Exclusive: Colts' leaders try to galvanize unsettled locker room

Indianapolis Colts team leaders called a players-only meeting last week to urge teammates to block out distractions stemming from the turmoil between their coaches and the front office, according to multiple players.

Players and coach Chuck Pagano have insisted the locker room was the one place unaffected by the internal issues that continue at Colts headquarters. But, over time, concern among players has grown, with some feeling they were beginning to be personally affected and such a meeting was necessary to try and salvage the season.

The players, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the delicate nature of the situation inside Colts headquarters, outlined a number of concerns.

Chief among them: coach Chuck Pagano and his staff are being directed to follow lineup decisions — usually the coaches' prerogative — made by the front office, something numerous NFL sources confirmed. This has been a recurring source of irritation for Pagano and his coaches.During the past several weeks, and even dating to last season, there have been instances in which, sources said, players approached Pagano or his assistants with suggestions or requests, only to be told they could not act on the ideas because of forces beyond their control.

Another concern noted by players is the continued speculation about the future of Pagano, who does not have a contract beyond 2015 and was involved in an unproductive contract negotiation with the club during the offseason. Pagano is still seen as being at risk of firing if results don't improve — the Colts are a disappointing 3-5 halfway through the season — though the move to oust offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton this week might buy Pagano some time.

But the Colts' team leaders did not call players together to gripe. It was an effort to galvanize a locker room that has been witness to months of reports about conflict between Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson. That has resulted in rumors and speculation spreading through the locker room — an unhealthy environment for a team trying to crawl out of a hole.

So, the Colts' leaders — among them linebackers D'Qwell Jackson and Robert Mathis — have been trumpeting the need to ignore distractions and focus on football. The word is getting through, players said.

The message was timely. It came shortly before this week's move to oust Hamilton, who was replaced Tuesday by associate head coach Rob Chudzinski. Many players were stunned by the move, and presumably some won't like it.

That's why, right now, the efforts being undertaken by the team's leaders are so important.

The Colts are preparing to host the undefeated Denver Broncos on Sunday (4:25 p.m., CBS), a team led by quarterback Peyton Manning and the NFL's top-ranked defense. It's a pivotal game for the Colts, who have lost three straight and are in danger or falling out of first place in the AFC South.

Follow Star reporter Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.