Colts agree to two weeks of on-field work

[JAFF]

The union’s effort to negotiate more favorable offseason terms on a case by case basis is working.

Via Stephen Holder of TheAthletic.com, the Colts have agreed to reduce their offseason program to two more weeks, with no mandatory minicamp.


Thus, they’ll be done by Memorial Day weekend, and they’ll reconvene for training camp. Per Holder, the idea had the support of G.M. Chris Ballard and coach Frank Reich.

The sessions won’t include 11-on-11 situations.

It’s a calculated risk by the Colts. With two months away from the team, the players will have more time to let themselves get out of shape. If they do, however, they’ll pay for it when training camp starts.

If they’re ready to go when the season starts, other teams may be more willing to agree to scaling back the offseason program.

Apparently, this was worked out between the players and Reich. Several teams are butting heads with the players,

I know it some wont like it because ,its new. If the players can maintain and stay in shape in their own time, it will be a benefit.

[Butter]

I have mixed feelings. I like that it will garner goodwill with players and agents, but with a new QB and a young team less off-season work could be a setback, it will be interesting I guess.

[Ironshaft]

If this is the going trend, then it makes the learning curve for rookies and younger players joining a new team even harder.

Part of the reason the Colts went with Rivers last year was the shortened spring / summer work due to COVID and they knew a vet of his experience would be ready.

Much, much, much harder now to put your potential playoff ready team in the hands of a rookie or 2nd year QB if the off-season work gets shortened.

This will impact the quality of play in the fall. The question is "will it impact it enough that the average fan gets turned off by low quality play early?"

Time will tell.

[JAFF]

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/05/17/frank-reich-appreciated-how-colts-players-handled-discussions-about-offseason/

Reich is treating the players like adults. The team has made it a point to sign men of character and put the team first.

I’m not sure I would want to explain to Nelson, Bruckner, or Kelly why I didnt put my time in.

Guys who dont show up ready, probably will be playing somewhere else.

[Oldcolt]

This is an advantage for well run organizations with quality people as players. Same rules for everyone I completely agree with JAFF on this one. In others words a win for the Colts.

[TheMugwump]

This is an advantage for well run organizations with quality people as players. Same rules for everyone I completely agree with JAFF on this one. In others words a win for the Colts.

Agree.

I also wouldn't be surprised to hear that Wentz organizes informal get-togethers with his TE, WR, and backs so they can literally get on the same page of the playbook together. No rules in the CBA against that.

[Discflinger]

Hate that Wentz has not been there last two days, but we already know that he is eager to gel with his receivers. He’s already in Indy; hopefully that makes it easier for everyone.

[Hoopsdoc]

If this is good with Ballard and Reich, it’s good with me.

[JAFF]

Another article. The Colts altered their plans for offseason work on Monday.

Rather than hold a mandatory minicamp after a few weeks of organized team activities, the Colts will work for the next two weeks and then be off until training camp. On Monday, center Ryan Kelly called the solution the “best of both worlds” and credited head coach Frank Reich with coming up with a plan he considers the best any team has offered in response to players’ requests to change the program.


Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner agreed that it is “the perfect adjustment” and Reich said, via George Bremer of the Anderson Herald-Bulletin, he “appreciated the way Ryan and the rest of our players” handled the situation.

We’ll see in the near future if any other teams take a similar approach to the one the Colts have decided on or if they’ll be an outlier heading into the 2021 season. If it’s the latter, their on-field results may determine whether anyone follows their example in the future.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/05/17/frank-reich-appreciated-how-colts-players-handled-discussions-about-offseason/

[Luck4Reich]

If this is good with Ballard and Reich, it’s good with me.

My thoughts exactly.