Indianapolis Colts hail ill Chuck Pagano’s replacement Bruce Arians as hero – NFL News
The Indianapolis Colts are hailing makeshift coach Bruce Arians as a hero of their cause to victories, which they said was the goal and mission of ill coach Chuck Pagano.
Pagano has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is hospitalised, while Bruce has replaced him as a head coach on an interim basis and since he has taken over the role the Colts have recorded some consecutive wins.
Colts players while giving credit of the wins to Arians said he has helped them to carry on the mission of their ill coach and that he has done the job excellently.
Outside linebacker Robert Mathis said
"I call him the MVP of our team because he came in and kept things churning along. He's making sure we take care of Chuck's legacy."
Outside linebacker Dwight Freeney added:
"He's done a good job keeping us focused on what our mission is, what our objective is. He doesn't stray far from what Chuck wants. It's kind of a two-sided monster -- it's Chuck being there and him (Arians) keeping that ship well-oiled and maintained."
The Colts are 6-3 in the season now, and most of the wins have come with Bruce in charge of coaching affairs. The official was in tears when the illness of his boss was disclosed and vowed that he would make sure the team’s success in honour of Chuck Pagano.
He also was able to fulfil his dream of coaching his own team and although he did not like the way the opportunity had presented itself to him, he has performed the role remarkably well.
Bruce can also be given credit to help the side to stage a turnaround from the two-win 2011 season. Not only they have managed to do well, but a possibility of reaching the playoffs has started emerging seriously for them.
Meanwhile, Chuck Pagano has been fighting his illness successfully. The doctors have said that first phase of chemotherapy was positive and at present he is under second phase of the therapy. After the first phase, Pagano watched a Colts’ game from the coaches’
box and was greatly cheered by Colts fans and other spectators.
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