"One of the more reassuring aspects of Kerry Collins' relocation to Indianapolis is that he no longer is looking over his shoulder for Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

Now, the veteran quarterback just looks across the locker room.

"I'm meeting them under a little more friendly context this time, which is always nice," Collins said Monday. "I know when we played the Colts, the stress level (went) up because of those two guys.

"Certainly nice to have them on my team. They've been real receptive, as has the whole team."

Freeney, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, is the Colts' career sack leader with 94. Mathis ranks second with 74.

Freeney has sacked Collins twice, once each in 2010 and '09 when Collins was with the Tennessee Titans. Mathis got to Collins twice in 2004 when Collins was the Oakland Raiders' starting quarterback.

Freeney apparently is a quiet assassin.

"Doesn't say a word," Collins said. "You just know he's coming back the next play.''"