Pagano returns as Colts beat Texans

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - It was a storybook finish to what's become a very special season. With yet another come-from-behind win that not only keeps Houston winless in the Circle City and keep them from taking the top seed in the AFC, but it gives the Colts momentum while giving the game ball to their coach.

"What they've done over the course of the last 12 ball games,” said an emotional Chuck Pagano. “To watch them today go out there and do what they did, with nothing to gain. They didn't have anything to gain today. Wow, what a day."

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His quarterback made some special plays in a game he won’t soon forget.

"Guys really did not want to lose in his first game back and right before the playoffs starting. There had been talk about resting guys and not, but Coach Pagano is not of that mindset, and we're behind him 100 percent. We were glad we could go out and sort of fire on full cylinders," said Andrew Luck.

PHOTOS | Pagano returns to the sideline

Rush linebacker Robert Mathis agreed.

"Very emotional win. Guys decided we want to get it for coach, come in to play a game that many people thought was pointless and had no motivation behind us, very motivational to us."

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Reggie Wayne caught four balls and is as close to the coach as anyone on the roster.

"Coach Pagano's been talking to us about momentum and keeping our mojo and we wanted to do that. So today was a great test for us. Going up against a good team that beat us pretty good a couple of weeks ago, and being able to turn right around and play the same team and get a win."

"It's been an amazing ride and alot of emotion,” added Dwight Freeney, who may have played his last game at Lucas Oil Stadium as a Colt. “We've had some amazing wins, but this is just a stepping stone and we're not saying, okay, the season is over with. It's just starting for us."

Next up for the Colts is a visit to Baltimore against a defense Pagano led the past few years before coming to Indianapolis.