National Football League

Colts to test refurbished offensive line vs. Rams

Published Aug. 10, 2011 8:54 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Rookie offensive tackles Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana aren't getting hazed during Colts training camp. It just seems that way.

Castonzo, a first-round pick from Boston College, often lines up against Dwight Freeney in practice. Ijalana, a second-round pick from Villanova, usually gets stuck with Robert Mathis.

The rookie-vs.-Pro Bowler matchups haven't gone well for the youngsters.

''I'm kind of getting the worst end of the stick,'' Ijalana said. ''It's kind of like rookie abuse. You've just got to keep working through it.''

Castonzo has been victimized by Freeney's array of spin moves. He said he doesn't know what to expect in his first preseason game Saturday against the Rams, but he's sure it won't be any tougher than what he's getting in practice.

''All I know is that they come off the edge real fast and that they're extremely good players with tons of moves,'' Castonzo said of Freeney and Mathis. ''It's a great challenge to go against them each day in practice and see what they're bringing.''

By drafting Castonzo and Ijalana, the Colts made a priority of stockpiling young talent to protect quarterback Peyton Manning. By unleashing Freeney and Mathis on them, the Colts are speeding up their development.

The Colts also picked up rookie free agent Jake Kirkpatrick of TCU, another newcomer expected to get some playing time at St. Louis.

''That's going to be a heck of a day,'' Castonzo said. ''I'm just excited to run out of the tunnel, have my first snaps, see myself carry over what I'm learning in practice over to a game, seeing if I can compete at this level.''

The youngsters are trying to fit in with veteran center Jeff Saturday, right guard Mike Pollak and right tackle Ryan Diem, who have a combined 28 years of NFL experience.

Saturday, a five-time Pro Bowl pick, said the Colts' recent decision to keep Diem and redo his deal will help smooth the line's transition.

''He just brings so much consistency to that right side,'' Saturday said. ''Eleven years in the game, he's seen just about everything that can happen. I think that veteran leadership, teaching these young tackles all those details that can't as easily be passed from coach to player as they can be from player to player - it was a big deal to get Diem where he is.''

The Colts allowed left tackle Charlie Johnson to leave for Minnesota, a blow Saturday noted.

''I thought he was going to be back this year,'' he said. ''I'm really disappointed. Charlie's going to make Minnesota better. He's going to bring them some consistency on that left side. He's a super athletic kid, and one of those guys who is going to make a difference.''

The race to replace Johnson is on. Jeff Linkenbach, a part-time starter as a rookie last season, is the starting left tackle for now, but the plan is for Castonzo to eventually take that spot.

''Castonzo, obviously, is the future at that position,'' Saturday said. ''They drafted him for a reason - to be there. They want him to play early.''

Colts coach Jim Caldwell said Castonzo is off to a good start, despite the daily humbling by Freeney.

''He's got all the tools, obviously and he's a tough guy, and he's smart,'' Caldwell said. ''He's been making good progress, and he's learning.''

Linkenbach has been effective when he has played.

''Link did a heck of a job last year,'' Saturday said. ''I have complete confidence when he's out on the field. If for some reason, he (Castonzo) wasn't ready and Link had to go early in the year until Anthony's right, that's what will happen. The best five guys will be on the field.''

Manning is on the physically unable to perform list because of neck surgery. Castonzo said he is looking forward to protecting the four-time MVP when he returns.

''When I was little, I was a Peyton Manning fan, so it's kind of crazy that I'm blocking for him,'' he said. ''I understand the responsibility that comes with that.''

Ijalana is listed as the No. 2 right tackle. His challenge is picking up the complicated Colts offense without any offseason work with the team.

''It's been a little tough,'' he said. ''I still study in between breaks. I'm looking over notes. It's like I'm a kid studying for a vocab test. That's what it takes.''

Kirkpatrick is practicing with the second unit because Jamey Richard, the No. 2 center, has been out with a calf injury. He said the veterans have been helpful.

The one thing the rookies haven't had a chance to do is get used to Manning and his frenetic game management.

''Getting accustomed to him, and the speed in which he does things - obviously, there's only one Peyton Manning,'' Caldwell said. ''Nobody else can do what he does. But they still are developing. I think they're still getting a sense of the system, they're learning it, and I think they're doing quite well.''

---

Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cliffbruntap

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League