The defending AFC champions are arriving at Anderson University for training camp on Sunday. But as our friends (when they aren’t calling me names) at StampedeBlue.com point out, the Colts made only coach Jim Caldwell and quarterback Peyton Manning available to the media.
In past years, every player was available.
As Brad Wells a/k/a Big Blue Shoe points out, this tactic will prompt speculation that the Colts are trying to hide something, such as the condition of safety Bob Sanders or receiver Anthony Gonzalez, or the contentment or lack thereof of receiver Reggie Wayne, or any lingering hostility the offensive linemen may have against team president Bill Polian based on the up-close look they got at the inner workings of the exhaust system of the team bus after the loss to the Saints to cap the 2009 season.
The official explanation for the change?
“It’s just how we’re doing things this year,” Caldwell said.
Fans likely hope that the team’s new approach includes trying to win if/when they’re within two games of a perfect regular season. Or, more importantly, not calling a predictable play during crunch time of the Super Bowl.