INDIANAPOLIS – It was an interesting Sunday for Colts fans following the team's preseason home opener on Saturday night.
On Sunday night, Chuck Pagano spoke on a conference call and touched on several topics, including the reports of Reggie Wayne visiting the Patriots.
What did Pagano have to say to the media on Sunday night?
Injury Notes
-Coby Fleener (ankle): Day-to-day.
-Hugh Thornton (knee): Week-to-week.
-Jalil Brown (hamstring): Day-to-day.
-Chance Casey (groin): Day-to-day.
-Quan Bray (groin): Day-to-day.
-Dewey McDonald (knee): Day-to-day.
-Eric Patterson (concussion): Under concussion protocol.
-Greg Toler (neck strain): Being evaluated, should know more on Monday.
-Phillip Dorsett (knee contusion): Day-to-day.
-Daniel Adongo (cramps): Going to be fine.Chuck Pagano on the reports of Reggie Wayne visiting the Patriots:
"I think that's great for Reg. He wants to play another year. I'm happy that they are looking at him and there's an opportunity.
"You just want the best for the player. If that happens, that's great for Reg. I'd be extremely happy for him."
Bowen's Analysis: Reports broke Sunday that Reggie Wayne is visiting the New England Patriots with them having a rash of injuries at the wide receiver position.
As you would expect, Pagano spoke very highly of Wayne and fully understands why he would explore those options. If Wayne does indeed sign with the Patriots, Colts fans could see No. 87 when New England comes to Lucas Oil Stadium for a Sunday Night Football meeting on October 18.
Chuck Pagano on the play of the defense against Chicago:
"There (were) a bunch of positives as the defense goes."
Bowen's Analysis: The defensive positives for the Colts on Saturday night started with the situational play. In the first half, the Colts starters held Chicago to 0-of-5 on third-down and 0-of-2 in the red-zone. Pagano was pleased with the defensive communication (cutting down on mental errors) and how the unit handled short fields (on the Bears first four drives they started at the 40, 49, 37 and 42 yards lines).
Tackling is a clear area of improvement for Pagano though heading into Week Three of the preseason. The Colts head coach said he takes full responsibility for the tackling issues. Pagano pointed out the "thudding" done in Training Camp doesn't replicate the live action come game time, but it's a delicate balance when deciding how physical to be in practice, thus risking more injuries.Chuck Pagano on the special teams group heading into the final stretch of the preseason:
"We are not where we want to be, but we are going to continue to work and try to develop and define some roles, find some guys that can play those spots for us."
Bowen's Analysis: It's a stat the Colts dominated for nearly the entire 2014 campaign. Controlling field position was a staple of last year's Colts, with Pat McAfee leading that charge. Against Chicago, it was the Bears setting up short fields. The Bears had an average drive start of the 36-yard line on Saturday night. The Colts average drive start was the 22-yard line (the difference was even greater when the starters were on the field).
The Colts are in the midst of trying to find new gunners and other core special teams guys. Chuck Pagano knows that often times those sorts of roles come in the final stages of roster cuts. Finding other special teams guys to complement the All-Pro kicking duo of Adam Vinatieri and McAfee is an obvious focus over the next two weeks.
