Colts' Pagano: Luck can't play like a linebacker

After an injury-plagued 2015 campaign, Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano wants to see quarterback Andrew Luck take a more cautious approach to his style of play.

During an interview with NFL Media's Judy Battista, Pagano said some of the hits Luck takes while fighting for extra yards can be avoided.

"He's a competitive guy. He plays the position like a linebacker, with a linebacker's mentality," Pagano said. "He can't do that all the time. We love how he can extend plays, but he's got to be smart and know it's OK to slide. You don't have to take some of those hits."

Luck was limited to seven games last season because of a shoulder injury, lacerated kidney, and torn abdominal muscle. Pagano said that keeping Luck healthy will be key to improving upon the Colts' 8-8 finish.

"No. 1. Get him healthy. Keep him healthy. Keep him protected. Keep him upright," Pagano said. "He obviously understands, going through what he went through in not being there for those nine weeks, he's learned a lot, sitting there on the sidelines and being away being out."