Pagano on Landry: “He’s Got to Be an Enforcer”
By Evan Massey
Nov 24, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano (right) talks to safety LaRon Landry (30) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Colts 40-11. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts’ secondary looked much better last week than they have in quite some time, and the entire defense as a whole looked much improved. LaRon Landry is one of the primary leaders for the defense, and he is going to have to play a much better season this year than he did last season in his first year with the Colts. Head coach Chuck Pagano came out and made some comments about what he needs and expects from Landry this season.
“He’s got to be an enforcer back there. He’s got to be a dominant football player, which he’s done and will continue to do. We need all those (safeties). We need more interceptions out of all of them. Just make the plays you’re supposed to make.”
Those words are very encouraging for Colts fans to read, as it shows that Pagano is more than confident in Landry’s abilities. Landry is excited about the upcoming season, and believes that he will be able to improve off of last season. He was signed to bring his leadership abilities to the Colts’ defense, and be that hard hitting enforcer that Pagano mentioned in his quote.
Landry also spoke a bit to the media about what he expects from himself and how he views the upcoming season.
“I’m my toughest critic. I’m toughest on myself. It’s never good enough for me. It’s never perfect. I’m a perfectionist. Ain’t nobody perfect but God. But you can fall short and be great. That’s what I focus on.”
When everything is said and done, the Colts believe that their defense is going to take a major step forward and Landry will be a big part of it. He has the ability to change games with his hard hitting and ability to drop back in coverage, but he has to make sure to stay very vocal as a leader as well. It’s going to be a very interesting season to watch the Colts’ defense, and see if these improvements can last for the entire season.