Saturday’s energy highlights first team meetings, practices

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Two full practices and a number of staff conferences at the moment are below Jeff Saturday’s belt since being named the interim head coach of the Indianapolis Colts Monday. His power has already overtaken the locker room.

“I used to be fired up [when I heard] as a result of it’s an important alternative to maneuver ahead and get behind Jeff (Saturday) and end the season robust,” quarterback Sam Ehlinger mentioned.

“For him to return in with as a lot power as he has and holding guys accountable, after which exit to follow and see what tempo he desires all people at, it’s wonderful, particularly for a former participant,” linebacker Shaquille Leonard mentioned Thursday. “He understands the participant facet, coaches facet. It’s nice to have that. I’m undoubtedly wanting ahead to it.”

Saturday held his first staff assembly Tuesday, after being formally launched Monday night time. Working again Jonathan Taylor was instantly impressed with Saturday’s dedication to repair the myriad of issues which have plagued the Colts since week 1.

“He simply cares about not simply the folks in right here however the group as an entire,” Taylor mentioned. “He desires this group to succeed. So, having the ability to really feel that from the primary assembly it says quite a bit. And naturally, out within the follow subject, you’ll be able to inform he has ardour. He simply desires us to proceed to work each day to get higher.”

Each practices on Wednesday and Thursday started with Saturday checking in with each single participant whereas they stretched earlier than follow. Wednesday, he spent the primary half watching the offensive line intently.

The hope has been that Saturday – a 14-year NFL veteran and former Colts Professional Bowl middle – can establish an answer for the persistently leaky offensive line. He’s been a paid advisor for the Colts group for years. His familiarity with the Horseshoe’s trenches has helped the transition.

“He didn’t simply are available and routinely demand respect and all people know who he’s and his message. He did it the suitable approach and that comes clearly with the territory of being on this league this lengthy and time,” the Colts present middle Ryan Kelly mentioned. “Having an o-line background, it’s superior to have him up there and you understand, his message was clearly to empower the coaches and encourage all of us to go on the market and play and he did an important job of that.”

After a chaotic couple weeks for the Colts, the general feeling is considered one of pleasure for this large change.

“He’s a real man,” Ehlinger mentioned. “He’s been within the locker room earlier than and clearly had a really profitable profession. He is aware of what it’s prefer to play right here and to play on this staff. He has an important method. He’s an important human being. He’s an important chief and he was very clear and trustworthy with us. I’m wanting ahead to attending to know him.”