Bruce Arians was already in a tough spot, coordinating a Colts offense lacking in some very important features -- namely, an effective offensive line or run game.

Arians, who was hired primarily because of his record with young quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, has done excellent work with Andrew Luck.

As he prepares for his first game filling in for Chuck Pagano, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia, Arians said a lot of the right things and a lot of smart things in his conversation with Indianapolis media.

I’ve knitted some together via the tweets of beat writers.

#Colts Arians on not trying to win game for Pagano. "Chuck wouldn't want that. He doesn't want that extra pressure put on them."

— Phillip B Wilson (@pwilson24) October 3, 2012

To which I say: Smart. They’ve got enough to worry about without letting Pagano’s illness enter their minds while they are on the field.

Arians: We're all trained rabbits. We know what day it is by what we're doing. #Colts

— George Bremer (@gmbremer) October 3, 2012

#Colts Arians says his team's five-star players must show up Sunday against Packers.

— Phillip B Wilson (@pwilson24) October 3, 2012

To which I say: This is specifically for Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis and, yes, even Andrew Luck. Who else do we rate as five-star right now?

Arians: I'd probably get out of coaching if I couldn't call plays. That's all the fun. #Colts

— George Bremer (@gmbremer) October 3, 2012

#Colts Arians: Told team I'm not going tobulldoze you about how good G.Bay offense is. DC Greg Manusky handle that. He does great job

— Phil Richards (@PhilRichards6) October 3, 2012

Arians: I haven't got any concern about play calling and being the interim coach.

— Tom James (@TribStarTJames) October 3, 2012

To which I say: Here’s hoping it’s as easy a combo for him as he’s anticipating.

#Colts Arians will let Manusky run the defense. "What's the blitz where we send everybody? That's the only one I'll call."

— Reggie Hayes (@reggiehayes1) October 3, 2012

To which I say: I’m not expecting he’ll be on the headset calling for that any time Sunday against Aaron Rodgers considering two of the Colts’ top corners, Vontae Davis and Justin King, were not back to practice today.

arians says he spent 5 min looking at tape of the packers offense. Its colts defensive coordinator greg manuskys job to inform the team.

— Brittany Diehl (@brittanydiehl) October 3, 2012

#Colts Arians on C.Matthews: You can get overwhelmed trying to chip n help. Can't overly concern self. Get receivers out quick and throw it

— Phil Richards (@PhilRichards6) October 3, 2012

To which I say: It’s the best blocking scheme for a top rusher like Matthews -- simply don’t set yourselves up to have to block him for very long.

#Colts Arians doesn't want too many assistants doing more than usual. Trying to keep business as usual as possible without Pagano.

— Phillip B Wilson (@pwilson24) October 3, 2012