INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 18: Head coach Chuck Pagano of the Indianapolis Colts reacts on the sideline during a game against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Patriots defeated the Colts 34-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
While the rest of the football world remains fixated on the Colts' botched fake punt attempt in last Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, Indianapolis head coach Chuck Pagano said Wednesday it's time to move on.
Pagano attempted to address the controversy one last time before turning his attention to Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.
"I categorically reject any criticism of the players or coaches on (the fake punt play)," Pagano said, per ESPN's Mike Wells. "I take full responsibility. Because of our culture, character of men in the locker room. We'll overcome this. We've been though big things. Our total focus is on New Orleans. It's over. That's all. It's over."
With the Colts trailing 27-21 in the third quarter Sunday, the team attempted a fake punt with wide receiver Griff Whalen snapping the ball to safety Colt Anderson. New England wasn't fooled and Anderson was tackled immediately, giving the Patriots the ball in Indianapolis territory.
Pagano said after the game the mishap was a result of communication problems, with punter Pat McAfee explaining later in the week that Whalen, who was filling in for the injured Clayton Geathers on the play, was unaware the objective was to draw the Patriots offsides.
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