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Colts Pagano on Tight Ends: ‘The ‘Shoe Got to Get Them Involved’

By Luke Schultheis

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Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano knows that his offense has to get its talented tight ends, namely Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener more involved within the offense:

"“That’s on us,” said Pagano Wednesday. “We’ve got to do a better job in getting them involved.”“We’re a team,” replied Pagano regarding who’s to blame. “It’s on the horseshoe. Put it on the ‘shoe. The ‘shoe got to get them involved.”"

The Colts tight end duo was held without a reception in Monday’s loss to the New York Jets. In fact, in two games, both Allen and Fleener have combined for just 4 receptions for 22 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.

Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Colts 27 to 14. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

To put that in perspective, through the 1st 2 games of last season, the tight end tandem had combined for 8 receptions for 98 yards and 1 touchdown–showing that their utilization is clearly down this season.

A big reason why is because the Colts are playing with more 3 and 4-wideout sets due to the offseason additions of Andre Johnson and Phillip Dorsett. While the offense should play to its strengths–with wide receiver clearly being one of them, it can’t abandon its two tight end sets all together either.

The team has had a lot of success in the passing game with its tight ends in the past, and 2-tight end formations place quarterback Andrew Luck in a familiar comfort zone dating back to his time at Stanford.

It’s worth noting that last season, Allen and Fleener combined for 80 receptions, 1,169 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns, so getting them more involved is clearly key for the offense to get back on track.

Of course, the Colts can’t utilize it’s two tight end sets this weekend against the Titans, if both tight ends aren’t healthy. Right now, Allen is “day-to-day” with an ankle injury and did not practice Wednesday, so his injury situation is well-worth monitoring as the week progresses.

Next: Colts at Titans Injury Report: Vontae Davis Limited With Concussion

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