INDIANAPOLIS – After a strenuous week of preparation and execution, Colts players earned an off day on Friday.
The Colts will have a mini-bye week this weekend and will enjoy it with a 4-2 record before Cincinnati (3-1) comes to Lucas Oil Stadium next Sunday.
Here are a few headlines from Chuck Pagano's conference call on Friday afternoon:
Chuck Pagano on the first six games of the season:
"When you look back at the first two weeks of the season and then you look at where we are at now, I'm just really proud of the guys and the staff and what they've been able to accomplish.
"We've got a long way to go."
Bowen's Analysis:* *After an 0-2 start, the Colts couldn't have scripted a better month-stretch following those two one-possession losses against two of the game's elite. The four-game winning streak has come with a ton of promise in each and every unit.
Now, the Colts will have 10 days off and Pagano said it will be nice for the team to heal up and get some guys back. This time also provides for some self-scouting to see where the Colts can get better with the next four games coming against four teams all over .500 (Bengals, at Steelers, at Giants and Patriots).
Chuck Pagano on the return of Jim Irsay:
"Obviously, it's great to know that he's going to be back full-time with us in the building.
"I know he's extremely excited with where we're at and the big win obviously yesterday."
Bowen's Analysis: Pagano immediately addressed it in his post game locker room speech that the Colts would get their boss back on Friday. Irsay's six-game suspension is done and now the Colts Owner can return to the team facility. Of course, the always engaging owner took to Twitter on Friday afternoon
Chuck Pagano on the play of center Jon Harrison:
"Jon's played well. He played well last night.
"He's tough. He's strong. He's a smart guy."
Bowen's Analysis: This offseason, I don't think many people expected to see a starting line of Joe Reitz, Jonotthan Harrison and Lance Louis in Week Six of the regular season. That was the case on Thursday night though and the line played well considering the immense challenge across the ball in a hostile environment.
As far as Harrison, physically there doesn't appear to be any issues from his ability to hold up at this level. A few communication errors are the lone worry going forward. We are starting to see some depth created in the interior and Pagano said the staff will continue to evaluate things going forward across the offensive line.
