Colts look to extend season for Pagano

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - After picking up a win at home over Buffalo, the Colts hit the road this Sunday bound for Detroit.  A few more wins and this team will be seriously talking playoffs. But it’s not about winning in the post season, it’s about extending the season for head coach Chuck Pagano.

“Each game has become more important,” said interim head coach Bruce Arians. “Our goal is in sight. As long as we stay within the moment, we’ll be playing when he comes back and that has always been our goal, since he got sick, to extend the season.”

And oddly enough, it’s Coach Pagano’s illness that has bonded this group.

“It causes everybody to get together and that’s very important. We’re real close this year than most years around here,” said rush linebacker Dwight Freeney. “Obviously, unfortunate circumstances but it brings guys together.”

“Coach built a great foundation before he had to take this leave,” added quarterback Andrew Luck. “I think a big focus of ours is making sure we stay on that same path. I think every week, win or loss, forging character, if you will, in trying to be that team he wants us to be.”

Physically, the team gets a boost this week. Cornerback Vontae Davis and tight end Coby Fleener practiced today and are expected to return. Coach Arians, however, doesn’t expect them to get a ton of action in Sunday’s game.