Indianapolis Colts Football

WHO KNOWS?

Ryan Grigson was very much at home Thursday talking about his football team to approximately 30 media members surrounding the podium at which he was located.

Grigson talked openly about his team.  He was in a good mood because he was in the environment he loves the most – scouting for talent.

What a difference for Grigson from last year, when he was at a podium a few feet away not being able to speak in specific terms about very many matters.

Yesterday, he took a wide range of questions, even a hypothetical or two.  It was an informative and fun give-and-take.

Grigson mentioned that he feels Chuck Pagano is back to being “Chuck,” and that one of his duties last year was to keep tabs to make sure the ill coach did not push himself back to the worksite too quickly.

Grigson also was asked if the team’s success had anything to do with Pagano’s illness.

“There’s no doubt with Chuck being ill it galvanized our team, and it really brought us together.  Maybe sooner?  No one really knows.  Maybe sooner than it would have had he not (been ill),” said Grigson to a question where there is no ironclad answer.

What Grigson knows is he has a football coach who reaches players.  Pagano is a field leader who provokes positive responses from his troops.

Pagano also established a foundation from which the team did not deviate in his 12-game absence.

“I feel we stayed to the plan when Chuck got sick,” said Grigson.  “Bruce stuck to the plan, and I feel that’s why we were successful.  I feel we laid as strong a foundation as possible because of what Chuck implemented from day one.”

Grigson and Pagano are taking their second trip around the block together.  The 11-5 walk in 2012 was not easy, but it was fun.

Part of what made it so was the type of players the duo attracted and influenced.  They are back at it.

“I know this, we look for the same type of guys this year that we looked for last year, guys that play snap-to-whistle.  Guys that buy into Chuck’s philosophy, and that’s to play hard, physical, get in your book, do the right thing,” said Grigson.  “All the things that make you great, that’s what we’re going to continue to do.

“I think we’re in a good place in terms of our culture and philosophy being intact going into next season.”