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Colts Training Camp: News and Notes From Day 2

By Dave McKee

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Colts Training Camp entered its second day on Monday. Contract negotiations are the talk of the day, Andre Johnson keeps getting open and Pat McAfee broke out the Boomstick.

Weather played a factor on the Colts Training Camp on Monday. Due to early morning rain, the team was forced to the turf field for practice, cutting the standard two-field practice down to one. 2,500 fans were not deterred by the early  AM weather, attending the Monday afternoon practice.

Aug 2, 2015; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

-= Related: Colts Training Camp – Ink On Indy Roundtable Discussion =-

For the second straight day, off the field news was the focal point. The good news for Colts fans was the off-field talk was positive. It is confirmed, both T.Y. Hilton and and Anthony Castonzo are vigorously working toward contract extensions with the Colts.

Colts Owner Jim Irsay was confident the Colts would get both contracts completed before Labor Day. Getting both of these contract extensions will minimize any potential distractions while simultaneously helping GM Ryan Grigson get a handle on the 2016 contracts.

Andre Johnson was the receiver of note on Monday’s training camp practice. Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star broke down the Luck to Johnson connection and how regularly Colts fans should expect to see it. “Luck to Johnson. Luck to Johnson. Luck to Johnson. Get used to it.”

Keefer explained why this duo will be regularly connecting on the underneath routes in 2015:

"“No receiver has caught more passes from Andrew Luck over the first two days of camp than Andre Johnson, the veteran target who is settling in just fine in his new offense. Why? So much of the Colts’ aerial attack centers on the home run (see: the speed of T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and Duron Carter). That allows Johnson ample space to get open underneath, and that’s all he’s done in the first two practices of the 2015 season. And Luck has looked his way over and over again.”“Johnson might not catch the long passes that Hilton, Moncrief and Carter grab this season, but he’s going to catch plenty. He’s averaged 84 catches a year for 12 years. Don’t be shocked if he hauls in more this coming season, even at age 34.“"

The Wow Factor:

Pat McAfee is the Boomstick. We have seen cover the past few seasons that he has one powerful leg. Even Madden ’16 endorsed McAfee as the top-ranked punter in the NFL. It is no secret that he would like to become the teams exclusive kicker upon Adam Vinatieri‘s retirement. At 42, Vinatieri, is entering his 20th season and his 10th as a Colt.

McAfee was a dual threat on special teams in college. He was the starting kicker for four seasons at the West Virginia University. 3 of the 4  years he was the starting punter and kicker. His diligent work at both positions is paying off. He stole the show Monday afternoon with field goals of 51, 61 and 65 while Viantieri was given the day off. Zak Keefer’s take on his performance, “His last bomb — which would have likely been good from 70 — drew the loudest ovation of the day. Not bad considering he doubles as the NFL’s top punter.”

Honorable Mention: Art Jones

Art Jones entered Colts Training Camp 20 lbs lighter than last season and it has already showed in practice. Kevin Bowen  of Colts.com broke down Jones’ performance Monday Afternoon:

"“Full pads are coming Wednesday for the Colts. Arthur Jones played on Monday afternoon like the pads were already on. On at least three separate occasions on Monday, Jones was in the backfield blowing up a Colts running play.”“Jones said on Monday morning that he lost 20 pounds this offseason, in an effort to be lighter on his knees and ankles. He displayed plenty of power on Monday, trying to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2014 debut with the Colts.”"

Top #ColtsCamp Vines on Monday:

Practice Schedule:

Looking for when the next open practice starts? Planning on seeing Wednesday night’s practice in full pads? Look no further, Ink on Indy has you covered. Here is the complete schedule for the Colts Training Camp.

Next: News and Notes From Day 1

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