New Colts era, new positions for Freeney and Mathis - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, two of best pass rushing defensive ends in the NFL, don't even play that position anymore. The Colts bookends on the defensive line are now listed as outside linebackers in the Colts 3-4 defense being installed by new head coach Chuck Pagano at training camp at Anderson University.

The biggest change for Freeney and Mathis is standing up sometimes at the line of scrimmage rather than being down in a three-point stance at the snap.

"It's actually kind of fun," said Freeney, the Colts career leader with 102.5 sacks. "It could actually help me because when you have your hand on the ground, you can't move. Now you can move and give the offensive tackle some problems."

But Freeney said he expects to still rush the quarterback from a three-point stance about 75% of his plays. But he and Mathis will also have to drop into pass coverage on occasion. Mathis has embraced the changes.

"I bought in all the way," said Mathis, with 83.5 career sacks. "I bought in after we went 2-14 (Colts record last season)."

The coaching staff and roster have undergone major changes. Freeney and Mathis are two of the longest tenured holdovers.

"You've got like 54 guys who are either a rookie, first year or second year guy," said Freeney, entering his 11th season with the Colts. "Normally it's been the opposite around here. So you have a lot of energy out here, a lot of excitement, which is great.

"It's a new Colts era," said Mathis, just a year behind Freeney, 10 seasons with the Colts. "Everybody knows it. It's unavoidable, actually. The fans we have are staying with us. We love them for it. We just plan to get them back proud of us."

Team owner Jim Irsay admitted the franchise was rebuilding when the Colts released quarterback Peyton Manning and selected Andrew Luck with the number one pick in the NFL draft. But Mathis hopes this is a quick construction project.

"I don't have rebuild years in me, only reload," said Mathis. "We rebuilt last year - new year, new attitude, new offense, new defense, new team."

Colts training camp runs through August 17th at Anderson University. Afternoon practices start at 1:50 pm and are open to the public. The team is off on Wednesdays.