Andrew Luck: Will Chuck Pagano's Absence Stunt Young QB's Growth?

Chuck Pagano is a renowned defensive mind, but he began his head coaching career with the Indianapolis Colts, coaching arguably the most polished quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning in Andrew Luck. 

Now, Pagano is battling leukemia and will spend several months undergoing treatment in a local hospital while Luck comes off the bye week and looks to build on an impressive start to his rookie campaign. 

The question is, what effect will Pagano's absence have on the Colts' franchise quarterback in such an important developmental period in his career?

With Pagano away from the team, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has taken over Indy's head coaching duties.  

He was integral in Ben Roethlisberger's growth from a game-manager to one of the more underrated gun-slingers in football, and slowly morphed the typically run-heavy Pittsburgh Steelers into an explosive downfield passing offense. 

As the head guy, Arians won't have nearly as much time to solely focus on Luck's maturation process, but at least the Stanford alum has his offensive coach and play-caller on the sidelines. 

So, Luck shouldn't be hindered without Pagano as the head man. 

Arians being able to focus on getting Luck to reach his potential and continually improving the Colts offense would be ideal for Indy's signal-caller, but the fact that he has bigger, more general team responsibilities won't limit Luck's acclimation process.

Though his Colts are being dominated by the Green Bay Packers at home this afternoon, Luck hasn't struggled. 

Even with Pagano dealing with a serious disease, Luck's growth shouldn't be stunted, especially with Arians calling the shots in the Circle City. 

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