When the Indianapolis Colts first acquired veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck in March of 2013, owner Jim Irsay gloried in the signing as one "that makes your pillow softer at night."
Although coach Chuck Pagano has made it clear that Andrew Luck's starting job is not jeopardy, the Colts are sleeping soundly with the 40-year-old Hasselbeck as their insurance policy.
"He's playing like a 22-year-old in terms of his excitement and passion to play," offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinksi said Thursday, via the team's official website. "I can't say enough about him and his performance."
Chudzinski has incorporated a lethal play-action attack, allowing Hasselbeck to flirt with career-best rate stats such as passing yards per game (255.8), passer rating (94.4) and completion percentage (64.7).
Appearing on Friday's edition of Around The NFL, NFL Media analyst Charley Casserly highlighted Hasselbeck's decision making and ability to see the field and get to the second receiver.
After knocking off the Jaguars, Texans, Falcons and Buccaneers, Hasselbeck faces his stiffest test to date in a potential shootout with Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers.
If Hasselbeck picks up his fifth win of the season in Pittsburgh, Irsay will feel a lot better about his team's prospects in a suddenly tight AFC South race.
