In an ironic twist, the Indianapolis Colts' fake punt debacle against the New England Patriots may ultimately be what saves Chuck Pagano's job.
The worst fake punt in history may wind up saving Chuck Pagano’s job
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport said the Colts liked how Pagano handled the criticism last week, and he will give him until the end of the season to prove himself.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
On NFL Network's GameDay Morning Sunday, Ian Rapoport said the Colts brass likes how Pagano handled all of the criticism that came his way last week, and they will give him until the end of the season to prove himself. Pagano said he had "no regrets" about the play call, but took responsibility for its failed execution. Colts punter Pat McAfee said Tuesday wide receiver Griff Whalen, who fielded the snap, had never actually practiced the play before. The plan was to have safety Clayton Geathers snap the ball, but he was injured in the second quarter.
Despite that embarrassing sequence, the Colts actually played their most competitive game against the Patriots last week in the Pagano era. Indy only lost to the Patriots by seven points after being outscored 189-73 in their previous four meetings.
According to Rapoport, Pagano’s future in Indianapolis will be determined by the Colts’ win-loss record at the end of the season. That’s good news for him, considering the pathetic current state of the AFC South. The Colts currently lead the division with a 3-3 record, with all three wins coming against divisional opponents.
It’s been a tumultuous season for Pagano, who has reportedly been feuding with general manager Ryan Grigson over the last several months. The head coach is in the final year of his contract, though Colts players say you wouldn’t know it based on Pagano’s demeanor around the team.
"He doesn't bring any of that in here," left tackle Anthony Castonzo said this week, per the Indianapolis Star. "I actually don't even know what you're talking about."
No. 1 cornerback Vontae Davis gave Pagano a vote of confidence as well.
“He’s always, always the same,” Davis said. “Every team has adversity. If the job was easy, then everybody could be a head coach. I think he’s the man for the job.”
The Colts have gone 35-17 in four seasons under Pagano, though he missed 12 games in 2012 for cancer treatments. Former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, who is now the head coach in Arizona, led the Colts to the playoffs that season in Pagano’s absence.
If Pagano is truly being judged on his body of work, then it seems possible he’ll stick around in Indianapolis despite the turmoil that’s surrounded the team so far this year. The Colts have advanced one round further in the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.
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