How Chuck Pagano Actually Benefits From Andrew Luck Injury

Oct 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano in the first half during the NFL game against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

There is no getting around the fact that things don’t look good at present for the Indianapolis Colts.  Star quarterback Andrew Luck was declared out for the next 2-6 weeks of the season with injuries to his kidney (laceration) and abdomen (tear).  It looks like a potentially crippling blow for a team that had seemed to turn a corner after a huge win over the undefeated Denver Broncos on Sunday night.

Since then the news has gotten even darker.

Now the hopes of the franchise fall on the shoulders of Matt Hasselbeck.  Though he was able to go 2-0 earlier in the year with Luck sidelined, it’s fair to wonder if his 40-year old body can keep this team afloat over such an extended period of time.  Especially with games against Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Houston looming over the next month or so.

However, if there is one man who might see a bit of a silver lining to this otherwise tragic scenario, it’s head coach Chuck Pagano.  If ever there was an opportunity for him to virtually guarantee his securing of the head coaching job for another season beyond 2015, it would be leading a Luckless Colts team to a division title and fourth-straight playoff appearance.

Understand that not just a couple of weeks ago, everybody was certain Pagano was one bad loss away from getting fired.  That likely is what compelled him to dismiss offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton in favor of Rob Chudzinski, hoping it might jumpstart the offense.  It was a dangerous calculation that worked out well, but he never planned on losing Luck.

If ever Indianapolis was going to get a firm idea of who exactly they have as their head coach, it will be over this next month of games without their superstar under center.  If Pagano can deliver, his job will be safe.