‘Football Starts Today’ As Colts Put Pads On For First Practice

WESTFIELD, Ind. – After ramping up for six days, the Colts on Tuesday put the pads on for the first time in this year’s training camp.

“It’s always different, the intensity level, how things move around you, when there’s actual contact,” quarterback Matt Ryan said. “Football starts today.”

Head coach Frank Reich thought Tuesday’s practice – which focused primarily on installing red zone plays – was “clean” and “competitive.” A few highlights:

• Linebacker Bobby Okereke had an active day with a pass break-up in seven-on-seven, and then another in the end zone when he swatted a ball out of tight end Mo Alie-Cox’s hands during 11-on-11.
• Cornerback Brandon Facyson broke up a pass in tight coverage in an early one-on-one drill.
• In 11-on-11, linebacker Zaire Franklin blew up a run play, while cornerback Kenny Moore II stopped a quick pass to running back Jonathan Taylor for what looked like little or no gain.
• German defensive back Marcel Dabo picked off a pass during a seven-on-seven red zone period, while undrafted free agent linebacker Sterling Weatherford had a pass break-up in the end zone during 11-on-11.
• Some offensive highlights: Following a pump fake, Ryan hit wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. for a deep completion in seven-on-seven, while running back Nyheim Hines’ speed, acceleration and agility showed up on run and pass plays during red zone drills.
• Reich said the defense is usually ahead of the offense during the first padded practice, but commended the Colts’ defense for its execution on Tuesday. Also notable is the Colts were installing red zone plays, which usually are schemed to beat a specific opposing defense in a given week. The Colts, then, aren’t scheming plays they install to beat their own defense.
• Tuesday’s practice ended with a best-of-three two-point conversion period, which the Colts’ defense won – meaning the offense had to run.