2014 | 11-5 | Lost AFC championship game

Pagano’s path: The Colts won the AFC South for the second straight year after repeating their 6-0 record against division opponents. Then they won two playoff games. But the Patriots ended their season again, exposing the defense’s personnel shortcomings. Their D-line was bullied in the 45-7 defeat. The Colts gave up 177 rushing yards — a beatdown similar to the 2013 playoffs. “If you can’t dominate the line of scrimmage, you’re going to have a long, hard day,” Pagano said afterward. Without Mathis (Achilles injury), the Colts lacked a consistent pass rush.