Justin

Eleven weeks after ending the 2006 season by reaching the top of the NFL mountain -- a win over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI -- the Indianapolis Colts start anew today with their offseason conditioning program. The program is voluntary, but participation is heavy and its significance vital, according to coach Tony Dungy.
Beginning today and continuing through mid-June, Dungy said, "the 2007 team will start to define itself. The fact that we won (the Super Bowl) doesn't mean that we'll win again.
"We have to start over.''
The NFL's labor agreement allows teams to hold a voluntary 14-week conditioning program during the offseason that includes 14 days of organized team activities (OTAs). The Colts use OTAs, which include non-contact practices on the field, as their summer school.
Concerned with giving the players enough time to recuperate from their extended postseason, Dungy consulted with the team's strength and conditioning staff and opted to push the start of the offseason program back two weeks.
Initially, players will concentrate on conditioning under the supervision of Jon Torine and Richard Howell. They'll also meet with their position coaches, occasionally taking their work to the practice field. All on-field work is limited to position drills. Wide receivers, for instance, are not permitted to run routes against defensive backs.
While participation generally exceeds 90 percent, Dungy said, several players probably will steer clear of the team's West 56th Street complex. Some, such as Pro Bowl receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, prefer to work out on their own. Defensive end Dwight Freeney, who hasn't signed his one-year contract as a "franchise player,'' also is expected to train elsewhere.
The status of defensive tackle Corey Simon remains a mystery. Dungy said Simon still has some medical issues after missing the '06 season with a knee injury and an undisclosed illness. Also, two grievances involving Simon and the team remain unresolved.
Dungy said the importance of the offseason conditioning program can't be overstated. It plays a role in the team choosing to rebuild from within rather than filling holes by signing veteran free agents.
"That's what people don't understand,'' he said. "They say, 'Well, you didn't go out and get this guy and that guy. How can you get better?'
"Well, if Kelvin Hayden can improve in the offseason and different guys, you can improve your squad from within. This will be very important for Tim Jennings and Freddy Keiaho and even Joseph Addai (who are entering their second NFL season). These are guys we are really counting on to help us and they get a lot of attention now.''

Super Bowl champs get back to work - Topix

__________________