A few excerpts from Indy Football Report Editor John Oehser’s conversation with Head Coach Jim Caldwell Monday for Colts.com . . .
On why he doesn’t think of the Colts as “his team” . . .
I’ve never conducted my life in any shape, form or fashion that way. I know there are a lot of people responsible for any measure of success I’ve had in my life. Obviously, there are the blessings of the Lord. But then there are a lot of other men and women who have certainly helped us along the way. When you look at our team, there have been a lot of important milestones that have been achieved because of the Irsay family and their commitment to excellence, and to giving us resources to win. You look at our overall administration, from every single avenue, from community service to marketing to ticket sales to . . . you name it. They all play a part. Then, you look at an unbelievable fan base that has contributed to obviously the great sense of pride and community that this city and surrounding state has about our team. You have to attribute a great deal to our players who have done a great job not just performing on the field but also interacting with fans off the field. You also have to credit an unbelievable coaching staff. It’s gone through the ages. When I first came here, I remember (Caldwell’s predecessor) Tony (Dungy) mentioning that he was so pleased with how hard the team worked. He often attributed that to (Dungy’s predecessor) Jim Mora and how that was one thing he never had to worry about, was the way this team practiced. It just continues to go back. Then, how does one take credit for God’s handiwork.
On what he likes about the Colts entering the season . . .
It’s a team that understands winning. They have great work habits. It’s a team that has great respect for one another. It’s a team that has real sound, veteran leadership.
On cutdown weekend . . .
It’s a necessary process, because it’s a pruning. Once you get to this point, you really have the core, the essence of your team. That’s what’s remaining. That’s part of the pruning process. We’ve trimmed it down to the point where we think we have the proper ingredients we need to win consistently. You realize just how few numbers you have. It gets to be an even more cohesive and tight-knit group. It’s almost like an immediate bonding because of the fact, No. 1, I think they all realize how difficult it is to make an NFL roster. (Middle linebacker Gary (Brackett) said Monday, ‘It always kind of feels funny when you come out today and you’re down 22 guys. You look around and there a lot of vacant spaces where there used to be people.
