Before the Indianapolis Colts’ first minicamp practice on Tuesday, center Ryan Kelly met with reporters.
Here are highlights from that conversation. To see the full interview, click here.
– “I hope not,” Kelly said of the regular season potentially expanding to 18 games. “I just think there are too many games.”
– Kelly on Bernhard Raimann: “One of the hardest working guys I’ve ever met. I really think this left tackle position, above and beyond everyone else, can be a little detailed, micro-oriented. I think for him what he really trusts is his athleticism, which is a big thing for him. He hasn’t played football since he was a kid, so it’s been a short time compared to most, but I think he’s done a great job maximizing everything he does when he gets on the field, coaching. I know he has been talking to Castonzo for some time and works every day to improve. Again, this builds confidence and builds confidence heading into the season.”
– Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said they tried to put the offense in more stressful situations during OTAs, and Kelly was asked how he thinks Anthony Richardson responded: “I think he did a good job of that. I think the whole attack does. Kelly notes the importance of continuity from 2023 to 2024.
– Kelly on having Pittman back under contract: “It’s huge.” Kelly adds that Pittman is deserving, works hard and skill position players look up to him.
– Kelly on improving offensive line play in 2023: “Tony (Sparano) came in, saw that space for what it was, and there were still a lot of great players, but not a lot of confidence.” Kelly mentions the relationship building Sparano did when he arrived in Indianapolis. “If you can’t build a relationship inside, how can you build it outside?” From Shane Steichen to Jim Bob Cooter to Sparano, they empowered the offensive line unit to simply play and trust their technique and the fact that they are great players.
