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5 Reasons Indianapolis Colts shouldn’t fire Chuck Pagano

By Phil Naegely

Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano coaches on the sidelines against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano coaches on the sidelines against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) directs his offense against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. The Colts beat the Titans 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) directs his offense against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. The Colts beat the Titans 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Injuries Aren’t His Fault

Injuries affect every sports teams at some point. This year the Colts have been the latest victim with Andrew Luck only playing seven games this season. It’s unlikely he or Matt Hasselbeck will play in Week 15 after the backup quarterback left the Jaguars game with an injury.

In Luck’s absence, Hasselbeck pulled his own weight by going 4-1 before leaving the Week 15 blowout loss. He kept the Colts in good shape despite the overall mediocre record. Hasselbeck’s veteran experience was key, but Pagano’s coaching plans helped keep a seamless transition in Luck’s absence.

On top of being out, Luck tried to play through a reported rib injury throughout the year and that also hurt the Colts. It took getting rocked by a Broncos defender, which caused him to have a lacerated kidney. When he was playing injured, he wasn’t playing at his best and that was hurting the Colts from reaching their full potential.

It’s been a tough year for Pagano to navigate the injuries to Luck and others. He deserves another chance to lead the Colts given how he has done historically as the franchise’s head coach.

Next: 4. History is on Pagano's side

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