Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said he hadn't decided yet on who he will start against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, with star signal-caller Andrew Luck still out. Scott Tolzien started in their 46-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, completing nine of 18 passes for 128 yards and two interceptions for a quarterback rating of 33.8. Pagano then inserted Jacoby Brissett late in the game, completing two of three passes for 51 yards. “I have not made a decision,” Pagano said when asked about his Week 2 starter. “We'll work both guys, just like last week.”
The Colts recently traded former first-round wideout Phillip Dorsett to the Patriots for Jacoby Brissett, who started twice in place of starter Tom Brady last season, going 1-1 by throwing for 400 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Colts traded for Brissett as they were concerned about Tolzien’s ability to lead the team to victory in the absence of Luck. In his short stint against the Rams, Brissett received praise from Pagano, who said that the quarterback “has got a sense of calm to him, poise.” Pagano also praised Brissett’s physical trait, especially his 6-foot-4 height and 235-pound frame.
Smith expects this season to be his last with Chiefs
Alex Smith has been the Kansas City Chiefs’ starter in the past four years, and he believes that this season will be his last with the team, with the arrival of rookie Patrick Mahomes. NFL.com reported that Smith said that “without a doubt,” this will be his final year with the Chiefs, who acquired him from the San Francisco 49ers in 2013.
The following year, Smith signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Chiefs, including an $18 million signing bonus and $45 million in guaranteed money. The Chiefs can save $17 million by releasing Smith next year. In their 42-27 win over the defending Super Bowl champions New England Patriots, Smith went 28-for-35 for 368 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.
Eli Manning eases fears of Giants fans
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning said fans don’t need to worry after their 19-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in their season opener. "First game. Guys were playing fast, got some new guys out there, some new bodies, so we'll bounce back. We'll be fine," said Manning, per NFL.com. Manning completed 29 of 38 passes for 220 yards and an interception as the Giants played without top receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Manning went to Roger Lewis and Shane Vereen as his top targets against the Cowboys. Lewis caught four passes for 54 yards while Vereen received nine throws for 51 yards.
