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INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano is known for his easy-going personality. But after his Colts squad dropped to 0-2 in the preseason after Saturday night's loss at Dallas, Pagano's Mr. Nice Guy persona is starting to show a few cracks.
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In the loss to the Cowboys, Indianapolis continued to be its own worst enemy with ill-timed penalties and inconsistent play.
"We know we've got a lot to work on. We'll look at the tape and evaluate the young guys. We only had one penalty in the first half. We had a bunch called in the first game, we made an emphasis on trying to clean that up. We had one in the first half and got a little sloppy in the second half," Pagano said.
The Colts offense continues to sputter and the defense, which showed some promise in the preseason loss to Detroit last week, may have taken a step back.
"We can't do that. Run defense, we didn't tackle very good. We gave up too many rush yards. If we can't get that fixed, it's going to be a long year. So we've got to go to work on that. And, you've got to be able to move the ball, offensively. Put together some drives, get first downs, move the ball down the field and put points on the board. If you can't put points on the board, it's going to be hard to win games."
With Andrew Luck still in rehab mode, Scott Tolzien got the start at quarterback and played most of the first half before giving way to undrafted rookie Phillip Walker. Stephen Morris finished up and led Indianapolis to its only offensive touchdown of the game.
Of the three quarterbacks who have played in the first two preseason games, Morris has appeared to be the most consistent. Observers continue to wonder if the former Miami signal-caller will be given an opportunity to start in the preseason and see how he does with the first-team offense.
When asked about the quarterback position, Pagano used the opportunity to take his team to task.
"Like I told the team, (Morris is) a great pro. We went in and said, 'This is what we're going to do: Scott's going to be in at one. We're going to move Phillip Walker up and let him get the lion's share with the twos, and (Morris) is going to come in and play in the fourth quarter,'" the Colts' coach explained.
"He's done it the last two weeks. He's kept his head down, didn't say a word. Great attitude, come to work every single day. It isn't luck. Preparation meets opportunity and that's why you succeed. He could have went the other way, but that's not him. He's a pro. He's a man. We need a lot more grown men in that locker room, a lot more grown men on this football team."
It's understandable why Pagano is not pleased with what he's seen through the first two weeks of the preseason. Injuries are part of the problem, with the Colts missing several key players from the offensive and defensive lineups.
"We're evaluating what's out there. We're missing some guys. It's been a little bit of a challenge to get some continuity, some chemistry with any of the guys," he explained.
If there has been a bright spot in the matchups with Detroit and Dallas, it's been the ability of the Colts defense to force turnovers. Indianapolis has come up with three turnovers in the two games and scored on a fumble return against the Cowboys.
"We made it a huge emphasis, obviously. We were one of the worst teams in the league a year ago as far as taking the ball away; 25th, 26th, 27th. Whatever it was. We made a huge emphasis on it with the coaches. We've been practicing it," Pagano said.
"Charting strip attempts, fumble recoveries, picking up loose balls day after day after day and it's paying off. Right now, we're going to have to create some short fields for our offense. Give them more opportunities to put some points on the board."
The offense will get an opportunity to show improvement when the Colts play at Pittsburgh Saturday night.
Notes: Rookie running back Marlon Mack made his NFL debut against the Cowboys and showed a lot of promise. Mack's ability to make people miss while also being a viable pass receiving option bodes well for the regular season. "I thought he was outstanding. He's going to be a heck of a football player. I think he averaged nine yards a carry. Made a couple of nice catches," head coach Chuck Pagano said. ... Rookie cornerback Quincy Wilson (knee) was hurt against the Cowboys and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. The injury is not thought to be serious. His status for the Steelers game has not been determined. ... Inside linebacker Jeremiah George (hamstring) left the Dallas game in the second half and did not return. George did not practice Monday. He is not expected to play Saturday night at Pittsburgh. ... Cornerback Tevin Mitchel (abdominal) was hurt against the Cowboys in the second half and was sidelined for the rest of the night. Mitchell was held out of Monday's workout. He probably won't be available to the Steelers Saturday night.
Defensive end Margus Hunt blocked a field-goal attempt in the Dallas game. Hunt made a name for himself while with the Cincinnati Bengals as a kick blocker. ... Rookie safety Malik Hooker remains sidelined with a shoulder injury. Hooker has not practiced since the end of last week's preseason game with Detroit. ... Wide receiver Chester Rogers continues to nurse a hamstring injury. He had been held out of practice once last Monday. He probably won't play at Pittsburgh Saturday night.
