 24 yards for a touchdown against the Patriots in December.
A third-round by the Rams in 1999 from Texas A&M University, Coady has started six of 54 NFL games and has two career interceptions.
“We kind of bounced people in and out of the lineup last year because of injuries,” Dungy said. “Cory was hurt and Idrees got hurt and David Gibson came in and played. Continuity is important and hopefully, we’ll get that, but all of those guys will play better.”
!
Tony Dungy likes doing things a little different on draft day.
He doesn't pay much attention when college prospects are criticized for their size or speed. He instead reviews the videos, checks the stats and writes his own scouting reports.
Dungy, the Colts' second-year coach, has always thrown out the NFL's book when it comes to the draft - and he's not about to change his philosophy Saturday when Indianapolis picks 24th in the first round.
"I always look at it like who do I like?" he said. "The rest of the league might not look at them the same way I do."
There's good reason for Dungy to stay with his game plan.
His drafts in Tampa Bay turned the Bucs from perennial losers into Super Bowl contenders. And when most analysts thought the Colts gambled on defensive end Dwight Freeney at No. 11 last year, Indianapolis reaped the rewards. Freeney finished with 13 sacks, the second most by a rookie in league history.
Dungy's secret is simple: He looks at the full resume, not just workout numbers.
"I'm big on production and productivity," he said. "There are so many stories that this guy is not fast or this guy is not as big as we thought. But when Marcus Allen ran for 2,500 yards, I don't know how you can ignore that."
The Colts know they need to add speed this year and not just on defense.
After using seven of eight picks last year on defenders, the Colts improved dramatically. Dungy won't rule out another lopsided draft, but if it happens, it won't be by design.
The Colts would like to add a bigtime cornerback, a hard-hitting safety or a promising linebacker to fill the void left by Mike Peterson's departure in free agency.
They also need depth on the offensive line, a second tight end to alleviate some pressure on Marcus Pollard, and perhaps even another wide receiver to spread the field.
There are plenty of intriguing possibilities.
The two linebackers most expect to go in the first round are Georgia's Boss Bailey and Maryland's E.J. Henderson. Oregon State's Nick Barnett has been rising quickly, too.
The top two cornerbacks, Terence Newman of Kansas State and Marcus Trufant of Washington State, are projected to go in the top 10 and there is no consensus on who is the next best cornerback. The Colts likely would have choose between Illinois' Eugene Wilson, Texas A&M's Sammy Davis, Tennessee's Julian Battle or Oklahoma's Andre Woolfolk.
If the Colts don't believe any of them would make a significant impact this year, they may look at safeties Mike Doss and Troy Polamalu. Both fit Dungy's model. Having played in a winning program, Doss with Ohio State's national championship team and Polamalu with Southern Cal, they work hard and hit even harder.
And, oh yes, both are fast.
That does not mean the Colts will follow the league's expectations. If tight ends Jason Witten and Dallas Clark are available, the Colts might be tempted to add another offensive player when everyone figures they'll focus on defense.
But it will be team president Bill Polian, not Dungy, who will make the calls during the two-day draft. Polian, like Dungy, prefers to ignore conventional wisdom.
He chose Edgerrin James instead of Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams in 2000. Two years ago, when everyone predicted the Colts would take a defensive player, Polian opted for wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
Last year, Polian made Freeney the top pick despite criticism he wasn't big enough to be a three-down player.
So the only certainty Saturday is the Colts will select someone they believe fits their profile, regardless of what the book says.
"Working for coach (Chuck) Noll, we had a lot of short offensive linemen and undersized defensive linemen," Dungy said. "What I learned from him was that good players play well and you need good players to win."
!
He doesn't pay much attention when college prospects are criticized for their size or speed. He instead reviews the videos, checks the stats and writes his own scouting reports.
Dungy, the Colts' second-year coach, has always thrown out the NFL's book when it comes to the draft - and he's not about to change his philosophy Saturday when Indianapolis picks 24th in the first round.
"I always look at it like who do I like?" he said. "The rest of the league might not look at them the same way I do."
There's good reason for Dungy to stay with his game plan.
His drafts in Tampa Bay turned the Bucs from perennial losers into Super Bowl contenders. And when most analysts thought the Colts gambled on defensive end Dwight Freeney at No. 11 last year, Indianapolis reaped the rewards. Freeney finished with 13 sacks, the second most by a rookie in league history.
Dungy's secret is simple: He looks at the full resume, not just workout numbers.
"I'm big on production and productivity," he said. "There are so many stories that this guy is not fast or this guy is not as big as we thought. But when Marcus Allen ran for 2,500 yards, I don't know how you can ignore that."
The Colts know they need to add speed this year and not just on defense.
After using seven of eight picks last year on defenders, the Colts improved dramatically. Dungy won't rule out another lopsided draft, but if it happens, it won't be by design.
The Colts would like to add a bigtime cornerback, a hard-hitting safety or a promising linebacker to fill the void left by Mike Peterson's departure in free agency.
They also need depth on the offensive line, a second tight end to alleviate some pressure on Marcus Pollard, and perhaps even another wide receiver to spread the field.
There are plenty of intriguing possibilities.
The two linebackers most expect to go in the first round are Georgia's Boss Bailey and Maryland's E.J. Henderson. Oregon State's Nick Barnett has been rising quickly, too.
The top two cornerbacks, Terence Newman of Kansas State and Marcus Trufant of Washington State, are projected to go in the top 10 and there is no consensus on who is the next best cornerback. The Colts likely would have choose between Illinois' Eugene Wilson, Texas A&M's Sammy Davis, Tennessee's Julian Battle or Oklahoma's Andre Woolfolk.
If the Colts don't believe any of them would make a significant impact this year, they may look at safeties Mike Doss and Troy Polamalu. Both fit Dungy's model. Having played in a winning program, Doss with Ohio State's national championship team and Polamalu with Southern Cal, they work hard and hit even harder.
And, oh yes, both are fast.
That does not mean the Colts will follow the league's expectations. If tight ends Jason Witten and Dallas Clark are available, the Colts might be tempted to add another offensive player when everyone figures they'll focus on defense.
But it will be team president Bill Polian, not Dungy, who will make the calls during the two-day draft. Polian, like Dungy, prefers to ignore conventional wisdom.
He chose Edgerrin James instead of Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams in 2000. Two years ago, when everyone predicted the Colts would take a defensive player, Polian opted for wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
Last year, Polian made Freeney the top pick despite criticism he wasn't big enough to be a three-down player.
So the only certainty Saturday is the Colts will select someone they believe fits their profile, regardless of what the book says.
"Working for coach (Chuck) Noll, we had a lot of short offensive linemen and undersized defensive linemen," Dungy said. "What I learned from him was that good players play well and you need good players to win."
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INDIANAPOLIS – A day after the 2003 NFL Draft, the Colts announced they have signed another college free agents.
Center Rodney Michael of Fresno State has signed with the Colts, the team announced Monday.
Michael started 48 of 49 games for Fresno State during a four-year career, starting 13 games as a senior and 14 as a junior.
The Colts drafted eight players this past weekend and announced the signing of 20 free agents Sunday.
Center Rodney Michael of Fresno State has signed with the Colts, the team announced Monday.
Michael started 48 of 49 games for Fresno State during a four-year career, starting 13 games as a senior and 14 as a junior.
The Colts drafted eight players this past weekend and announced the signing of 20 free agents Sunday.
Diem Moves to Tackle, Scioli Back to End
INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts opened their 2003 May mini-camp Friday afternoon, making several significant changes along the lines.
Ryan Diem, a 2001 fourth-round draft choice who started last season at right guard, has moved to right tackle, and Brad Scioli – who started much of last season at defensive tackle – has moved back to his previous position of right end.
Steve Sciullo, a rookie fourth-round draft choice from Marshall University, worked with the first team at offensive right guard.
The moves could mean a change in role for two veterans.
Adam Meadows, a 1996 second-round draft choice and a starter at right offensive tackle since 1997, missed practice Friday with a foot injury, but Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said moving Diem to right tackle was planned before Meadows’ injury.
“We are going to look at him at right tackle,” Dungy said of Diem. “With Adam being out for this weekend, it made it a little easier to do, but we’ve got some young guards and it gives them a chance to look at them inside.”
The Colts also drafted offensive tackle/guard Makeo Freitas from Arizona and signed center Joe Iorio from Penn State and guard Rex Richards from Texas Tech as rookie free agents just after the draft.
“We’ve got some guys we drafted and some guys we signed as free agents who we think are going to be pretty good,” Dungy said. “So, it is a move we wanted to make. We’ll see how it works out.”
Asked what factored in the move, Dungy said, “Probably a number of different things. It’s easier to find guards, No. 1, and we think we’ve found some guards who can play. (Offensive line coach) Howard (Mudd) probably thought that tackle’s probably Ryan’s natural position, anyway. We needed a third tackle and we felt that our combination of Ryan, Adam and Tarik (Glenn) is a better way to get three winning tackles than going out and getting a tackle in the draft.”
Dungy said it was too early to know if Diem’s move to tackle will be permanent.
“The biggest thing is how our other guards come along,” he said. “We’ll try to get the best group out there we can. We’d like to leave (Diem) out as a full-time tackle and have our guards come along, but if they don’t, we’re certainly going to play the best people.
“That’s going to be determined in the next couple of months.”
Scioli’s move to right defensive end moves veteran end Chad Bratzke – the team’s sacks leader in 1999, 2000 and 2001 – to a more diverse role along the defensive line, Dungy said following the team’s workout Friday afternoon.
Also Friday, starting defensive tackle Larry Tripplett missed practice because he is getting married, but Dungy said Friday’s line of Montae Reagor and Josh Williams at tackle and Scioli and Freeney at end is a good indication of how the Colts may line up at times next season.
“Montae’s going to play a lot of under tackle and Josh is going to have to switch back and forth,” Dungy said. “We don’t have a lot of guys at nose. That’s why Josh and second-year veteran) Brandon (Hicks) are working there. Hopefully, someone will come to the front.”
Dungy said Bratzke’s role may be more of a pass-rushing specialist, with the idea to get him into positive matchups depending on the opponent.
“What we kind of envision is playing some right end to give Dwight a rest, then looking where his best spot to rush against a particular opponent might be,” Dungy said. “It might be right tackle. It might be left end. We’d like to use him as a pass-rush specialist in the nickel.
“It’s a specialized role, similar to what Trace Amstrong does for the Raiders.”
INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts opened their 2003 May mini-camp Friday afternoon, making several significant changes along the lines.
Ryan Diem, a 2001 fourth-round draft choice who started last season at right guard, has moved to right tackle, and Brad Scioli – who started much of last season at defensive tackle – has moved back to his previous position of right end.
Steve Sciullo, a rookie fourth-round draft choice from Marshall University, worked with the first team at offensive right guard.
The moves could mean a change in role for two veterans.
Adam Meadows, a 1996 second-round draft choice and a starter at right offensive tackle since 1997, missed practice Friday with a foot injury, but Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said moving Diem to right tackle was planned before Meadows’ injury.
“We are going to look at him at right tackle,” Dungy said of Diem. “With Adam being out for this weekend, it made it a little easier to do, but we’ve got some young guards and it gives them a chance to look at them inside.”
The Colts also drafted offensive tackle/guard Makeo Freitas from Arizona and signed center Joe Iorio from Penn State and guard Rex Richards from Texas Tech as rookie free agents just after the draft.
“We’ve got some guys we drafted and some guys we signed as free agents who we think are going to be pretty good,” Dungy said. “So, it is a move we wanted to make. We’ll see how it works out.”
Asked what factored in the move, Dungy said, “Probably a number of different things. It’s easier to find guards, No. 1, and we think we’ve found some guards who can play. (Offensive line coach) Howard (Mudd) probably thought that tackle’s probably Ryan’s natural position, anyway. We needed a third tackle and we felt that our combination of Ryan, Adam and Tarik (Glenn) is a better way to get three winning tackles than going out and getting a tackle in the draft.”
Dungy said it was too early to know if Diem’s move to tackle will be permanent.
“The biggest thing is how our other guards come along,” he said. “We’ll try to get the best group out there we can. We’d like to leave (Diem) out as a full-time tackle and have our guards come along, but if they don’t, we’re certainly going to play the best people.
“That’s going to be determined in the next couple of months.”
Scioli’s move to right defensive end moves veteran end Chad Bratzke – the team’s sacks leader in 1999, 2000 and 2001 – to a more diverse role along the defensive line, Dungy said following the team’s workout Friday afternoon.
Also Friday, starting defensive tackle Larry Tripplett missed practice because he is getting married, but Dungy said Friday’s line of Montae Reagor and Josh Williams at tackle and Scioli and Freeney at end is a good indication of how the Colts may line up at times next season.
“Montae’s going to play a lot of under tackle and Josh is going to have to switch back and forth,” Dungy said. “We don’t have a lot of guys at nose. That’s why Josh and second-year veteran) Brandon (Hicks) are working there. Hopefully, someone will come to the front.”
Dungy said Bratzke’s role may be more of a pass-rushing specialist, with the idea to get him into positive matchups depending on the opponent.
“What we kind of envision is playing some right end to give Dwight a rest, then looking where his best spot to rush against a particular opponent might be,” Dungy said. “It might be right tackle. It might be left end. We’d like to use him as a pass-rush specialist in the nickel.
“It’s a specialized role, similar to what Trace Amstrong does for the Raiders.”
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. . -- Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James are the "but" of one criticism that they hope to change this season. Unfortunately, they can't prove anything until January.
"I have the 'but' on the end of the description," Manning said. "But, until we win a championship, it's going to be that way. Tony Dungy and I both are kind of in the same boat on that. We've done a lot of good things, but we still haven't accomplished the final goal."
Manning has passed for 20,618 yards, been to three Pro Bowls and has won 42 of 80 starts -- but. Harrison is coming off a record 143 catch season and four seasons in which he has 100 or more catches -- but. James bounced back from left knee reconstruction, two high ankle sprains, rib and hamstring injuries and still rushed for 989 yards -- but. And Dungy is the winningest coach in Bucs history and got Indianapolis to the playoffs in his first season -- but.
Manning believes this could be the Colts championship season with good reason. For him, this is Year 6. The sixth season often is the time the stars align for the great quarterbacks.
Why is Year 6 important? Usually the worst of the worst get the chance to take a quarterback first in the draft. No rookie quarterback -- not even Manning -- can compensate for the talent void when a team hits rock bottom. The process is slow even though Manning has always been ahead of the curve. By his second season, Manning established the Colts as an automatic Top 4 passing team. It wasn't until Dungy arrived last season that Manning was supported by a defense ranked in the top 10 and able to hold opponents under 20 points.
Manning's proven he's usually good for at least 25 points a game. You do the math.
"Offensively, we know how to score points," Manning said. "When you've got playmakers like Marvin, Edgerrin, Marcus Pollard, Dallas Clark, Brandon Stokley and others, we feel like we are going to put the ball in the end zone. But that's only half the battle. You've got to protect the football, and we need to do that better. Defensively, we are much improved. Last year was a big turnaround on defense.
Those guys are going to feel more comfortable. On offense, we've got to keep the defense out of bad situations. If we do that, we are going to win a lot of football games."
Still, one statistic in that equation is vital. James must get close to 90 to 100 yards a game rushing. James was the final piece of the Colts offensive puzzle when he arrived in 1999. He rushed for 1,553 yards and the Colts went from 3-13 to 13-3. In 2000, James had 1,709 yards and the Colts went 10-6 and lost to the Dolphins in overtime in the playoffs. In 2001, he blew out his knee. The Colts went 6-10.
James arrived in camp on Sunday wearing an NBA sweatband around his head that said, "Killing 'em." The phrase goes back to his favorite rapper, Trick Daddy, and "Killing 'em" means handling your business. James feels and looks great. A year ago at camp, he showed he had the first three moves to avoid tackles on inside runs, but he didn't have the explosion to turn them into long runs.
After an offseason of lifting and playing basketball, James, who reported weighing a lean 212, is ready to resume his charge of challenging for the rushing title, but more importantly end the Colts three-game losing streak in the playoffs.
"Hopefully, I'm killing 'em out of the box," James said. "Last year, I was just searching. When I had the ankle injuries -- high sprains on both ankles -- everything went downhill. Look at Marshall Faulk, one of my favorite players. He had one and couldn't play for weeks. It shows you what it does to your game. I had those two and I was coming off knee surgery."
To survive during the season, James had to take medicine, something he detests. Worse, he couldn't practice and get his timing during the week. By the fourth quarters of games when James usually is "killing 'em," he needed rest on the sidelines because he was in so much pain. Leading against Jacksonville in the season finale, James, who was within 11 yards of a 1,000-yard season pulled himself out to rest himself for the playoff game against the Jets.
"The last years weren't even important to me," James said. "If it's a bad year for me, I'll make it a bad year all around."
Bad turned to worse when the Jets blew out the Colts, 41-0.
"Last year, it was embarrassing," tight end Marcus Pollard said. "One of my high school teammates, Josh Evans of the Jets, reminded me all summer how he put a whipping on us. We got spanked, 41-0. I did a lot of yard work and extra work this offseason to get prepared. You know how Rocky did it. He went to the mountains and was eating raw eggs every morning. You got to get back to the roots."
As a symbol of his renewed vigor, Pollard wore a John Deere cap. Bring your lunch box, the Colts are back to work.
In many ways, the Colts went back to the roots of their offense. A year ago, they cut blocking tight end Ken Dilger, eliminating a lot of the productive two tight end offensive sets that worked so well for the Colts. This year they drafted talented route-runner Clark in the first round to pair with Pollard. More weapons will evolve beyond James, Harrison and Reggie Wayne, Pollard and Clark as the season progresses.
They signed wide receiver Stokley from Baltimore, who is 75 percent back from a Lis Franc foot surgery. Backup halfback Dominic Rhodes, an 1,104 runner in 2001, is at about 85 percent following knee reconstruction. Both players are practicing and are expected to be valuable role players in this offense.
"Statistically, when we run the ball, some of the best times is when we are in the two tight end system," Manning said. "When we had Pollard and Dilger, it balances out a defense. We've been most effective with our running plays. We can use more wide stretch plays and more inside zone runs. We are hoping to get back to that."
The Colts' approach to the start of camp is all business like. Harrison spends extra time working against cornerbacks and safeties to perfect his routes. James glides through the run defense, occasionally flashing his quick moves but running in a powerful stride that gains yards. The quickness along the defensive line has more definition than a year ago. Now, the young Colts defensive linemen know their roles. They must shoot gaps and disrupt plays. They must get sacks and force turnovers. Defensive end Dwight Freeney emerged as a star in the second half of last season. This year he'll have 16 starts to put up even bigger numbers.
"I'm not putting any limits on what I can do," Freeney said. "I could get 14 sacks, 13 or 12. I will try to get what I can. I'm more comfortable with what I'm doing. Now, I can go out and play with confidence."
There is an air of confidence around the Colts. The playoff loss brought a focus and anger into the offseason workouts. It shows on the field. For Manning, this is Year 6. It's important.
"I feel I have established myself, but obviously, our team goals haven't been achieved yet," Manning said. "Year 6 provides that opportunity. Last year ended in disappointing fashion. We were doing something right because we were one of the 12 teams to make the playoffs, so I know we are not a bad team all of a sudden just become we got beat in the playoffs."
Billboards around Colts training camp in the Wabash Valley in Terre Haute call this summer's effort, "The Rally in the Valley." For the playoff-win starved Colts, 2003 is time to win.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp03/columns/clayton_john/1586781.html
"I have the 'but' on the end of the description," Manning said. "But, until we win a championship, it's going to be that way. Tony Dungy and I both are kind of in the same boat on that. We've done a lot of good things, but we still haven't accomplished the final goal."
Manning has passed for 20,618 yards, been to three Pro Bowls and has won 42 of 80 starts -- but. Harrison is coming off a record 143 catch season and four seasons in which he has 100 or more catches -- but. James bounced back from left knee reconstruction, two high ankle sprains, rib and hamstring injuries and still rushed for 989 yards -- but. And Dungy is the winningest coach in Bucs history and got Indianapolis to the playoffs in his first season -- but.
Manning believes this could be the Colts championship season with good reason. For him, this is Year 6. The sixth season often is the time the stars align for the great quarterbacks.
Why is Year 6 important? Usually the worst of the worst get the chance to take a quarterback first in the draft. No rookie quarterback -- not even Manning -- can compensate for the talent void when a team hits rock bottom. The process is slow even though Manning has always been ahead of the curve. By his second season, Manning established the Colts as an automatic Top 4 passing team. It wasn't until Dungy arrived last season that Manning was supported by a defense ranked in the top 10 and able to hold opponents under 20 points.
Manning's proven he's usually good for at least 25 points a game. You do the math.
"Offensively, we know how to score points," Manning said. "When you've got playmakers like Marvin, Edgerrin, Marcus Pollard, Dallas Clark, Brandon Stokley and others, we feel like we are going to put the ball in the end zone. But that's only half the battle. You've got to protect the football, and we need to do that better. Defensively, we are much improved. Last year was a big turnaround on defense.
Those guys are going to feel more comfortable. On offense, we've got to keep the defense out of bad situations. If we do that, we are going to win a lot of football games."
Still, one statistic in that equation is vital. James must get close to 90 to 100 yards a game rushing. James was the final piece of the Colts offensive puzzle when he arrived in 1999. He rushed for 1,553 yards and the Colts went from 3-13 to 13-3. In 2000, James had 1,709 yards and the Colts went 10-6 and lost to the Dolphins in overtime in the playoffs. In 2001, he blew out his knee. The Colts went 6-10.
James arrived in camp on Sunday wearing an NBA sweatband around his head that said, "Killing 'em." The phrase goes back to his favorite rapper, Trick Daddy, and "Killing 'em" means handling your business. James feels and looks great. A year ago at camp, he showed he had the first three moves to avoid tackles on inside runs, but he didn't have the explosion to turn them into long runs.
After an offseason of lifting and playing basketball, James, who reported weighing a lean 212, is ready to resume his charge of challenging for the rushing title, but more importantly end the Colts three-game losing streak in the playoffs.
"Hopefully, I'm killing 'em out of the box," James said. "Last year, I was just searching. When I had the ankle injuries -- high sprains on both ankles -- everything went downhill. Look at Marshall Faulk, one of my favorite players. He had one and couldn't play for weeks. It shows you what it does to your game. I had those two and I was coming off knee surgery."
To survive during the season, James had to take medicine, something he detests. Worse, he couldn't practice and get his timing during the week. By the fourth quarters of games when James usually is "killing 'em," he needed rest on the sidelines because he was in so much pain. Leading against Jacksonville in the season finale, James, who was within 11 yards of a 1,000-yard season pulled himself out to rest himself for the playoff game against the Jets.
"The last years weren't even important to me," James said. "If it's a bad year for me, I'll make it a bad year all around."
Bad turned to worse when the Jets blew out the Colts, 41-0.
"Last year, it was embarrassing," tight end Marcus Pollard said. "One of my high school teammates, Josh Evans of the Jets, reminded me all summer how he put a whipping on us. We got spanked, 41-0. I did a lot of yard work and extra work this offseason to get prepared. You know how Rocky did it. He went to the mountains and was eating raw eggs every morning. You got to get back to the roots."
As a symbol of his renewed vigor, Pollard wore a John Deere cap. Bring your lunch box, the Colts are back to work.
In many ways, the Colts went back to the roots of their offense. A year ago, they cut blocking tight end Ken Dilger, eliminating a lot of the productive two tight end offensive sets that worked so well for the Colts. This year they drafted talented route-runner Clark in the first round to pair with Pollard. More weapons will evolve beyond James, Harrison and Reggie Wayne, Pollard and Clark as the season progresses.
They signed wide receiver Stokley from Baltimore, who is 75 percent back from a Lis Franc foot surgery. Backup halfback Dominic Rhodes, an 1,104 runner in 2001, is at about 85 percent following knee reconstruction. Both players are practicing and are expected to be valuable role players in this offense.
"Statistically, when we run the ball, some of the best times is when we are in the two tight end system," Manning said. "When we had Pollard and Dilger, it balances out a defense. We've been most effective with our running plays. We can use more wide stretch plays and more inside zone runs. We are hoping to get back to that."
The Colts' approach to the start of camp is all business like. Harrison spends extra time working against cornerbacks and safeties to perfect his routes. James glides through the run defense, occasionally flashing his quick moves but running in a powerful stride that gains yards. The quickness along the defensive line has more definition than a year ago. Now, the young Colts defensive linemen know their roles. They must shoot gaps and disrupt plays. They must get sacks and force turnovers. Defensive end Dwight Freeney emerged as a star in the second half of last season. This year he'll have 16 starts to put up even bigger numbers.
"I'm not putting any limits on what I can do," Freeney said. "I could get 14 sacks, 13 or 12. I will try to get what I can. I'm more comfortable with what I'm doing. Now, I can go out and play with confidence."
There is an air of confidence around the Colts. The playoff loss brought a focus and anger into the offseason workouts. It shows on the field. For Manning, this is Year 6. It's important.
"I feel I have established myself, but obviously, our team goals haven't been achieved yet," Manning said. "Year 6 provides that opportunity. Last year ended in disappointing fashion. We were doing something right because we were one of the 12 teams to make the playoffs, so I know we are not a bad team all of a sudden just become we got beat in the playoffs."
Billboards around Colts training camp in the Wabash Valley in Terre Haute call this summer's effort, "The Rally in the Valley." For the playoff-win starved Colts, 2003 is time to win.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp03/columns/clayton_john/1586781.html
Coach's goal for Colts is more interceptions, aggressive play
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- It's a numbers thing with Tony Dungy, and the target is 40.
If the Indianapolis Colts' defense is to evolve into the weekly force he expects, it must increase its interception total.
"We talk about 32, two a game as a minimum," Dungy said after a recent training-camp practice at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. "Realistically, 40 is what you're looking for."
By NFL standards, Dungy's goal seems lofty. Tampa Bay, which led the league in interceptions last year, had 31. Only six other teams had 20 or more.
The Colts' first interception of the season will be their 40th -- since the 2000 season.
As for attaining Dungy's "minimum" of two per game, the last time the Colts achieved that was in 1977 (30 in a 14-game season). They haven't snatched more than 21 interceptions since their relocation from Baltimore in 1984.
The Colts managed just 10 interceptions in 2002, their first season operating in the Cover-2 scheme installed by Dungy and directed by coordinator Ron Meeks. That was actually a step back from the previous two seasons -- 15 in 2001 and 14 in 2000.
A year's experience in the system should result in more confident and effective play by the defensive backs, who will further benefit if the pass rush continues to improve.
Now, Dungy insisted, is the time for the defense to step up.
"We've got to," he said. "There's no way we're going to be efficient with eight or nine interceptions in the course of the year.
"Guys really have to increase their standards."
It was evident changes were looming the first day the Colts stepped on the field for camp. When the No. 1 defense lined up, David Macklin, the returning starter at right cornerback, had been replaced by Nick Harper.
Dungy downplayed the pecking order at such an early point of the preseason.
"We've got about six guys we think can really play," he said of his corners.
Dungy didn't elaborate, but the list likely consists of Walt Harris, the returning left-side starter, Harper, Macklin, Joseph Jefferson, Cliff Crosby and Donald Strickland, the team's third-round draft pick who has yet to practice because of a groin injury.
The Harper-Macklin competition has drawn the most interest.
Macklin, a third-round draft pick in 2000, has started 31 games the past two seasons. On the plus side, he's registered four interceptions, defended 24 passes and forced two fumbles in a starter's role. But Macklin has been at odds with consistency, too often giving up big plays and too often drawing damaging penalties.
"Everything happens for a reason," he said. "I think the last two seasons have made me ready for this year."
Harper lacks Macklin's game experience -- he's played in 29 games with just three starts the past two years -- but might bring a more physical presence and better play-making potential to the position. He has two interceptions and 18 defended passes on his résumé.
Meeks said the team had to look at someone other than Macklin on the right side, but stressed preseason competition will determine which player winds up there.
Whatever the outcome, Harper and Macklin should see plenty of playing time. In Meeks' nickel package, Macklin has worked at right corner with Harper moving inside to cover the slot receiver.
In the base defense, though, the right corner spot appears to be Harper's to lose.
"David is fighting to stay in the hunt at that position," Meeks said. "Nick has the ability to make plays and be a more physical player.
"We're looking for more production, not only in the passing game but in the run game. We're looking for someone to be consistently in position to where they can make plays . . . and not be a hindrance in either the running game or the passing game."
Harper joined the Colts as a free agent prior to the 2001 season after a productive season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was an 18-game starter in 2000, producing four interceptions and 48 tackles.
Given the opportunity to prove he's starter material with the Colts, Harper is eager to capitalize.
"Once you get that chance to go out there and be a starter, you have to have high expectations of yourself to make plays, and I do," he said. "But I don't look at it as if it's mine. I have to go out and compete in order to keep it.
"Every day I come out and compete. Nothing is set in stone."
http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/4/063542-7544-036.html
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- It's a numbers thing with Tony Dungy, and the target is 40.
If the Indianapolis Colts' defense is to evolve into the weekly force he expects, it must increase its interception total.
"We talk about 32, two a game as a minimum," Dungy said after a recent training-camp practice at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. "Realistically, 40 is what you're looking for."
By NFL standards, Dungy's goal seems lofty. Tampa Bay, which led the league in interceptions last year, had 31. Only six other teams had 20 or more.
The Colts' first interception of the season will be their 40th -- since the 2000 season.
As for attaining Dungy's "minimum" of two per game, the last time the Colts achieved that was in 1977 (30 in a 14-game season). They haven't snatched more than 21 interceptions since their relocation from Baltimore in 1984.
The Colts managed just 10 interceptions in 2002, their first season operating in the Cover-2 scheme installed by Dungy and directed by coordinator Ron Meeks. That was actually a step back from the previous two seasons -- 15 in 2001 and 14 in 2000.
A year's experience in the system should result in more confident and effective play by the defensive backs, who will further benefit if the pass rush continues to improve.
Now, Dungy insisted, is the time for the defense to step up.
"We've got to," he said. "There's no way we're going to be efficient with eight or nine interceptions in the course of the year.
"Guys really have to increase their standards."
It was evident changes were looming the first day the Colts stepped on the field for camp. When the No. 1 defense lined up, David Macklin, the returning starter at right cornerback, had been replaced by Nick Harper.
Dungy downplayed the pecking order at such an early point of the preseason.
"We've got about six guys we think can really play," he said of his corners.
Dungy didn't elaborate, but the list likely consists of Walt Harris, the returning left-side starter, Harper, Macklin, Joseph Jefferson, Cliff Crosby and Donald Strickland, the team's third-round draft pick who has yet to practice because of a groin injury.
The Harper-Macklin competition has drawn the most interest.
Macklin, a third-round draft pick in 2000, has started 31 games the past two seasons. On the plus side, he's registered four interceptions, defended 24 passes and forced two fumbles in a starter's role. But Macklin has been at odds with consistency, too often giving up big plays and too often drawing damaging penalties.
"Everything happens for a reason," he said. "I think the last two seasons have made me ready for this year."
Harper lacks Macklin's game experience -- he's played in 29 games with just three starts the past two years -- but might bring a more physical presence and better play-making potential to the position. He has two interceptions and 18 defended passes on his résumé.
Meeks said the team had to look at someone other than Macklin on the right side, but stressed preseason competition will determine which player winds up there.
Whatever the outcome, Harper and Macklin should see plenty of playing time. In Meeks' nickel package, Macklin has worked at right corner with Harper moving inside to cover the slot receiver.
In the base defense, though, the right corner spot appears to be Harper's to lose.
"David is fighting to stay in the hunt at that position," Meeks said. "Nick has the ability to make plays and be a more physical player.
"We're looking for more production, not only in the passing game but in the run game. We're looking for someone to be consistently in position to where they can make plays . . . and not be a hindrance in either the running game or the passing game."
Harper joined the Colts as a free agent prior to the 2001 season after a productive season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was an 18-game starter in 2000, producing four interceptions and 48 tackles.
Given the opportunity to prove he's starter material with the Colts, Harper is eager to capitalize.
"Once you get that chance to go out there and be a starter, you have to have high expectations of yourself to make plays, and I do," he said. "But I don't look at it as if it's mine. I have to go out and compete in order to keep it.
"Every day I come out and compete. Nothing is set in stone."
http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/4/063542-7544-036.html
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. -- The Colts are in the market for a healthy running back in the aftermath of Saturday night's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears.
Coach Tony Dungy said after this morning's light workout at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology the team's personnel department was searching for a suitable prospect.
"I think we will have to," he said.
While losing to the Bears 20-18, the Colts also lost the services of running backs Ricky Williams and James Mungro for at least the next two weeks. Williams suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee while Mungro suffered an injury to his ribs.
Further diminishing the depth at running back is the on-going rehabilitation of Dominic Rhodes. His surgically-repaired right knee still isn't sufficiently healed to allow him to practice.
With Rhodes, Williams and Mungro out, the Colts' only healthy running backs are Edgerrin James and Brian Allen.
The team won't overwork James during preseason games and can't risk giving Allen, now the backup, too much exposure.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Defensively I was a little disappointed we let them control the ball for long drives. We had a lot of long-yardage situations that we didn't get off the field on. The last drive, you're obviously disappointed about that. We didn't handle the last four minutes that well." -- coach Tony Dungy after the preseason loss to the Bears.
INJURY UPDATE: Linebacker Jim Nelson and rookie defensive end Robert Mathis might miss the remainder of the preseason. Nelson suffered a cracked bone in his left hand against the Bears while Mathis suffered torn cartilage in his right knee.
Yet to return to practice are rookie cornerbacks Donald Strickland (groin) and Darrell Rideaux (hamstring).
http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/1/064569-6401-094.html
Coach Tony Dungy said after this morning's light workout at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology the team's personnel department was searching for a suitable prospect.
"I think we will have to," he said.
While losing to the Bears 20-18, the Colts also lost the services of running backs Ricky Williams and James Mungro for at least the next two weeks. Williams suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee while Mungro suffered an injury to his ribs.
Further diminishing the depth at running back is the on-going rehabilitation of Dominic Rhodes. His surgically-repaired right knee still isn't sufficiently healed to allow him to practice.
With Rhodes, Williams and Mungro out, the Colts' only healthy running backs are Edgerrin James and Brian Allen.
The team won't overwork James during preseason games and can't risk giving Allen, now the backup, too much exposure.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Defensively I was a little disappointed we let them control the ball for long drives. We had a lot of long-yardage situations that we didn't get off the field on. The last drive, you're obviously disappointed about that. We didn't handle the last four minutes that well." -- coach Tony Dungy after the preseason loss to the Bears.
INJURY UPDATE: Linebacker Jim Nelson and rookie defensive end Robert Mathis might miss the remainder of the preseason. Nelson suffered a cracked bone in his left hand against the Bears while Mathis suffered torn cartilage in his right knee.
Yet to return to practice are rookie cornerbacks Donald Strickland (groin) and Darrell Rideaux (hamstring).
http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/1/064569-6401-094.html
