Bruce Arians backs LB Robert Mathis in Indianapolis Colts vs Miami Dolphins – NFL News
Indianapolis Colts’ makeshift head coach Bruce Arians has backed return of linebacker Robert Mathis to the side and said he is expected to infuse a new vigour in the team’s performance overall.
Bruce has replaced ill Chuck Pagano and has done rather well so far in the season but overall there was a concern of missing some of the key players as Mathis that could possibly hurt the team’s victory chances in the longer run.
He said about Mathis’ return to action:
"I think more than the play itself, the sacks, is the passion he brings to the game. Not to say the guys aren't giving everything they have, but he's got a special fervour, a special passion. He gave a great speech before the last home game and I thought
it was great the way he did it, the way he presented it, he challenged each guy. That heartbeat you can't replace."
The Colts have done rather well on the defensive line so far this season and expected availability of the linebacker will further consolidate its strength, a major plus for the team to better their record and most probably stay in contentions for the playoffs.
Bruce-led side is behind the American Football Conference (AFC) South division leaders the Houston Texans and consecutive wins can take them further ahead of the Tennessee Titans in the division and increase their prospects of reaching in the second round.
Mathis himself is upbeat about arrival of the opportunity. He said:
"That's the plan. Looking forward to being out there with the fellas again. I'm feeling pretty good. I'm itching to be out there."
He sat out the last game with a knee problem but now appears and have boasted to be hundred percent again. As the coach pointed out, his presence in the squad is great not for the sake of his own performance but for the sake of the entire team. He is the
most likeable member of the team and gets everyone going on the field. It is rare for the player that he has won backing of the coach.
Tags: