BLOG: Indy recovering; bracing for Combine

It’s been an eventful day here in Indianapolis and with the NFL Combine officially starting on Thursday, some of the “buzz” generated from the Super Bowl just a few weeks ago will be returning to downtown Indianapolis.

While interviewing various people regarding the future of Peyton Manning here with the Colts or elsewhere, I chatted with a local police officer who said the city is “still going through their Super Bowl hangover.” I was told by someone who was here covering the game, many of the streets were blocked off and one featured a zip line at the Super Bowl Village. Reportedly, cops were “lenient” with patrons enjoying themselves a little too much in public.

The heart of downtown Indy features four or five prominent hotels where NFL coaches, scouts, medical staffs and players here for the combine are staying. As Ed Cole and myself worked on our stories from one of those lobbies, it was interesting to see the seemingly endless stream of taxis dropping off many familiar faces this afternoon. From new Rams head coach Jeff Fisher to super-agent Drew Rosenhaus, it was definitely a who’s who for people watching.

Thursday offensive linemen, kickers, punters, long snappers and tight ends will speak. It’s safe to assume the Cardinals (who have close to 40 representatives at the combine) will be keeping a close eye on the o-linemen tomorrow. Ken Whisenhunt and GM Rod Graves will also be made available to the media in fifteen minute increments.

Friday’s schedule will feature in-state players Brock Osweiler and Nick Foles (quarterbacks), as well as Gerell Robinson and Juron Criner (wide receivers). The running backs will be featured that day, also.

From the “hey, I know that guy” department…interesting to glance across the restaurant where we ate dinner tonight and spot former ASU head coach Dirk Koetter who’s in town with the Falcons. This will be his first season in Atlanta after serving a similar capacity with the Jacksonville Jaguars the past five seasons.