Wednesday, May 29 How big an impact will Tony Dungy have in Indianapolis? There were some detractors during his six-year tenure in Tampa Bay who felt that Dungy's low-key persona was a detriment. But that probably won't be the case in Indianapolis. This most enigmatic team sorely needed a calmer head coach. While Dungy privately simmers at times (more so than the public suspects), he isn't apt to air his grievances in news conferences. His handling of Edgerrin James' continuing offseason absence from workouts, the fact that he has ordered his players to remain mum on the matter, is reflective of Dungy's managerial style. Since he retained offensive coordinator and longtime friend Tom Moore, the Colts' attack won't change much, except for going to a three-wide receiver set as a base alignment. But if the defense isn't any better, nothing that happens on offense will matter, even in a diluted division. The new "cover-two" scheme being installed should be easier for players to comprehend and ought to mean fewer secondary "busts."

Preseason Super Bowl favorites in many experts' eyes, the Colts were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL last season. A 6-10 finish resulted in the firing of coach Jim Mora and the hiring of Tony Dungy, who had been fired by the Bucs. Dungy is a widely respected defensive coach who should immediately upgrade a unit that was among the worst in the NFL. In six seasons with the Bucs, Dungy recorded a 54-42 record and took the team to the playoffs four times.

Defensively, things can't get much worse for the Colts, who gave up an NFL-worst 30.4 points per game. The biggest change made wasn't in terms of personnel, but in the defensive scheme. Dungy's Colts will play the same cover-two defense that he used in Tampa Bay. Early reports from minicamp indicated the players are excited about the new system, which is said to be less complicated than the one used last season in Indianapolis. It gives players more freedom to be aggressive.

In terms of on-the-field moves, the Colts were surprisingly inactive in free agency. One explanation could be the feeling that much of their problems last season were scheme-oriented and not a reflection of a lack of talent. The only major move was the signing of cornerback Walt Harris (Bears), who essentially replaces Jeff Burris, who was released in a cost-cutting move. Harris started 13 games last season for Chicago, recording one interception.

On the offensive side, the Colts made a number of changes at wide receiver. Terrence Wilkins was traded to the Rams, and Jerome Pathon signed as a free agent with the Saints. Qadry Ismail was signed away from Baltimore and should step right into the No. 2 receiver slot next to Marvin Harrison. Last year's first-round pick, Reggie Wayne, is expected to elevate his game and slide into the No. 3 role. The Colts plan to use a three-receiver set as their base formation on offense, meaning they are counting on big things from Wayne.

	COLTS AT A GLANCE
	Edgerrin James missed 10      games last season.
	2001 record: 6-10 Team rank (NFL): Defense (29th); offense (2nd) Colts team news

Running back Edgerrin James, recovering from knee surgery that ended his 2001 season after six games, created controversy by skipping the April minicamp. While James has been a no-show before at offseason workouts, the April camp was mandatory and there was initial speculation he didn't attend because he wants a new contract. James called owner Jim Irsay to clear the air and told him his absence had nothing to with his contract and that he simply preferred to continue his rehab in his hometown of Miami. James is expected to be ready for the beginning of the regular season.