Ballard season end press conference

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Comments from Ballard's season end press conference:

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481673333406146561

Ballard: The expectations are higher, and they should be because Frank and I have been together for 4 years.

We got our ass beat in Jacksonville.

Ultimately, that falls on me. Can’t point fingers.


https://twitter.com/zkeefer/status/1481675714403393548

"We embarrassed ourselves. Embarrassed our owner. Embarrassed our city." — Colts GM Chris Ballard

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481674021448130564

Ballard says it’s not just about the loss in Jacksonville, there were other games that the Colts let slip away, should have won those.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481683580657061890

Ballard stands firmly behind Frank Reich: “He’s a good head coach. Four years here, three winning seasons, and the losing season was my fault.”

Essentially says he doesn’t see how somebody would question Reich as a head coach. “We’re lucky to have him.”

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481676080096362502

Ballard, asked if he needs to make changes to the way he’s built the roster: “I still believe you have to be good up front. You have to be good on the o-line, d-line, and the QB has to play good football.”

https://twitter.com/zkeefer/status/1481676832428732425

Ballard on QB Carson Wentz: "At the time (of the trade), we felt it was the right decision. I’m not going to make a comment on who is going to be here next year and who isn't ... I thought Carson did some good things, and I thought there are some things he needs to do a lot better."

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481678062190317575

Ballard says one of his messages to Wentz was: “Let’s make the layups.”

Cites the Arizona throw as great, but he doesn’t need to make the big play all the time.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481678222127415296

Ballard, asked if Wentz can fix his tendency to always go for the big play, says that’s something the Colts have to work through in their evaluation.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481679132589277186

Ballard: “We’ve got a lot of good players and a lot of good pieces. You’ve got to have stability at the QB position, and he has to play up to his potential.” Says he’s not blaming everything on Wentz, but he has to acknowledge the importance of the position.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481684487113261063

Ballard downplaying the idea that Wentz’s cap hit would keep the Colts from doing whatever they want to do.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481680604500537344

Ballard: “Left tackle is what the left tackle is. We short-term fixed it, we need a long-term solution. We might have to short-term fix it again.”

Says tight end position group needs some work.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481688823847346184

Colts won’t move LG Quenton Nelson to left tackle. Says “Why would you move a Hall of Fame Guard?”

Does say it’s possible that OL Matt Pryor could be an answer at left tackle.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481685200086130692

Ballard says Colts want Quenton Nelson to be in Indy long-term.

“Quenton’s a Colt”

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481680425466609668

Word on WR TY Hilton and TE Jack Doyle is essentially what we knew already. It’s going to take some time.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481682367043493888

Ballard does say it’s fair to wonder how to maximize RB Jonathan Taylor’s longevity, given how special he is and the well-documented issue of too many carries leading to injury.

Says Colts will lean on RB Nyheim Hines as the No. 2.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481682709785235457

Ballard on CB Rock Ya-Sin’s injury: “I think he might have to undergo a procedure, but it’s not major.”

Says he doesn’t think Colts have any “major” injuries heading into offseason.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1481685936182284289

Ballard says WR Mike Strachan is super-talented, but “he just wasn’t ready.”

Essentially says Strachan couldn’t make the adjustments, read defenses the way he needed to

[Hoopsdoc]

That’s quite a bit less than a ringing endorsement of Wentz. Which is encouraging.

If they try starting Pryor at left tackle I’m going find Ballard and kick him in the balls.

[Oldcolt]

His tone when he discussed Wentz would not make me comfortable if I were Wentz. From Wentz' previous history of being so mentally fragile it will be interesting to see how the douche reacts. It sound like no decision on Wentz has been made (a good thing) but I would guess that Ballard is leaning towards cutting him (just my take) but how Wentz reacts will have a huge bearing on it. Ballard took a chance, knew it was a chance and it didn't work out as any of us wanted.

[Brylok]

I'm starting to get tired of Ballard. It's been five years and we haven't even won the division. We're turning into the Pacers.

[ChoppedWood]

I'm starting to get tired of Ballard. It's been five years and we haven't even won the division. We're turning into the Pacers.

Big Lots is still Big Lots no matter the nice couches and yard amenities you put in the front of the store.

Dude loves him some Big Lots furniture and isn't concerned that the table legs snap after 3 months of use.

He needs to go too.

[rcubed]

thanks for putting that together. I watched/listened and my takeaways were:

Ballard (and probably reich) are not happy with the wentz experiment. The "make the layups" comment was very telling imo. He mentioned asking the honest and hard questions, about stability at QB position and although its a team game that particular position is crucial. On the flip side, ballard also talked about our rush to cancel someone based on a failure and not to make emotional decisions. This makes me think they will take a hard look at replacing wentz but will most likely come down to what options are available to them.

He is scared of burning JT out. Mentioned that to win the QB will need to make passes, cant strictly rely on run game. Also specifically talked how hines needs more touches, even quoted numbers.

The comments on LT means to me they will not be handing fisher a long term contract.

I did not really like his comments on the receivers. He seems to think more highly of the non-pittman receivers than many of us.

I thought the moment he mentioned Luck, quickly realized the situation and joking said he wont field any questions, was pretty humorous.

Although he said there will not really be a FA philosophy change, I felt like he realizes he may need to dip into that well a bit more.

[ChaosTheory]

Haven't listened yet, but just reading the excerpts... I'm glad he seems firm on Reich and Nelson, acknowledges Wentz being an issue not worth committing to, and seems to acknowledge Fisher isn't the answer at LT.

[DragonTails]

Big Lots is still Big Lots no matter the nice couches and yard amenities you put in the front of the store.

Dude loves him some Big Lots furniture and isn't concerned that the table legs snap after 3 months of use.

He needs to go too.

And they could afford better furniture but they keep carrying that surplus to the next year. I guess it makes them feel all warm and good inside. (That's what she said)

[ChoppedWood]

And they could afford better furniture but they keep carrying that surplus to the next year. I guess it makes them feel all warm and good inside. (That's what she said)

Spot on

[CletusPyle]

I think Chris Ballard read Donnie Walsh's book entitled "Owners Love Winners, Even Without Championships"!:D

[Discflinger]

I think that we were pretty close to reaching the cap this year.

[HoosierinFL]

I think Chris Ballard read Donnie Walsh's book entitled "Owners Love Winners, Even Without Championships"!:D

More like Donnie Baker. We have a good team I swear to god

[Chromeburn]

“Let’s make the layups.”
-Ballard to Wentz


After his comments, you can't think that Wentz is going to be back.

[Dewey 5]

Blah blah bullshit bullshit blah

Let’s see what you do to fix your fuck ups.

[ChoppedWood]

“Let’s make the layups.”
-Ballard to Wentz


After his comments, you can't think that Wentz is going to be back.

Bet he is. Bet him and Frank got together and he showed Frank here Fisher missed this block and how Hines didn't chip right and how Doyle should have blocked down but went into the flat etc...

And then Frank went to Irsay directly and told him to release everyone but Carson.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

And they could afford better furniture but they keep carrying that surplus to the next year.

What surplus????

The Colts had to restructure Ryan Kelly's deal at the start of the season and TY Hilton's contract during the season just to stay under the cap.

This year was a bit unusual, however, because the salary cap unexpectedly dropped about $16M due to COVID-19.

[Oldcolt]

I guess I must have listened to a different presser than most of the freaks. I thought Ballard was pissed beyond belief. He was entirely appropriate both emotionally and factually. The fact that he is getting ripped for how this team is built and still won't back down will piss some off, I love it. He has a developed philosophy that he believes in. It provides continuity for a team over the long haul. Won't make decisions until he has calmed down. Another excellent trait. I'm looking forward to the off season. It will be interesting and controversial no matter what we do. I still like the guy as the GM, a lot.

[rcubed]

I guess I must have listened to a different presser than most of the freaks. I thought Ballard was pissed beyond belief. He was entirely appropriate both emotionally and factually. The fact that he is getting ripped for how this team is built and still won't back down will piss some off, I love it. He has a developed philosophy that he believes in. It provides continuity for a team over the long haul. Won't make decisions until he has calmed down. Another excellent trait. I'm looking forward to the off season. It will be interesting and controversial no matter what we do. I still like the guy as the GM, a lot.
agree. well said.

[ChoppedWood]

Well this seems to fly in the face of the "we're lucky to have him" comment re: Frank.

The Colts played with the lead for more minutes than some of the top Super Bowl contenders — but missed the playoffs.

They played with the lead for 562 minutes this season, more than the Packers (521) or Titans (490), the top seeds in their respective conferences. The Colts managed to lose games where they had leads of 19 (Ravens), 14 (Titans) and 10 (Buccaneers).

[JAFF]

Ballard took the blame and laid out what needs to be done. First part is hard personally. The second will be hard due to the salary cap/rules. Its not impossible. The wildcards are people and their ability to meet expectations

[Racehorse]

Bet he is. Bet him and Frank got together and he showed Frank here Fisher missed this block and how Hines didn't chip right and how Doyle should have blocked down but went into the flat etc...

And then Frank went to Irsay directly and told him to release everyone but Carson.

Sorry, but you are a moron.

[Racehorse]

Well this seems to fly in the face of the "we're lucky to have him" comment re: Frank.

The Colts played with the lead for more minutes than some of the top Super Bowl contenders — but missed the playoffs.

They played with the lead for 562 minutes this season, more than the Packers (521) or Titans (490), the top seeds in their respective conferences. The Colts managed to lose games where they had leads of 19 (Ravens), 14 (Titans) and 10 (Buccaneers).

And some morons (you) are saying that Ballard needs to go. :rolleyes:

[ChaosTheory]

I guess I must have listened to a different presser than most of the freaks.

I just finished listening and sure enough... tone and inflection make a difference. I actually thought he sounded even more disappointed and resigned than it read. Resigned to the fact that they took a shot with Wentz and it didn't work. And even further; the way he talked about Wentz's problems made them sound like uncoachable mental issues. Reading the transcript made it seem like he was saying the opposite.

Also, he likes our D scheme and made a compelling case for it going from Indy back to Chicago. Big issue is pass rush (no surprise) and corner.

Also likes our WRs. And after watching Warner's film study, for that game at least, they did seem like they were getting open more than I expected. Brought up how Luck and Rivers did so well with Reich's system by, among other things, getting the ball out quickly. Another specific indictment of Wentz.

[apballin]

I watched it,

Dudes a stand up straight up guy and I respect it

Says he’s not changing the type of players he goes after and he does go after free agents but he’s not gonna over pay it all depends on the player

I know JMV has been talking about moving Nelson to LT for awhile now and that was funny he was definitely taking a shot at JMV with the comment about why would you move a hall of fame guard I was laughing my ass off

I get the feeling if they can get a better QB somehow then Wentz is done I’m not sure about contracts and trades and all that

[Hoopsdoc]

I guess I must have listened to a different presser than most of the freaks. I thought Ballard was pissed beyond belief. He was entirely appropriate both emotionally and factually. The fact that he is getting ripped for how this team is built and still won't back down will piss some off, I love it. He has a developed philosophy that he believes in. It provides continuity for a team over the long haul. Won't make decisions until he has calmed down. Another excellent trait. I'm looking forward to the off season. It will be interesting and controversial no matter what we do. I still like the guy as the GM, a lot.

Well said. I happen to agree on Ballard. I think he’s up there in Polian territory, personally.

He’s just stuck in quarterback purgatory like Frank Reich and the rest of us.

I firmly believe that this team would have been a 1 or 2 seed with Rivers at quarterback. No doubt in my mind.

[rm1369]

I guess I must have listened to a different presser than most of the freaks. I thought Ballard was pissed beyond belief. He was entirely appropriate both emotionally and factually. The fact that he is getting ripped for how this team is built and still won't back down will piss some off, I love it. He has a developed philosophy that he believes in. It provides continuity for a team over the long haul. Won't make decisions until he has calmed down. Another excellent trait. I'm looking forward to the off season. It will be interesting and controversial no matter what we do. I still like the guy as the GM, a lot.

Overall I like Ballard and I respect that he has a plan - I just don’t agree with it. Never have. His plan belongs in a different era. He can’t fix all the holes on this team through the draft. He shouldn’t make decisions based on emotion. But he should make them based on reality. The reality is he has been building his way for 5 years and he has a 9-8 football team. That is with him actually being a pretty damn good talent evaluator. It simply doesn’t work. You can’t play for the future every year and win in the present.

[rm1369]

Well this seems to fly in the face of the "we're lucky to have him" comment re: Frank.

The Colts played with the lead for more minutes than some of the top Super Bowl contenders — but missed the playoffs.

They played with the lead for 562 minutes this season, more than the Packers (521) or Titans (490), the top seeds in their respective conferences. The Colts managed to lose games where they had leads of 19 (Ravens), 14 (Titans) and 10 (Buccaneers).

Lack of pass rush and a D that lives only on turnovers will do that to you.

[Racehorse]

Lack of pass rush and a D that lives only on turnovers will do that to you.

So will having a quarterback who cannot play in the face of adversity.

[Oldcolt]

I believe in his plan. We tried it the 'modern' way with great QBs and not putting resources into the lines. We had a good run but got one championship in 20 or so years with Manning/Luck. I agree with everyone that QB and pass rush are what is really holding us back (I don't like our wr group much but think they are third on this list and the easiest to fix). Being in QB hell is a bitch. We need to find a way out and none of us has any idea whatsoever as to what to do. There are no sure things at QB available. We need to get lucky.

[rm1369]

I believe in his plan. We tried it the 'modern' way with great QBs and not putting resources into the lines. We had a good run but got one championship in 20 or so years with Manning/Luck. I agree with everyone that QB and pass rush are what is really holding us back (I don't like our wr group much but think they are third on this list and the easiest to fix). Being in QB hell is a bitch. We need to find a way out and none of us has any idea whatsoever as to what to do. There are no sure things at QB available. We need to get lucky.

I believe in his idea of investment in the lines - that’s not the issue. The issue is his constant focus on the future. The modern NFL, in my opinion, is about maximizing 2-3 years windows. Not being pretty good for 10-12. I find your complaint about the past ironic because that’s exactly what I compare Ballard’s methods too - Bill Polian. And I’ll add Ted Thompson. Teams that have had the most important part (QB) in place and under achieved.

The methods are slightly different but the goals are the same - long term consistency. Long term very goodness. When you are overly concerned about 4 years from now you don’t maximize this year. But you are competing with teams who do. You go in to every season then at a disadvantage for the ultimate goal. Irsay is not going to get his goal of multiple championships in the next decade without taking risks. He didn’t get it with Peyton freaking Manning. He’s sure as hell not going to get it playing it safe every year with Carson Wentz, Jascoby Brisett, or Philip Rivers’ cadaver. Ballard is going to give really good talented teams that always fall short.

[Oldcolt]

Excellent point rm1369. I misunderstood and agree with you on this completely.

[Puck]

I believe in his idea of investment in the lines - that’s not the issue. The issue is his constant focus on the future. The modern NFL, in my opinion, is about maximizing 2-3 years windows. Not being pretty good for 10-12. I find your complaint about the past ironic because that’s exactly what I compare Ballard’s methods too - Bill Polian. And I’ll add Ted Thompson. Teams that have had the most important part (QB) in place and under achieved.

The methods are slightly different but the goals are the same - long term consistency. Long term very goodness. When you are overly concerned about 4 years from now you don’t maximize this year. But you are competing with teams who do. You go in to every season then at a disadvantage for the ultimate goal. Irsay is not going to get his goal of multiple championships in the next decade without taking risks. He didn’t get it with Peyton freaking Manning. He’s sure as hell not going to get it playing it safe every year with Carson Wentz, Jascoby Brisett, or Philip Rivers’ cadaver. Ballard is going to give really good talented teams that always fall short.

What would have you done at QB?

[Luck4Reich]

What would have you done at QB?

Oh you know... Pluck one from that big ass Quarterback tree all the other teams are getting their Elite QBs from:D

Seriously not many teams have good to great QBs... Rarely do teams like the Colts get them back to back.

[Discflinger]

In hindsight maybe we should have gone all in on Stafford.

[Hoopsdoc]

I said it elsewhere and I’ll say it here-literally nothing else matters but solving the quarterback position. If it takes trading Q and Darius to get it done, that’s what has to be done.

[ChaosTheory]

I believe in his plan. We tried it the 'modern' way with great QBs and not putting resources into the lines. We had a good run but got one championship in 20 or so years with Manning/Luck.

I don't know. Maybe I'm the weird one, but...

Let's look at 1999-2015 (from Manning to Luck falling apart). I much prefer that I was a Colts fan as opposed to a Giants fan. We went to two Super Bowls and won one. They went to three Super Bowls and won two.

But... the Giants also missed the playoffs 10 seasons in that span. Seven losing seasons, two more 8-8 seasons. Reached double-digit wins 6 times. That's a lot of time wallowing in irrelevancy. We've had 4 of those seasons since 2015 (arguably 5) and they're awful seasons to sit through.

In contrast, I had a blast watching the Colts basically every season during that span aside from 2001 when both Edge's knee and Mora's brain blew out and then in 2011 when Manning's head got too heavy. Aside from those seasons, the Colts we're among the elite teams year in and year out.

Again, maybe I'm the weird one.

[rm1369]

What would have you done at QB?

Let me be clear - my point isn’t to criticize what Ballard has done at QB. Lucks retirement screwed him. My point is only that in my view, his method has shown that, even with a dominant QB, not risking the long term for a better short term peak hasn’t been extremely successful. So how is it going to work on a team that likely won’t have that level of QB? It won’t, IMO.

To answer the question though, my position has been that they identify who their guy is and go get him. No BS half measures of mediocre guys while they look. Pay the price for who you want. Two off-seasons ago I suggested trading one or both of their seconds for future firsts to help build ammo for a trade up last draft. That means either no Pittman, no Taylor, or both. Steep price, no doubt. This off-season I said I’d have traded for Darnold - cheaper and less injury prone. Almost certainly a bust here as well though.

I won’t pretend I have a sure fire answer, although in hindsight I like either of my two solutions better than theirs. But again, I’m not criticizing Ballard for Wentz being QB. They did what I suggested - went and got their guy. I’m criticizing him for the rest of the roster building. The one that had a pass rush with no one with double digit sacks for their career. The one that is leaving a huge hole at LT even though we’ve seen the issue coming for several years. The one where it feels like year 10 of being under manned at WR. Those are moves that are indicative of his building style. Place holders until he can draft a permanent guy two years from now. Where free agency is only used to pick through left overs or sign a “no risk” one year vet.

[JAFF]

In hindsight maybe we should have gone all in on Stafford.

In hindsight the cap money may not have worked out.

[CletusPyle]

I think the Colts best option is to build a team that mirrors the 2012 Ravens, strong defense, strong running back, serviceable QB...Flacco was smart, didn't usually beat himself, but he was not elite in my opinion. The Colts are closer to that model than trying to build from the QB down. Colts need a Flacco type and add a stud or two on defense, and they can win it all!

[rm1369]

In hindsight the cap money may not have worked out.

Without a doubt they could make the cap work if they wanted to. There is a lot of flexibility in the cap. They just would have paid for it in later years. A trade off Ballard won’t make. I’m not judging if it would have been worth it or not. I’m just saying it was a choice they made.

[rm1369]

I don't know. Maybe I'm the weird one, but...

Let's look at 1999-2015 (from Manning to Luck falling apart). I much prefer that I was a Colts fan as opposed to a Giants fan. We went to two Super Bowls and won one. They went to three Super Bowls and won two.

But... the Giants also missed the playoffs 10 seasons in that span. Seven losing seasons, two more 8-8 seasons. Reached double-digit wins 6 times. That's a lot of time wallowing in irrelevancy. We've had 4 of those seasons since 2015 (arguably 5) and they're awful seasons to sit through.

In contrast, I had a blast watching the Colts basically every season during that span aside from 2001 when both Edge's knee and Mora's brain blew out and then in 2011 when Manning's head got too heavy. Aside from those seasons, the Colts we're among the elite teams year in and year out.

Again, maybe I'm the weird one.

I love the Colts, but trading the heartbreak of the Steelers loss and all the one and dones for beating the Pats in two SBs - including ruining their perfect season? Hell yeah, I’d take that trade!!

Honestly, maybe I just become too invested when I believe. The Manning led teams always made me believe, so the losses were much harder. I never trusted the team this year. Hell you could say I didn’t even really like them as a team. So the loss to the Jags was more disgusting than it was gutting like the Steelers loss or the Saints SB loss. I’m ok with ups and downs. I enjoy watching a team build, but I’ve found I hate believing and then having the same old issue destroy my dreams.

[Chromeburn]

Let me be clear - my point isn’t to criticize what Ballard has done at QB. Lucks retirement screwed him. My point is only that in my view, his method has shown that, even with a dominant QB, not risking the long term for a better short term peak hasn’t been extremely successful. So how is it going to work on a team that likely won’t have that level of QB? It won’t, IMO.

To answer the question though, my position has been that they identify who their guy is and go get him. No BS half measures of mediocre guys while they look. Pay the price for who you want. Two off-seasons ago I suggested trading one or both of their seconds for future firsts to help build ammo for a trade up last draft. That means either no Pittman, no Taylor, or both. Steep price, no doubt. This off-season I said I’d have traded for Darnold - cheaper and less injury prone. Almost certainly a bust here as well though.

I won’t pretend I have a sure fire answer, although in hindsight I like either of my two solutions better than theirs. But again, I’m not criticizing Ballard for Wentz being QB. They did what I suggested - went and got their guy. I’m criticizing him for the rest of the roster building. The one that had a pass rush with no one with double digit sacks for their career. The one that is leaving a huge hole at LT even though we’ve seen the issue coming for several years. The one where it feels like year 10 of being under manned at WR. Those are moves that are indicative of his building style. Place holders until he can draft a permanent guy two years from now. Where free agency is only used to pick through left overs or sign a “no risk” one year vet.

They are going to have to do this eventually. Irsay isn't going to wait around forever for them to find a QB. It sucks because the rest of the roster to ready to win now.

[ChaosTheory]

I forgot to mention it, but the other big thing I noticed Ballard talk about was off-season. I had forgotten, but didn't we have a soft off-season and training camp and all that? Not just players missing.

Anyway, he seemed like he intends on making things tougher going forward.

[apballin]

He also said you need 8 on the D line “ you gotta have 8”

[Colts And Orioles]

He also said that you need 8 on the D line ...... “You gotta have 8.”




o


If the rules permitted the Colts to do so, I would have them playing 8 defensive lineman, 4 linebackers, and 5 defensive backs.

o

[apballin]

o


If the rules permitted the Colts to do so, I would have them playing 8 defensive lineman, 4 linebackers, and 5 defensive backs.

o

Fuck the way DBs go down and teams pass so much you better have a rotation of 8 Dline and 8DBs because atleast 4 are going down at some point in the season

[Colts And Orioles]

He also said that you need 8 on the D line ...... “You gotta have 8.”







o


If the rules permitted the Colts to do so, I would have them playing 8 defensive lineman, 4 linebackers, and 5 defensive backs.

o






Fuck the way DB's go down, and teams pass so much ...... you'd better have a rotation of 8 D-Linemen and 8 DB's, because at least 4 are going to go down at some point in the season.





o


I meant having them all on the field at the same time ...... 17 Colts defenders against 11 opposing offensive players on every play from scrimmage.

o

[apballin]

o


I meant having them all on the field at the same time ...... 17 Colts defenders against 11 opposing offensive players on every play from scrimmage.

o

Nah man but after the turnovers you gotta turn those into points and a lot of times we didn’t