Tom James
Tribune-Star Correspondent
INDIANAPOLIS —
When it comes to preseason games, the Indianapolis Colts have been consistent in recent years.
And we’re not talking about the 9-22 record since 2004, either. Team president Bill Polian, former coach Tony Dungy and current coach Jim Caldwell are all in agreement. They view the preseason as an evaluation period for the team’s first-year players and those veterans who are usually relegated to backup roles once the regular season commences.
“I think you have to evaluate everything. I just think that’s the way it is in our business. You can never get comfortable,” coach Jim Caldwell said earlier this week.
“You can never get complacent, always trying to unearth something new and different, always trying to find a way to get an edge. You don’t want to place any limitations on anyone. You want to see the competition and let it unfold. That’s what makes it fun.”
Indianapolis’ first-team offensive and defensive units should see their most work tonight at Green Bay (8 p.m., ESPN). But the rookies and second-tier players will have plenty of chances to show what they can do. The first round of NFL-mandated roster cuts will be Sunday, so what happens this evening could determine whether somebody stays on the team.
“[The upcoming roster cuts is something] we don’t focus on at this point in time because we allow the performances [in the game] to dictate what happens when we do have to reduce the squad. That will happen in the ballgames,” Caldwell said.
“The guys will be able to solidify a position and move themselves into a little bit better position to make the team. It’s tough. Those decisions are tough. What we do is evaluate the film, watch the film, determine what we’ve seen in practice and make a decision from there.”
The Colts coaching staff have kept things — scheme-and-play-wise — pretty close to the vest in the first two preseason games, losses to San Francisco and Buffalo. Tonight, though, more (but not all) of the Colts’ regular offensive and defensive systems should be on display.
“You hold back, I think, a significant amount because of the fact that if there is something you’re doing that is a little bit different than what you’ve done before, you don’t necessarily want to give any teams a little head start in preparation,” Caldwell explained. “There are some things that you may not divulge. But for the most part it is a fairly significant package.
“We do also want to keep things relatively simple because we like to see what guys can do and if they are out there thinking a little bit too much. I think that sort of retards what we consider to be a gift of ours and that is our speed and able to run to the ball and execute effectively without having to necessarily think about what is going on. That’s kind of how we’ll approach it, so it’s a little bit of both.”
• Playing on the non-frozen tundra — Tonight’s game at Lambeau Field should have a regular-season feel to it.
Both team’s starters will most likely play for most, if not all, of the first half. The Packers and their fans should present an interesting scene for Indianapolis.
“It’s a great benefit. It’s a great atmosphere. They are an outstanding team with speed to burn at their skill positions. A a very talented quarterback [and] a good offensive line that is going to be a great match for us.”
“Conversely, you look at the other side, they have a real stable defense with big guys up front that certainly try to control the line of scrimmage,” Caldwell said.
“They give you enough variety, in terms of their stunts and blitzes, to keep you on your toes, particularly on third down, and they are fine cover people. Schematically it is a great challenge both offensively and defensively, the kicking game, as well. They have good return men. [Wide receiver] Jordy Nelson is a very fine return man. There are a lot of great things they do. They have an outstanding kicker, [Mason] Crosby and an outstanding coaching staff. You couple that with the fact that it is one of the most unique [game day] atmospheres in the National Football League. It’s a great mix.”
Injury list — Among those not expected to play tonight are tight end Dallas Clark (leg), offensive tackle Charlie Johnson (foot), cornerback Marcus McCauley, running back Devin Moore, cornerback Jeraud Powers (foot), center Jeff Saturday (knee) and cornerback Kevin Thomas (knee).
Running back Allen Patrick and cornerback Glen Sharpe, both signed earlier in the week, may be limited in what they can do against the Packers.
“It’s pretty early, but we’ll try to get them as familiar with what we do as quickly as we possibly can,” Caldwell said.
Undrafted rookie Brandon James, seventh-round draft pick Ray Fisher and veteran Sam Giguere will all get an opportunity to return kickoffs and punts. Another undrafted rookie, Javarris James, missed some practice time this week with a left knee injury but could also be in the mix as a kick returner.
