Dwight Lowery eager for success with Colts

ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) Heading into his eighth NFL season, Dwight Lowery wasn't sure where he would play, or if he would get the chance to play, in 2015.

Lowery is coming off what was one of the best seasons of his career. He started 15 of 16 games for Atlanta at safety, recording two interceptions and two forced fumbles, and 60 solo tackles.

Despite the productivity, the Falcons didn't re-sign Lowery after last season. In April, Lowery didn't have to wonder about his NFL future any longer after Indianapolis signed the seven-year veteran.

Indianapolis still had issues to address at the safety position and Lowery was high atop the Colts' list during free agency, and for good reason.

Indianapolis signed veteran safety Mike Adams prior to the 2014 season to fill a similar void. The result was mutually beneficial. The Colts made it to the AFC championship game and Adams made it to the Pro Bowl for the time.

Now, Indianapolis has hopes that Lowery will have similar success.

However, Lowery wants to win. Lowery hasn't played for a team that finished the regular season above .500 in four years.

''It was to the point that I didn't know where I was going to play, or if I was going to play. I just really wanted to be on a team that has an opportunity to win,'' Lowery said. ''I haven't been on a team that has been in that position in a long time. A team like this with all this talent, It's a beautiful situation.''

A lot of that talent on defense is in the Colts' secondary. Indianapolis finished 2014 with the 12th-best passing defense, allowing 3,669 yards passing.

Adams was tied for the third-most interceptions at five, and fellow Pro Bowler Vontae Davis grabbed four interceptions which tied for eighth most in the league last season.

The addition of Lowery is not only adding more talent, but also experience. Adams is entering his 12th season and Darius Butler, Greg Toler and Davis are all in their seventh seasons.

''We got talent back there. I think the sky is the limit for (our secondary),'' Colts coach Chuck Pagano said. ''I think we have an excellent group. We got playmakers and smart guys that communicate well and play well together. I'm excited for that group.''

Davis and Butler have played in Indianapolis' system since 2012, Toler since 2013 and Adams since last year. Lowery was added in time to participate in OTAs, preparing him with a head start learning and becoming accustomed to the Colts' defense as training camp approached.

And just one week into training camp, the group of veteran defensive backs is already becoming comfortable with one another on the field.

''Progression every day,'' Adams said. ''It's fun because (Lowery) knows all his stuff, I know my stuff and we're interchangeable. We're just getting better every day. Being in this defense for a few years helps. We all know each other, and I've never been a part of something like that. It's going to be fun this year.''

Lowery said he is excited to be on a team with Super Bowl potential, and that he loves the way the organization embraces a `win-now' mentality, placing emphasis on winning a championship this season.

The Colts, who finished 11-5 last season, added veteran free agents during the offseason. The addition of proven veterans was Indianapolis' next step in trying to win a Super Bowl.

''They've established something here,'' Lowery said. ''If you look at teams that have won Super Bowls, I would bet the one common denominator would be balance. We have a defense that's capable of coming out and playing solid, and we're never out of a game when we have a quarterback like Andrew Luck.''

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