Colts coach Chuck Pagano has words of praise for Hakeem Nicks

Hakeem Nicks has more than his fair share of doubters, but those doubters don’t have much to say today after Nicks’ strong performance in preseason action Saturday against his old team the New York Giants.

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Nicks showed the doubters, and stuck it to his old team, by racking up 44 yards on 5 catches in 5 targets. After the game, Colts coach Chuck Pagano heaped praise on the embattled Nicks (via colts.com):

"“(Nicks) was outstanding,” Pagano said after the game. “Him and Andrew were in a rhythm Obviously, we figured he’d play inspired football against a really good football team.”"

Andrew Luck joined in the Nicks praise parade as well:

"“His run after the catch, great ability, strong hands,” Luck said of Nicks’ strengths. “It’ll be fun for folks to get to watch when everybody’s on the field at the same time.”"

Nicks would have had an even better night had he not been nailed with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting ex-teammate Antrel Rolle after a 36-yard reception.

But you can perhaps understand Nicks getting caught up in the heat of the moment against his old team and acting out, especially considering all the criticism Nicks has received. He had one coming to him.

People are still skeptical that Nicks will do much in Indianapolis this year, but at least now he can point to something positive when telling off his haters. He can point to his box score from a preseason game against the Giants and go nah-nah.

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