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Pagano: Colts Still ‘Not Abandoning’ Two-Tight End Sets

By Luke Schultheis

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According to Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, his offense will still continue to run plays out of two and three tight end sets even with his seemingly loaded group of wideouts this season.

When asked whether his team would still utilize tight end friendly formations that have served them well in recent seasons, Pagano responded that the two, and even 3 tight end sets will remain a staple of the offense:

"“Always, yeah, always so we’re going to play everyone probably a little different,” said Pagano after Wednesday’s OTA practice. “Yeah, but we’re not going to abandon the two tight end sets, 3 tight end stuff.”"

It somewhat contrasts what offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton had joked about earlier this offseason after the selection of blazing fast wideout Phillip Dorsett:

Jul 29, 2013; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) stretches during the Indianapolis Colts training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

However, as deep and talented as this year’s wideout group appears to be, let’s not forget that the Colts still have two of the top young tight ends in all of football in Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener. Each of whom caught 8 touchdowns a piece for the team last season. Not to mention, the team still has a versatile jack-of-all-trades tight end in Jack Doyle (no pun intended) to play with them if need be.

Pagano is quite justified in asserting that his offense will still heavily feature its tight ends, no matter how strong his wideout group is.

Because his tight ends can play. 

The offense would be doing itself a major disservice if it didn’t heavily feature its talented tight ends as well. With their ability to throw out different formations with equally talented personnel, the Colts offense will be able to keep opposing defenses off-balance and continuously playing a guessing game. It’s like playing a chess game against an opponent with bishops instead of pawns.

When asked about the vast versatility of his potential offensive packages, and having been on the other end of it as a former defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens, Pagano replied:

"“It’s tough, and then when you start going uptempo with it, and jumping in and out, and then if you try to match personnel defensively,” said Pagano. “Especially for big guys, it’s hard enough playing 6-7 plays without running off the field and running back on the field. So, it’s tough. It’s tough for us to do when we face teams that do that and have that capability.”"

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