Colts running back feels he’s closer to regaining his Pro Bowl form.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Peyton Manning barked out plays in his Tennessee drawl, each one designed to hurry up Indianapolis into its 2-minute offense. The result was usually the same: get the ball to Edgerrin James.
James ran left. He cut right. He went up the middle into the end zone.
He did everything at the voluntary workouts smoothly and pain free.
“There’s no discomfort,” James said Monday. “I’m out there full throttle.”
James insisted he’s fully recovered from the torn ligament in his left knee that forced him out of the second half of the 2001 season. The high right ankle sprain, and hamstring and rib injuries that forced him out of two games last year also have healed.
Now, James, a two-time rushing champion, is ready to prove he hasn’t lost his edge and can return as one of the elite running backs in the NFL.
“If I’m healthy, there’s no way I can be controlled,” James said. “When I’m not healthy, it’s totally different out there for me. I’m used to going in a game, dominating a game and doing what you’re supposed to do.”
James didn’t dominate anything last year, finishing with 989 yards rushing in 14 games on a career-low 3.6 yards-per-carry average. He had only two 100-yard games and finished with three touchdowns.
The instincts were still there, his banged-up body just wouldn’t allow him to move like he wanted and his timing was off. The quick first-step was slowed, hampering a back known as an open-field runner who liked to break down defenses.
James invested in pricey weight equipment and set up his own workout facility in Miami. He lifts everyday and finds time for pickup basketball games, a favorite hobby of his.
He’s also spending more time in Indianapolis, participating in the voluntary camp he skipped entirely last season.
Instead of No. 32, James wore No. 5 – his high school and college number – at practice Monday, but the dreadlocks that dangled out of his helmet and past his neck made him easily recognizable. He missed the last two weeks of camp for private workouts and to throw a birthday party for his daughter.
He had nearly all the carries as the Colts practiced their 2-minute drill.
for the first time during the four-week camp, leaving him a little sluggish.
“The legs feel a little heavy,” James said with gold-toothed smile. “I played basketball yesterday and this morning I squatted. I’m still feeling strong. It’s just a matter of continuing doing what I’m doing.”
Colts coach Tony Dungy noticed a difference in James’ performance and attitude.
“He’s feeling a lot better and moving a lot better than he did,” Dungy said. “The confidence level is much better at this point.”
James said he’s regained his form, and is even stronger than he was before he was hurt. There are no lingering effects from the knee injury and James doesn’t expect injuries to be a factor when training camp opens at the end of July.
“I’m way closer than before,” he said. “There’s no comparison. When training camp comes around, I’ll be ready. Everything should be back to normal.”
AP-ES-06-09-03 1840EDT
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