Pagano implies Colts’ loss on QB Luck


Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback (15) Andrew Luck fumbles the ball against New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback (15) Andrew Luck fumbles the ball against New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

INDIANAPOLIS — In two games, Andrew Luck has six turnovers, and the Indianapolis Colts own two losses.

Head coach Chuck Pagano spread the blame around for Monday’s loss to the New York Jets, and there was an arrow directed at Luck.

“He’s got to take care of the football. Make great decisions, take care of the football. It’s not that hard. It’s not trigonometry,” Pagano said.

Luck fumbled into the endzone was intercepted three times. The Jets said Monday night they turned Luck into a pedestrian passer by cranking up the pressure. Pagano dismissed that strategy as any momentous development.

He was 7 of 18 facing pressure Monday night, according to Pro Football Focus.

“He has been dealing with that for three years now,” Pagano said.

Habitual slow starts, an issue for the Colts under Pagano, continue. The Colts are scoreless in the first half this season. New additions Andre Johnson (seven receptions, 51 yards) and Frank Gore (23 carries, 88 yards) haven’t contributed as expected and Luck has a 54.7 completion percentage. His passer rating under pressure is just 35.4.