Written by Stephen Holder at USAToday.com
Chuck Pagano stood behind a microphone Saturday night and fielded a flurry of questions for which he had few answers.
What’s wrong with your offense?
Why can’t your team tackle?
Why are your players losing in the trenches?
So many questions, so few solutions.
And that is why it’s time to think outside the box. Granted, it’s only preseason, but the Indianapolis Colts’ coach needs to keep all possible courses of action on the table. Now is not the time to dismiss these issues as preseason matters that will be solved once the team begins to welcome back its many injured key players.
Now might be the time for big changes. After all, what does Pagano have to lose when another subpar season might cost him his job anyway?
We’re already starting to see some willingness by Pagano to think unconventionally. The Colts started Jeremy Vujnovich over Le’Raven Clark at right tackle in Saturday’s 24-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. When asked about the move, Pagano responded, “We’re just trying to find the best five (linemen). Vuni’s played good and earned the right to start this game.”
Pagano later referenced Clark’s “foolish” holding penalty in the third quarter, which won’t be helpful in his effort to regain his job.
While he’s at it, Pagano might take this opportunity to contemplate a couple of other dramatic changes.
It feels as if the time has come to completely reevaluate the quarterback situation. We do not have all the information regarding starting quarterback Andrew Luck’s status. But unless there’s a compelling reason to presume Luck’s shoulder will be healed in time to play in the Sept. 10 season opener, it feels irresponsible to ignore the worst-case scenario. If the Colts enter the regular season with a backup quarterback, nothing we’ve seen in training camp or the preseason has suggested Scott Tolzien should get the job by default.
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