Camping With the Colts, Day 18

The Colts wrapped up camp at Anderson University on Thursday morning with a light walk-through.   The team is now back in it’s Indy facilities and putting the final touches on its preparation for the pre-season home opener tonight against the Washington Redskins.   With training camp in the books, here are some thoughts on what has transpired this month.

• All three of the Colts’ “big” defensive free agent signees (LB Ernie Sims, DT Tommie Harris, and DE Jamaal Anderson) are banged up to some extent.    At this point, it will be a bonus if even one of them can contribute this year.
• O-line coach Pete Metzelaars continues to re-align his charges.   It’s a bit like trying to cover a barn with a cup of paint, but there have been some encouraging signs.  In particular …
• Rookie Anthony Castonzo, the Colts’ first-round pick this spring is, for now, the starter at LT.
• With Joseph Addai healthy, the Colts look like they have three-to-five legitimate ball carriers this season.    Not everyone will make the team, but the competition has been nice to see.
• There are a lot of bodies at DT, but no one really looks like the nose.
• Pat McAfee may be called on this season to try some long field goals, or he may launch his leg into the stands during one of his batting practice sessions.
• Last year’s first-rounder, DE Jerry Hughes, has continued to struggle this summer after an ugly rookie season.
• There have been a few Peyton Manning sightings at camp, but I would be surprised to see him take a snap before the season opener in Houston.
• In the meantime, Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky are making Colts fans long for Jim Sorgi … or Mike Pagel.