The Sports Xchange

ANDERSON, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts are at Anderson University for just two weeks this summer. Camp will conclude on Aug. 15.

Said head coach Chuck Pagano, “We are not here for a long time. We have a lot of work to do. Obviously there are a lot of excitements around this 2015 team and this season, but like I said we have a lot of work to do and we have a short amount of time to get it done.”

Pagano noted that because of the shortened training camp this year, he wants to ramp intensity up a bit.

“We’re trying to evaluate and see where these guys are from a mental standpoint and how much retention there was. We’re trying to see what kind of shape they are in. We ran a conditioning test, all the rookies and all the first-year players had to run it. There were some selected veterans that had to run it. Everybody passed and they ran it tremendously. They look in great shape,” he said.

“We have a good-looking football team right now. Again, we’re trying to become the identity that we talked about all offseason and develop that mindset and build a smart, tough football team. A pressure-proof football team. We’ve got to do a great job of competing, playing fast and tempo. But at the same time, taking care of one another and make sure that we come out of this thing as healthy as possible day-in and day-out.”

–The Colts’ coach discussed the reasoning behind the decision to part ways last week with veteran tackle Gosder Cherilus.

“You know, really every decision we make is based on two things: what’s best for the team and what gives us the best chance to win. Gos, he was instrumental in the last two years and all the success that we had. He played, obviously, a vital role for the last two years and the success that we had,” Pagano said.

“He’s a warrior, he’s a good football player and we wish him well. I can’t thank him enough for everything that he did for this organization. Again, we made a decision based on what’s best for this team and what gives us the best chance to win.”

–The balmy weather Sunday provided a good reason for a near-record crowd to attend the Colts’ opening day practice. An official attendance of 6,379 was announced by Anderson University officials after the afternoon workout.

–Two Indianapolis players left the practice field early Sunday afternoon. Former Missouri State guard David Arkin and cornerback Jalil Brown suffered unspecified injuries during the workout. Brown later returned to the drills.

It was announced after the practice that both players had suffered from heat-related cramps and would be fine.

–Former Colts linebacker Cato June is one of the team’s coaching interns who are working this year’s training camp. June played for Indianapolis from 2003-06 and was a member of the team’s Super Bowl championship team.