With The First Pick
Fansided

Colts must sit Andrew Luck to secure the future of the franchise

By Luke Drage

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 16: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the bench during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 16: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the bench during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 22: Head coach Chuck Pagano of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 22: Head coach Chuck Pagano of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Pagano era ending?

Another key for the Colts moving forward is having the right coach in place to get the best out of Luck while he is still in his prime.

The fan base is hugely enamored by Chuck Pagano and rightly so. His public battle with cancer won the hearts of many and his return was impossible not to enjoy.

However, the former Ravens DC has failed to establish his strength on this team. The Colts have never had a top ten defense during Pagano’s tenure. Only the Patriots are worse than them in 2017.

Pagano is clearly a fantastic motivator and an endearing character who is beloved within the organization. But, he isn’t the man to lead this team forward and capitalize on Luck’s prodigious talent in the best way.

Luck’s ability yearns for the mentorship and play calling of an elite offensive coach. It is the way to go in the modern game and there are a number of candidates who would fit the bill. However let’s leave the speculation to one side regarding that matter.

The more pressing matter is the outcome of this season. If Luck sits, the Colts likely win one or two more games at the most. In that case Pagano should, and probably will get fired.

However, if Luck plays and the team scrambles to a .500 season, Pagano could yet again survive by the skin of his teeth. This is not in the best interests of the franchise.

They need to move on and hire an offensive mind that takes this team to the next level in the style of Sean McVay in LA. Luck had his best year when Bruce Arians was in temporary charge.

It is obvious that this team would benefit from a similarly offensive leaning head coach.

It may be seen as tanking but if it achieves the desired outcome, it will be enormously influential to the future of this franchise. Pairing a top offensive coach with an elite quarterback like Luck will make the Colts a formidable force in the AFC once more.

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