WESTFIELD, Ind. — Not even a pair of highlight-level plays could break Jim Irsay’s train of thought.
The Indianapolis Colts’ owner made his first public appearance in a long time Sunday at training camp — perhaps since his Jim Irsay Collection concert at Lucas Oil Stadium last September? — and was chatting with the media.
He remains in rehab mode from a pair of recent surgeries that temporarily has robbed him of his mobility. Irsay was seated in a golf cart which was positioned between two practice fields while he visited with reporters.
As Irsay spoke, the Colts were going through one-on-one passing drills.
At one point, rookie wideout AD Mitchell made a diving catch of an Anthony Richardson pass near the sideline that separated him from his helmet.
The Grand Park Sports Campus roared. Mitchell bounced to his feet, moved closer to the bleachers and demanded more from the spectators.
Irsay kept talking.
A short time later, Josh Downs generated an impressive catch-and-run and, again, the crowd responded.
Irsay didn’t break stride.
When asked about the catches and subsequent crowd reaction, Irsay replied: “It’s a good sound to hear. We’ve got a great crowd out there and there’s no question we have the ability to have big plays on the outside from our receivers.
“It’s going to be very exciting this season (to see) what we do. Of course, the owner’s always going to be talking optimistically, but I think there’s reason to be optimistic going into this season, I really do.’’
The Colts finished 9-8 last season, and a failed comeback bid against Houston in week 18 at Lucas Oil Stadium kept them from winning the AFC South. They last won the division in 2014 and have failed to reach the playoffs in three straight seasons and four of the last five.
During the offseason, general manager Chris Ballard guaranteed the Colts’ starting offense and defense would return intact with various re-signings and extensions.
Irsay believes his team is poised for a return to relevance, which begins with the AFC South.
“No question,’’ he said. “I think that is our goal, to win the division. To me, it’s the best team we’ve fielded in a while. Ever since obviously when Andrew retired, we’ve been kind of trying to catch up with ourselves and be consistent and be a playoff type of team.
“I think that now is in our rearview mirror of where we’re onto a new day.’’
Big day for Blackmon
Sunday belonged to Julian Blackmon. The veteran strong safety produced a pair of plays that can turn games around.
On the first play of one 11-on-11 session, Blackmon showed his range by zipping across the field and making a leaping interception of a Richardson pass intended for Downs.
Coach Shane Steichen views sessions from behind the offense to give him a better vision of what Richardson sees.
“My eyes went to (Downs), too,’’ he said. “Anthony threw it there, and I was like, ‘Oh heck yeah, we got one . . . crap!’ That was a helluva play.
“I ran over to him and dapped (Blackmon) up because it was an incredible play.’’
Later, Blackmon again left his feet and this time deflected a Richardson pass.
The 2020 third-round pick is coming off the best year of his career — a team-high four interceptions, 88 tackles, eight passes defended — and returned with a one-year, $3.7 million contract.
“I think he’s going to have a huge year for us,’’ Steichen said. “Just his mindset, the way he sees the game. And when you talk football to him, he’s like talking to another coach.’’
Next level for Pittman?
Wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne was blunt when he was asked about the next level for Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts’ top wideout.
He’s led them in receiving in each of the last three seasons and signed a three-year, $70 million contract in March.
Pittman noted he wants to increase his “tier” status this season, which he calculates on yards per season.
Wayne wants something else. He wants Pittman to be selected a captain by his teammates.
“We’re still working on what Pitt wants to get accomplished and one of them is to be a captain, right? We’re still working on that,’’ Wayne said. “We know you can play. We know you can ball. Let’s elevate our game to a whole different stratosphere, right?
“Let’s get a ‘C’ on our chest. (Shoot), I ain’t never seen someone making $25 million and they ain’t even captain. We’ve got to figure that out. How does that work?’’
Injury update
Right tackle Braden Smith was in uniform and did some work in positional drills Sunday. He was a spectator for the first two practices while completing his rehab from offseason knee surgery. Defensive ends Samson Ebukam and Dayo Odeyingbo are dealing with calf injuries.
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter/X at @mchappell51.
