The Indianapolis Colts held a players-only meeting last week in an attempt to block out the distractions that have arisen from the strained relationship between the coaching staff and front office, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star.
Among the players' chief concerns is that the front office has been making lineup decisions instead of the coaching staff, players speaking on the condition of anonymity told Holder.
There have been several instances in recent weeks, and dating back to last season, where players have approached head coach Chuck Pagano and his assistants with suggestions or requests, "only to be told they could not act on the ideas because of forces beyond their control," Holder reports.
Players are also concerned by the continued speculation about Pagano's future with the organization. Pagano is not under contract beyond 2015 and the Colts' 3-5 record puts him on the hot seat.
The meeting was called shortly before the firing of offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton - a move that stunned many Colts players, according to Holder. The intention wasn't to air grievances, but to refocus on football, and players told Holder that the message is getting through.
The Colts host the undefeated Denver Broncos on Sunday.
