Colts' Manning likes what he sees

Peyton Manning doesn't have his new contract yet and isn't interested in discussing it.

But he certainly likes what he has on the field, which is more quality receivers than any time since Marvin Harrison's prime.

"It's hard to get into comparisons of years past, but I really like this group because of how hard they work," Manning said. "(I like) the unselfishness of the group. Guys catch the ball and make yards after the catch. They get physical. From that standpoint, I'm really excited about the team."

Manning looks over his Indianapolis Colts receivers every day in training camp at Anderson University and he sees a smorgasbord of skill and speed.

Reggie Wayne, the All-Pro go-to guy, is on one side. Pierre Garcon, with speed to burn, is on the other side. Second-year wideout Austin Collie and returning veteran Anthony Gonzalez can operate in a variety of positions. Then there's fantasy football's favorite tight end Dallas Clark, who is hardly limited to the tight end spot. Add in some young guys such as Taj Smith and Brandon James, and it's no wonder the Colts have four quarterbacks in camp.

There are almost too many receivers for one quarterback to handle.

"It has to be the best in the league," Clark said of the receiving corps. "We have a lot of guys who can make a lot of big plays at any point, a lot of good threats. Everyone has a different intangible they bring, especially the younger guys. What they experienced last year can only make them better. They're a little fresher. Their minds aren't spinning trying to learn this stuff. ... On paper, we look good. We have to go out and prove it."

The big question is how the return of Gonzalez will alter the mix. He went down with an injury during the first game last year and missed the season. In the early going, during drills, the pecking order of receivers was Wayne, Garcon, Collie and Gonzalez. So Gonzalez has to work his way back.

Gonzalez caught 57 passes for 664 yards and four touchdowns in 2008, a jump of 20 receptions over his rookie season. He appeared poised to make a similar jump before his injury last season.

After he went down, Garcon (47 catches, 765 yards, four TDs) and Collie (60 catches, 676 yards, seven TDs) stepped into the void and played well. There's no denying the competition will be strong for playing time and, subsequently, receptions.

"Every time Anthony's on the field, he can make plays," Manning said. "You can count the big plays he's made throughout his time, so you want to get him on the field, and he's truly going to help out the offense."

Manning said he believes there will be enough opportunities for all the Robert Mathis quality receivers to thrive, and says it will be up to new offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen to find the right mix. This would be a volatile scenario on other NFL teams, where the receivers' egos are hard to keep in check. The Colts have, at least in the past, been able to avoid those personality issues.

"Obviously, Clyde will have to be creative that way," Manning said. "There are ways to get them all on the field in different packages and formations. Throughout a 16-game regular season, everybody's number is going to be called, and you need to have depth from that standpoint. They've all been starters at some point in their careers."

In the early practices, the receivers have been moved around to various spots, whether lining up out wide or in the slot. Wayne has played the slot on occasion, but primarily lines up wide. Garcon has rarely lined up in the slot, but has done so on occasion this week. Collie and Gonzalez have thrived in both positions. Clark could also be in the slot or split wide.

"It's going to be what it's going to be," Gonzalez said. "The only thing I have control over is how I play. That's really what I want to focus on to get back out there and get going, and stay on my feet." Collie said he believes the competition will be good for the team in the long run.

"Whatever happens, happens," Collie said. "The main thing I'm focused on is getting back to where we were last year and winning ballgames. You can't go wrong with too much talent on the team. We have a lot of guys in the wide receivers corps that can make plays, and that will benefit us down the road."

The competition, Collie said, heightens everyone's play.

"When you have guys like Reggie, Pierre and Gonzo and Dallas, competing with those guys causes you to want to get better and get on their level," Collie said. "Sometimes you do things you didn't think you were capable of doing."

Wayne and Clark both caught 100 passes last season, numbers that might be harder to come by this time around.

"It's a great problem to have," Clark said. "Some guys are not going to get as many looks as they would like or prefer, but at the end of the day, as long as we're winning games, you can't complain too much. If we're losing and you're not getting the ball, then you might have a little case to make. ... We have a great group of guys who aren't going to make it an issue and stop us from being productive as an offense."