ANDERSON, Ind. – Getting tougher is an area the Indianapolis Colts need to improve in.
Their finesse style of play might work in the AFC South, but it doesn't work against championship-caliber teams.
That's been an emphasis of the Colts so far in training camp and was on full display in practice Monday.
The Colts, dressed in full pads, had their most physical training camp practice since coach Chuck Pagano was hired in 2012.
The Colts spent time working on short yardage, third-and-1 and fourth-and-1 situations. The defensive line, which was steamrolled by New England twice last season, held its own during that portion of practice. The offensive line had its moments, too.
It should be noted, though, that starting running back Frank Gore didn't take part in that drill because the goal is make sure he's healthy during the regular season.
This approach is different for Pagano, who has often shied away from hitting in practice.
"Physical standpoint, the only way I know you can build a mentally and physically tough team is you have to practice and you have to put the pads on and you have to work at it," Pagano said last week. "If you don't do that than you're not going to show up on Sunday and just flip a switch and be a tough, nasty, physical football team."
Here are a few more observations from practice Monday:
Receiver Andre Johnson used his 6-foot-3 frame to go up and catch a pass down the field over rookie cornerback D'Joun Smith. The Colts plan to use Johnson's size to take advantage of mismatches this season. "With Andre, it really is because he's so big, he's so physical and does such a great job contorting his body to shield the defender away or to put that ball in a safe place," quarterback Andrew Luck said. "So it's been fun to see how his body moves in that sense and see him go up and make some plays."
Receiver Duron Carter (groin) and running back Josh Robinson (hamstring) both returned to practice Monday. Cornerbacks Vontae Davis (groin) and Darius Butler (groin) both sat out of practice. Linebacker Jerrell Freeman had a rest day.
