Bruce Arians Keeping Indianapolis Colts Focused In Practice

The Indianapolis Colts started off their 2012 NFL campaign with as solid of a performance as you can put together. The Colts opened up the preseason with a 38-3 whooping of the St. Louis Rams. After the win, Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians took it upon himself to make sure the team kept focus the next day at practice.

“I thought we were very lackluster in practice today, especially the rookies,” Arians said.  “I think they read the paper, fiddled-farted around out here, had a really poor practice.

“Eventually, I thought they came out and practiced real well.  But mostly, the rookies, especially the receivers had a very poor day.  We can’t be up and down with those guys.  You’ve got to come out and practice every single day and not live on your laurels.  You won’t have laurels very long.”

While Arians was making sure that the team kept focus, he made sure that rookie quarterback Andrew Luck was getting the credit that he deserved for his brilliant performance in his NFL debut.

“His poise, his excitement for the game,” Arians said regarding the things that impressed him about Luck.  “He was great on the sideline.  Nothing surprises me about him anymore.  I kind of expect it now and I think it surprised other people.  I would have anticipated anything else from him, not a touchdown on the first play.”

Luck’s next outing will be against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game will be a homecoming for Arians as well. Arians was the Steelers wide receivers coach from 2004-2006 and offensive coordinator from 2007-2011.

If Arians can keep the offense focused, they have the talent in place to mature quickly and become a solid, young unit in the league.