Ballard

[omahacolt]

i like him. i don't want him replaced


that said, his winning the salary cap battle every year has been a detriment to this team. we had the means to add talent. and we don't

i'm not asking for crazy contracts. just asking for improvement. we have a lot of holes

[albany ed]

i like him. i don't want him replaced


that said, his winning the salary cap battle every year has been a detriment to this team. we had the means to add talent. and we don't

i'm not asking for crazy contracts. just asking for improvement. we have a lot of holes

I like him too. Do you think it's always about money? I'm thinking that certain players don't see Indianapolis as a living destination, so unless the money is a lot higher than say, LA or NY or some other major citiy, they're not signing here.

[Oldcolt]

I'm going to wait to see what kind of roster he puts together this year. Back when he started out he said that the reason he didn't want free agents was the locker room. He also doesn't seem to want to 'overpay', although that is something I do not understand. The going rate for a free agent is the going rate. You can call it overpaying but it is what the market is. So of course we have won the salary cap championship year after year. We should wait and see what happens once he knows what the next QB is going to cost. Hopefully he does what omaha wants fills a hole or two with free agents that come to play

Most people seem to think the Colts are quality organization and a good employer to the players. Honesty is one of Ballards nice qualities. It has a good all around roster. Lots of reasons to choose Indiana besides its cultural attractions.

[Lov2fish]

We could do much, much worse for a GM. Indy is a big city. Not all the glitz and glamor of NY, or Vegas and lack ocean front property, but plenty to do here, so I don't think that is a deterrent from coming here.

Not sure what it is. The salary cap levels the playing field for the small market teams to compete with the large market teams.

[JAFF]

I'm going to wait to see what kind of roster he puts together this year. Back when he started out he said that the reason he didn't want free agents was the locker room. He also doesn't seem to want to 'overpay', although that is something I do not understand. The going rate for a free agent is the going rate. You can call it overpaying but it is what the market is. So of course we have won the salary cap championship year after year. We should wait and see what happens once he knows what the next QB is going to cost. Hopefully he does what omaha wants fills a hole or two with free agents that come to play

Most people seem to think the Colts are quality organization and a good employer to the players. Honesty is one of Ballards nice qualities. It has a good all around roster. Lots of reasons to choose Indiana besides its cultural attractions.

About half of the guys who get big contracts get cut within three seasons because they dont play up to their salary. Adams will get big money, will he play as well without Rogers?. We will see.

[rcubed]

I think he is always looking for value. I think he inquires about a lot of free agents but the price goes over his valuation.

I agreed with his premise of build through the draft, build a culture ,and manage cap. but at some point you need to move beyond that to really compete. I also dont want to see him go on a spending spree but he could have afforded to add some talent without killing the cap, one FA could make a huge difference.

The base, core has been set. There is a culture. Its time, past time, to try to move to the next level.

But the other problem is he got fucked when luck retired. His plan didn’t account for obtaining a franchise QB when he was hired. He tried to apply the same concepts towards replacing luck and has been dicking around with constant stopgaps ever since.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kray007]

While I don’t have a direct line into Ballard’s thinking, I can guess. And my guess is that, without knowing who’s going to line up under Center, Ballard doesn’t have much freedom to sign free agents.

Right now, he doesn’t know if he’ll get a rookie making next to nothing, a bargain basement free agent, or a veteran like Matt Ryan, who’ll carry a cap hit north of $25 Million.

[ChoppedWood]

WR after WR after WR off the board, and el' Cheapo continues to sit on his hands. Don't give a F who your QB is, if you don't have weapons you can't win.

HE SUCKS!

[Puck]

WR after WR after WR off the board, and el' Cheapo continues to sit on his hands. Don't give a F who your QB is, if you don't have weapons you can't win.

HE SUCKS!


Kinda tough to talk a wr to come here when they dont know who will be throwing them the ball.

[rm1369]

Kinda tough to talk a wr to come here when they dont know who will be throwing them the ball.

That’s a valid argument - for WR this off-season. It is not a defense for what they entered the season with at DE last year. Or the other holes Ballard has left on the roster over the last few years. It’s clear it’s his MO at this point.

[Puck]

That’s a valid argument - for WR this off-season. It is not a defense for what they entered the season with at DE last year. Or the other holes Ballard has left on the roster over the last few years. It’s clear it’s his MO at this point.

Or they just didn't want to play here

[ChoppedWood]

Kinda tough to talk a wr to come here when they dont know who will be throwing them the ball.

WE have all the cash in the world- money talks, Ballard balks.

[rm1369]

Or they just didn't want to play here

Like Autry?

[ChoppedWood]

Or they just didn't want to play here

Possible- but Coop went to the Browns (you want to live in Cleveland over Indy???) knowing they had a disgrunted injured little guy as their current QB. Granted there was probably enough whispers to understand they were going to upgrade (and in turn probably screw the Colts because Ballard has talked to Reich who is confident he can win with the disgruntled injured little guy so don't be an ass and sign there).

Chark- shiiiiit he went to Detroit and who the F knows what will happen there for QB.

Hell St. Brown left Green Bay to go to Chicago. Yeah, Chicago is cooler than Indy but man you are gonna leave Rogers to go to that mess?

If I am not mistaken Julio, Landry, Fuller, Crowder, Sanders, and Green are still out there- yeah there are some tires with heavy tread on them for sure, but our # 2 WR right now is Dulin!

F---K Ballard!

[Puck]

Like Autry?

I am not sure why everyone was so up in arms about Autry. He only had 7.5 sacks for Indy on a contract yr, The yr before he had 3.5

He got a 3 yr 21m contract.

They had faith in Turay coming on. Unfortunately he got hurt again.

Besides the Coaches do talk with Ballard. It's not all on him, Just the final decision.

[Puck]

Possible- but Coop went to the Browns (you want to live in Cleveland over Indy???) knowing they had a disgrunted injured little guy as their current QB. Granted there was probably enough whispers to understand they were going to upgrade (and in turn probably screw the Colts because Ballard has talked to Reich who is confident he can win with the disgruntled injured little guy so don't be an ass and sign there).

Chark- shiiiiit he went to Detroit and who the F knows what will happen there for QB.

Hell St. Brown left Green Bay to go to Chicago. Yeah, Chicago is cooler than Indy but man you are gonna leave Rogers to go to that mess?

If I am not mistaken Julio, Landry, Fuller, Crowder, Sanders, and Green are still out there- yeah there are some tires with heavy tread on them for sure, but our # 2 WR right now is Dulin!

F---K Ballard!

Could be that those players are not as good as you think they are.... or they would have ended up on better teams too. Goes both ways

[ChoppedWood]

Could be that those players are not as good as you think they are.... or they would have ended up on better teams too. Goes both ways

That's the problem- I don't think most of them, minus Coop, are all that but I do BELIEVE ANY of them are better than what we have at # 2 at present.

I believe Ballard really believes that all you have to do is be stout inside and you'll win. Uhhhh we were really stout inside last year, we watched the playoffs.

I just despise the way he does this, and 1 playoff win in 5 years proves there is a reason to despise his approach.

[rm1369]

I am not sure why everyone was so up in arms about Autry. He only had 7.5 sacks for Indy on a contract yr, The yr before he had 3.5

He got a 3 yr 21m contract.

They had faith in Turay coming on. Unfortunately he got hurt again.

Besides the Coaches do talk with Ballard. It's not all on him, Just the final decision.

Yet, those 7.5 sacks would have led the team this season. Instead they went into the season with no DE on the roster with double digit sacks - cumulative for their career. How many competitive teams do you think do that? Am I supposed to be surprised they had pass rush issues? You say it like nobody could have predicted the outcome. But I guess they maintained flexibility and saved a couple million again.

By the way - Autry had 9 sacks for Tenn this year, and had previously had 9 for the Colts. The 3.5 appears to be the aberration - not the 7.5 as you tried to insinuate.

[Discflinger]

In Ballard we trust.

[Brylok]

Ballard has kept the Colts afloat, competitive, and somewhat relevant since Luck up and quit 2.5 years ago. He's done a great job in preventing us from becoming the Jets. Without a franchise QB, your team is going to be mediocre. That's just how it is. We get really frustrated and angry as fans, the team has holes everywhere, we get Dollar Tree talent often times in free agency...but so do all the other mediocre NFL teams. I've been salty and angry this off-season, but I don't want Ballard to be fired or anything. I remember the 80s and 90s before Polian and Peyton. I definitely don't want to go back to that. Anger sells, is addictive, and is very popular these days. This is a snowball effect. It's just how it is. But we could always get worse. Pretty much all Indiana teams are in the same boat. Even Notre Dame football is irrelevant. Their fans just don't realize it.

[Discflinger]

Who do we sign after Baker? He’s really going to wait now.

[Ironshaft]

Who do we sign after Baker? He’s really going to wait now.

A left tackle and wide receiver, hopefully.

[Racehorse]

Possible- but Coop went to the Browns (you want to live in Cleveland over Indy???) knowing they had a disgrunted injured little guy as their current QB. Granted there was probably enough whispers to understand they were going to upgrade (and in turn probably screw the Colts because Ballard has talked to Reich who is confident he can win with the disgruntled injured little guy so don't be an ass and sign there).

Chark- shiiiiit he went to Detroit and who the F knows what will happen there for QB.

Hell St. Brown left Green Bay to go to Chicago. Yeah, Chicago is cooler than Indy but man you are gonna leave Rogers to go to that mess?

If I am not mistaken Julio, Landry, Fuller, Crowder, Sanders, and Green are still out there- yeah there are some tires with heavy tread on them for sure, but our # 2 WR right now is Dulin!

F---K Ballard!

Only Cooper was worth getting from the group of signings you listed.

[Discflinger]

Baker

[Discflinger]

Still drunk, still Baker.

[ChoppedWood]

Only Cooper was worth getting from the group of signings you listed.

Race, you've looked at the Colts current WR depth chart correct?

[Butter]

Only Cooper was worth getting from the group of signings you listed.

He is kind of iffy with that contract.

[Chromeburn]

I like him too. Do you think it's always about money? I'm thinking that certain players don't see Indianapolis as a living destination, so unless the money is a lot higher than say, LA or NY or some other major citiy, they're not signing here.

I think this is part of it. Ebron left as soon as Luck did. If you don’t have a QB it’s harder to win. We just tried to sign a DT, and Eberflus called him up and talked him into signing with the Bears. It’s harder for small market teams to compete. Look at the Pacers.

[Chromeburn]

I think he is always looking for value. I think he inquires about a lot of free agents but the price goes over his valuation.

I agreed with his premise of build through the draft, build a culture ,and manage cap. but at some point you need to move beyond that to really compete. I also dont want to see him go on a spending spree but he could have afforded to add some talent without killing the cap, one FA could make a huge difference.

The base, core has been set. There is a culture. Its time, past time, to try to move to the next level.

But the other problem is he got fucked when luck retired. His plan didn’t account for obtaining a franchise QB when he was hired. He tried to apply the same concepts towards replacing luck and has been dicking around with constant stopgaps ever since.


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Part of me wonders if he is waiting for us to get that QB in place. He wants the financial freedom in case a Watson pops up. Which seems to happen a lot more often than it used to. Used to be franchise QBs never left. Now it seems to be the standard to leave for another team after the first contract.

[Oldcolt]

Part of me wonders if he is waiting for us to get that QB in place. He wants the financial freedom in case a Watson pops up. Which seems to happen a lot more often than it used to. Used to be franchise QBs never left. Now it seems to be the standard to leave for another team after the first contract.

This has to be exactly what he is doing. The QBs we are talking about have cap hits form around 5 million all the way to 36 million. Makes a hell of a lot of difference in how much cap space he has left. Having said that, doesn't it put some pressure on Ballard to get this QB situation addressed like now? I recognize that more than one team is involved here, but if Ballard has not made up his mind yet then when? And if he likes someone WTF doesn't he just go get him? If they all are the same get the cheap guy. Sign who you want so we can get out of this limbo and start putting this team together.

[IndyNorm]

I think this is part of it. Ebron left as soon as Luck did. If you don’t have a QB it’s harder to win. We just tried to sign a DT, and Eberflus called him up and talked him into signing with the Bears. It’s harder for small market teams to compete. Look at the Pacers.

Well Ebron turned into a giant douche after Luck retired as well, which gave the Colts little incentive to re-sign him.

Agreed that having uncertainty at QB probably has something to do with it. When we had Peyton and Luck it was probably pretty easy to sell the Colts to FAs since they knew they'd be on a winning team unless the QB went down to injury.

But you can still land good FAs in smaller markets when uncertain at QB if the FO is willing to spend a little bit. For instance look at the Bungles last year. They, like us, were in dire need of pass rush. They were coming off a 4 win season and had plenty of uncertainty at QB with Burrow having had his knee blown up in Nov. '20. They had plenty of cap room, so they overspent a little to bring in Trey Hendrickson, who went on to have 14 sacks and 27 QB hits in '21. Imagine what that kind of production would have meant to the shit show that was our pass rush this past season.

[Brylok]

I think this is part of it. Ebron left as soon as Luck did. If you don’t have a QB it’s harder to win. We just tried to sign a DT, and Eberflus called him up and talked him into signing with the Bears. It’s harder for small market teams to compete. Look at the Pacers.

When I was an elementary school/junior high kid, the Pacers were so bad that free tickets would be available in the school office for anyone who wanted them. We'd go to Market Square Arena and sit wherever we wanted and watch Waymon Tisdale and the Pacers try to win games. Then later they started getting good and we couldn't afford to attend games. I don't watch them anymore because they're never going to win a championship. I doubt the Colts will also within my lifetime. So it goes

[rm1369]

When I was an elementary school/junior high kid, the Pacers were so bad that free tickets would be available in the school office for anyone who wanted them. We'd go to Market Square Arena and sit wherever we wanted and watch Waymon Tisdale and the Pacers try to win games. Then later they started getting good and we couldn't afford to attend games. I don't watch them anymore because they're never going to win a championship. I doubt the Colts will also within my lifetime. So it goes

I’m similar on the Pacers. I quit watching due to their refusal to rebuild. It was obvious they were content being middle of the road. I have no interest in that. I’ve started to pay attention a little more since the Sabonis / Haliburton trade.

Ballard’s Colts are starting to remind me a little of those Pacers teams I hated. The risk aversion is maddening to me. I enjoy following and rooting for rebuilding teams as well as top level teams. Swing and miss and I’m fine. Strike out and never take a swing and I’m pissed. It’s the mediocre teams where I see little future that frustrate me. And that’s what the Colts are right now. Irsay is the saving grace though. I believe he wants titles not just “good” teams. That was not the case with the Simons.

[Racehorse]

Race, you've looked at the Colts current WR depth chart correct?

Yes, but why pay a premium for JAGs at WR?

[Colts And Orioles]

o


As I said in the other thread, I like Ballard ...... as disappointing as the 2021 season was overall (particularly the 2-game losing streak which ended the season), I believe that the fact that the Colts were 9-6 with 2 games left to play in spite of some bad gaffes at crucial times from their quarterback is an indication that he is indeed in the process of building a complete team, as opposed to an extremely quarterback-dependent team (as were many of the teams that were lead by Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck between 1999 and 2018.)

I also like the acquisition of Matt Ryan.

o

[Puck]

https://twitter.com/AndrewBrandt/status/1506014102233436164?s=20&t=cCOWW62mhWagLx6aIAytfA

Andrew Brandt
@AndrewBrandt
·
4h
Chris Ballard has now foisted almost $75 million of dead money charges on the Eagles ($34M for trading Wentz) and the Falcons ($40.5M for trading Ryan).
Cap managers: run for the hills when he calls your team.

[ChaosTheory]

Ballard is doing an interview on the Pat McAfee show. Just started like 10 mins ago (around 1pm central) if you want to rewind and watch/listen on YouTube.

[Spike]

Ballard is doing an interview on the Pat McAfee show. Just started like 10 mins ago (around 1pm central) if you want to rewind and watch/listen on YouTube.

Thanks, going to check it out.

[rcubed]

well shit.

Kevin Bowen
@KBowen1070
Chris Ballard tells @PatMcAfeeShow that Matt Pryor will get the first look at left tackle this season

[ChaosTheory]

well shit.

Kevin Bowen
@KBowen1070
Chris Ballard tells @PatMcAfeeShow that Matt Pryor will get the first look at left tackle this season

Yeah. Mostly PR answers but he did say he likes Pryor a lot. Either that's genuine or he doesn't want to come off as desperate in negotiations. I tend to lean towards the former.

Was hoping they'd talk more about Ryan specifically. And holy shit McAfee cannot spit a fucking question out. It's like 90 seconds a piece and 5 "because's". Matt Ryan press conference at 3pm.

[rm1369]

Yeah. Mostly PR answers but he did say he likes Pryor a lot. Either that's genuine or he doesn't want to come off as desperate in negotiations. I tend to lean towards the former.

They also supposedly liked the DE group on the team last year a lot. Same for WR the prior year. I’m sure they’ll draft someone as well so Pryor won’t be the only option, but to me it’s to important of a position to be wrong on.

[Spike]

Yeah. Mostly PR answers but he did say he likes Pryor a lot. Either that's genuine or he doesn't want to come off as desperate in negotiations. I tend to lean towards the former.

Was hoping they'd talk more about Ryan specifically. And holy shit McAfee cannot spit a fucking question out. It's like 90 seconds a piece and 5 "because's". Matt Ryan press conference at 3pm.

McAfee is good, but sometimes he can get annoying as hell.

[Puck]

It was a good interview. Pat asks him straight up questions.

I'm not against Pryor getting a shot. When you let players pay that work hard it attracts other players and it also makes younger guys work for those starting spots.

Ballard know he let the team down by not adding enough talent.

IMO TY will be back and I hope he is. He can still be a good asset to this team. Not the #1 or #2. But he can still have a roll.

QB is signed and now it will be easier to attract talent.

[ChaosTheory]

QB is signed and now it will be easier to attract talent.

They specifically talked about that, too. How it's hard to convince a guy to come when QB is in flux and that he understands. Obvious point, but I thought him bringing it up made it sound like he may have took a shot at a guy (or guys).

[JAFF]

It was a good interview. Pat asks him straight up questions.

I'm not against Pryor getting a shot. When you let players pay that work hard it attracts other players and it also makes younger guys work for those starting spots.

Ballard know he let the team down by not adding enough talent.

IMO TY will be back and I hope he is. He can still be a good asset to this team. Not the #1 or #2. But he can still have a roll.

QB is signed and now it will be easier to attract talent.

Not enough talent? They had a winning record with a knucklehead Qb.

[rcubed]

It was a good interview. Pat asks him straight up questions.

.

yep, and l like seeing ballard let lose a bit. they have a good rapport and its fun to watch.

[rm1369]

Not enough talent? They had a winning record with a knucklehead Qb.

DE in particular cost this team games. WR became an issue again and LT was a big issue early while waiting for Fischer to get healthy enough. The knucklehead QB was definitely the biggest issue, but they’d have made the playoffs despite Wentz if Ballard had done more last offseason. Especially at DE.

That’s not to say they aren’t talented, just that there were obvious issues they could have done more to address.

[Butter]

Not enough talent? They had a winning record with a knucklehead Qb.
Probably not enough to legit contend for the SB in the stacked AFC. Good chance to contend in our division, but I wouldn't bet on us over the Bills or Chefs right now and probably not the Bengals or Chargers. Browns, Ravens, Tits, and Pats are also pretty strong. AFC is really competitive right now.

[IndyNorm]

It was a good interview. Pat asks him straight up questions.

I'm not against Pryor getting a shot. When you let players pay that work hard it attracts other players and it also makes younger guys work for those starting spots.

Ballard know he let the team down by not adding enough talent.

IMO TY will be back and I hope he is. He can still be a good asset to this team. Not the #1 or #2. But he can still have a roll.

QB is signed and now it will be easier to attract talent.

I like Pryor too. He's a really good and versatile backup. Glad we re-signed him. But after trading for Ryan we are or at least should be in win now mode. LT is too important of a position to leave it in the hands of a swing backup or a rookie unless he's a sure fire top of the 1st round talent.

Ballard really needs to bring in a good veteran LT as well as at least 1 if not 2 WRs.

[IndyNorm]

Not enough talent? They had a winning record with a knucklehead Qb.

If Ballard's even admitting that he did a shitty job last year then you probably should too.

[Oldcolt]

Probably not enough to legit contend for the SB in the stacked AFC. Good chance to contend in our division, but I wouldn't bet on us over the Bills or Chefs right now and probably not the Bengals or Chargers. Browns, Ravens, Tits, and Pats are also pretty strong. AFC is really competitive right now.

Their teams are pretty well complete. Ours isn't. I am not worried about LT, I have total confidence in Ballard filling that. If Ballard can find a WR or two (I have not given up at Campbell like most have. He is do to have an injury free season) then I think we have the only complete team in the AFC; defense/offense/special teams. I feel so much better about our defense now that we have a pass rusher, not to mention the jump I expect from last years draft choices. We are not there yet but you can see how we can get there. Couldn't say that for the last 2-3 months. Pretty damn good two weeks Ballard has had.

I am not sure Ballard admitted he did a shitty job last year. He admitted he didn't do enough. He missed on Wentz and I may be alone on this but I believe COVID cost us in the end also. We didn't have a pass rush, Ballard gambled on rookies and lost. But damn man, he didn't double down but saw that he hadn't done enough and went about rectifying it, both Wentz and the pass rush. I'm falling back in love with the guy as a GM. It is special to make mistakes and learn from them, especially when you have such a public job.

[Spike]

Their teams are pretty well complete. Ours isn't. I am not worried about LT, I have total confidence in Ballard filling that. If Ballard can find a WR or two (I have not given up at Campbell like most have. He is do to have an injury free season) then I think we have the only complete team in the AFC; defense/offense/special teams. I feel so much better about our defense now that we have a pass rusher, not to mention the jump I expect from last years draft choices. We are not there yet but you can see how we can get there. Couldn't say that for the last 2-3 months. Pretty damn good two weeks Ballard has had.

I am not sure Ballard admitted he did a shitty job last year. He admitted he didn't do enough. He missed on Wentz and I may be alone on this but I believe COVID cost us in the end also. We didn't have a pass rush, Ballard gambled on rookies and lost. But damn man, he didn't double down but saw that he hadn't done enough and went about rectifying it, both Wentz and the pass rush. I'm falling back in love with the guy as a GM. It is special to make mistakes and learn from them, especially when you have such a public job.

I don't believe covid had anything to do with costing us in the end. Personally, that's just an excuse I can't and won't buy. We had a shitty QB and it killed us, plain and simple. But you are not alone on this covid excuse, there are many others.

[Butter]

I don't believe covid had anything to do with costing us in the end. Personally, that's just an excuse I can't and won't buy. We had a shitty QB and it killed us, plain and simple. But you are not alone on this covid excuse, there are many others.

We had a bunch of dipshits including leaders who are anti-vax, it costs us.

[Oldcolt]

I totally agree that it is no excuse. I would really only say this to fellow Colt fans as it strikes me of whining to say it to other teams fans. I think studies in Europe with footballers have born out that even mild infection can adversely affect performance for quite some time. It was reckless of our guys to take that chance, whether it ended up costing us or not in my view.

[IndyNorm]

Their teams are pretty well complete. Ours isn't. I am not worried about LT, I have total confidence in Ballard filling that. If Ballard can find a WR or two (I have not given up at Campbell like most have. He is do to have an injury free season) then I think we have the only complete team in the AFC; defense/offense/special teams. I feel so much better about our defense now that we have a pass rusher, not to mention the jump I expect from last years draft choices. We are not there yet but you can see how we can get there. Couldn't say that for the last 2-3 months. Pretty damn good two weeks Ballard has had.

I am not sure Ballard admitted he did a shitty job last year. He admitted he didn't do enough. He missed on Wentz and I may be alone on this but I believe COVID cost us in the end also. We didn't have a pass rush, Ballard gambled on rookies and lost. But damn man, he didn't double down but saw that he hadn't done enough and went about rectifying it, both Wentz and the pass rush. I'm falling back in love with the guy as a GM. It is special to make mistakes and learn from them, especially when you have such a public job.

Relied on the draft and some younger guys already on the team who either hadn't produced or couldn't stay healthy. Hopefully Ballard learned his lesson from this and doesn't do that anymore if at all possible going fwd. WR in particular worries me after reading some of his comments and knowing that our entire WR group outside of MPJ consists of either unproven guys or guys who can't stay healthy.

[Oldcolt]

I like Pryor too. He's a really good and versatile backup. Glad we re-signed him. But after trading for Ryan we are or at least should be in win now mode. LT is too important of a position to leave it in the hands of a swing backup or a rookie unless he's a sure fire top of the 1st round talent.

Ballard really needs to bring in a good veteran LT as well as at least 1 if not 2 WRs.

Didn't Ballard say the exact sort of thing about Tevi right before he signed Fisher last year?

[Spike]

We had a bunch of dipshits including leaders who are anti-vax, it costs us.

Nope it didn't! Wentz was shit and that is what cost us.

[rcubed]

I totally agree that it is no excuse. I would really only say this to fellow Colt fans as it strikes me of whining to say it to other teams fans. I think studies in Europe with footballers have born out that even mild infection can adversely affect performance for quite some time. It was reckless of our guys to take that chance, whether it ended up costing us or not in my view.


Yep. I work with some younger guys that got covid. They recovered quickly but had the foggy brain for several weeks after. They eventually got over that but it took a bit of time. If wentz got covid I could see it affecting his already not so great mental processing of the game.

[Oldcolt]

Nope it didn't! Wentz was shit and that is what cost us.

Spike I agree. I think COVID may have had something to do with it but COVID or no COVID Wentz was a POS even before he got COVID. That left handed bullshit girlie throw made me sick and he didn't have any COVID then. Glad he is gone.

[albany ed]

I'm not sure how we'll do with getting quality WRs, but I sure as hell hope there are more receiving opportunities for Hines. He is IMO a game changer if used correctly. A modern Lenny Moore.

[IndyNorm]

I'm not sure how we'll do with getting quality WRs, but I sure as hell hope there are more receiving opportunities for Hines. He is IMO a game changer if used correctly. A modern Lenny Moore.

Getting Hines involved will help, no doubt. But we have 0 WRs on the team outside of MPJ who have 200 yds receiving in their careers. Ballard needs to bring at least 1 vet in and probably 2, and the pickings are getting pretty damn slim. We should be in win now mode and not rely on raw late round draft picks making hug leaps in the offseason. Even if we just bring TY back (saw where he was talking to the Cowboys) that will help.

[ChaosTheory]

Hines was actually tied for #2 on the team in receptions. He and JT both had 40. JT blowing up ate up a lot of his touches. He went from 156 touches to 96 touches the last two years. His per-touch averages were actually better last year which surprised me.

I'm trying to remember off hand... did Hines ever just play straight up slot-receiver at all last year? I know he would line up there, but they would do the motion-sweep/misdirection run. But did he ever run routes from the slot?

[Puck]

Hines was actually tied for #2 on the team in receptions. He and JT both had 40. JT blowing up ate up a lot of his touches. He went from 156 touches to 96 touches the last two years. His per-touch averages were actually better last year which surprised me.

I'm trying to remember off hand... did Hines ever just play straight up slot-receiver at all last year? I know he would line up there, but they would do the motion-sweep/misdirection run. But did he ever run routes from the slot?


Hines is a RB. He does not run the whole WR route tree. Not saying he can't learn it. But he is not a slot receiver

[JAFF]

Hines was actually tied for #2 on the team in receptions. He and JT both had 40. JT blowing up ate up a lot of his touches. He went from 156 touches to 96 touches the last two years. His per-touch averages were actually better last year which surprised me.

I'm trying to remember off hand... did Hines ever just play straight up slot-receiver at all last year? I know he would line up there, but they would do the motion-sweep/misdirection run. But did he ever run routes from the slot?

Not the worst idea, put him outthere with JT and put Hines in motion

[ChaosTheory]

Hines is a RB. He does not run the whole WR route tree. Not saying he can't learn it. But he is not a slot receiver

No, I know. And far be it from me to compare him to Marshall Faulk or even pretend like I'm thinking of something his coaches haven't considered... But I just started wondering after seeing how his touches went down...

He's super fast both straight-line and short-area quickness. He mostly catches out of the backfield, but they also line him up at wide-out and I know I've seen him catch like 10yd digs and stuff like that. I don't remember much out of the slot, though.

[IndyNorm]

Hines was actually tied for #2 on the team in receptions. He and JT both had 40. JT blowing up ate up a lot of his touches. He went from 156 touches to 96 touches the last two years. His per-touch averages were actually better last year which surprised me.

I'm trying to remember off hand... did Hines ever just play straight up slot-receiver at all last year? I know he would line up there, but they would do the motion-sweep/misdirection run. But did he ever run routes from the slot?

I'm sure JT blowing up had everything to do w/ Hines rushes being down. It also probably had some effect on Hines' reduction in targets, but I'm sure Wentz ignoring him out of the backfield had a lot to do with it too. Either way, I think we can all agree that Hines needs to be more involved in the passing game this year, and he probably will be with Ryan at QB instead of Wentz.

[JAFF]

No, I know. And far be it from me to compare him to Marshall Faulk or even pretend like I'm thinking of something his coaches haven't considered... But I just started wondering after seeing how his touches went down...

He's super fast both straight-line and short-area quickness. He mostly catches out of the backfield, but they also line him up at wide-out and I know I've seen him catch like 10yd digs and stuff like that. I don't remember much out of the slot, though.

When Ballard says “ make the layups” he is talking about Wentz not checking down to Hines or the TEs. The offense production changed when wentz wouldnt take a 7 yard gain on a flair to Hines and screw up a pass down field into coverage

[omahacolt]

I don't believe covid had anything to do with costing us in the end. Personally, that's just an excuse I can't and won't buy. We had a shitty QB and it killed us, plain and simple. But you are not alone on this covid excuse, there are many others.

something seemed off the last couple weeks and that was when they all got hit with covid. i can see where the dots are connected


i just chalk it up to piss poor leadership of the players

[Oldcolt]

I think a ton of blame for Hines last year is on Wentz. The best thing I heard from Ryan in his press conference is that he sees himself as a facilitator for his teammates. I took it to be like a point guard, seeing your teammates success as yours. I think he gets the ball into the hands of playmakers like Hines, makes it a priority. I’m hoping for a much more complete offense with this guy leading. Rose colored glasses in March, I know.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


A year and-a-half after this heavily-posted thread was started, the author of this article ponders what the Kansas City Chiefs would look like today had Chris Ballard remained on-board there and been hired as their GM instead of taking over the Colts' job in January of 2017.



The Alternate Reality of Chris Ballard as Chiefs General Manager

(By Price Carter)

https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2022/9/22/23364315/the-alternate-reality-of-chris-ballard-as-chiefs-general-manager#comments

o

[IndyNorm]

Interesting that the author of that article makes a lot of similar observations that those of us who have been critical of Ballard have made:

When talking about Chris Ballard and the success he has had as a general manager, most will begin with the 2018 draft. Ballard moved back from pick No. 3 in a trade with the New York Jets and still acquired two All-Pro level players (Quenton Nelson and Shaquille Leonard).

Both players are tremendous and are key cogs of the Colts’ roster. Of course, building a roster around All-Pro level players was always a great place to start. That is — unless they play left guard and off-the-ball linebacker.

This began a key trend for Ballard- hitting home runs on positions that matter the least. For example, Jonathan Taylor is one of the best running backs in the league and yet even his dominance couldn’t lift the Colts to the playoffs in 2021. In 2020, the Colts gave up their first-round pick to acquire Deforrest Buckner and sign him to a mega-deal. Buckner is a game wrecker (make no doubt about it), but even as a top-five defensive tackle, he’s yet to have a double-digit sack season as a Colt.

Typically, around March, NFL media praises Ballard because he managed to acquire a quarterback for just a second or third-round pick or signing Phillip Rivers for next to nothing. While it does seem savvy to be able to gain a starting quarterbac for mid-level picks, you tend to get what you are paying for.

Moving on from Carson Wentz to the current version of Matt Ryan isn’t exactly something to celebrate. Additionally, the Colts continue to have holes at some of the most important spots on a roster: wide receiver, left tackle, edge rusher and corner. The Colts' roster is strongest where it matters least.

[ChoppedWood]

Interesting that the author of that article makes a lot of similar observations that those of us who have been critical of Ballard have made:

Ballard's pecs though, man puttin' in the work at the gym.

Can't stand him, think he should have been shit canned a couple years ago.

[Dam8610]

The author of that article hasn't watched the Colts. Holes at WR and LT? Pittman and Downs are both starting caliber, and Pierce is a viable deep threat, and the Colts are one of a very few teams in the league that have 2 players capable of starting at LT. I'd even argue they have the players at CB, they've just been hit by the injury bug.

[omahacolt]

The author of that article hasn't watched the Colts. Holes at WR and LT? Pittman and Downs are both starting caliber, and Pierce is a viable deep threat, and the Colts are one of a very few teams in the league that have 2 players capable of starting at LT. I'd even argue they have the players at CB, they've just been hit by the injury bug.

we clearly need help at wr.


having only 2 good ones and just bodies after that is not ideal

[rm1369]

The author of that article hasn't watched the Colts. Holes at WR and LT? Pittman and Downs are both starting caliber, and Pierce is a viable deep threat, and the Colts are one of a very few teams in the league that have 2 players capable of starting at LT. I'd even argue they have the players at CB, they've just been hit by the injury bug.

Check the date on the article - it’s from Sept ‘22. At that time very, very valid observations. The question is does Ballard have the aggressiveness in him to ever put together a top tier roster and not push everything to 1-2 years down the road. We’ve seen it time after time. So often it’s hard to argue it’s not what he does. The question is: is that because he’s “rebuilding” still? Or is it just his philosophy. Unfortunately I think it’s the latter. He’s already had longer to “rebuild” that any GM I can remember. QB is in place, no more excuses.

[IndyNorm]

The author of that article hasn't watched the Colts. Holes at WR and LT? Pittman and Downs are both starting caliber, and Pierce is a viable deep threat, and the Colts are one of a very few teams in the league that have 2 players capable of starting at LT. I'd even argue they have the players at CB, they've just been hit by the injury bug.

rn beat me to it on the date of the article. You might be right on LT, although they've both taken a step back the past couple of weeks. Downs looks like he might something special. Pittman is ok, but nothing great. Everyone is JAGS. And the jury is out on CB. At the very least clearly our dept there is a big issue.

Anyway, I'm not beating the fire Ballard drum. Just pointing out that someone who covers the Chiefs has noticed the same shortcomings that a lot of us on here have.

[Racehorse]

Check the date on the article - it’s from Sept ‘22. At that time very, very valid observations. The question is does Ballard have the aggressiveness in him to ever put together a top tier roster and not push everything to 1-2 years down the road. We’ve seen it time after time. So often it’s hard to argue it’s not what he does. The question is: is that because he’s “rebuilding” still? Or is it just his philosophy. Unfortunately I think it’s the latter. He’s already had longer to “rebuild” that any GM I can remember. QB is in place, no more excuses.

I think that was what he was waiting for. No sense wasting cap dollars when the QB is not going to be good enough to win against 660% of the teams in the league. Now if he doesn't push in a few more chips to the middle of the table, I will question his overall plan.

[Dam8610]

we clearly need help at wr.


having only 2 good ones and just bodies after that is not ideal

It's not a weak enough position to be called a hole. Pittman and Downs are better than just good (Downs looks like one of the steals of the 2023 draft class), and Pierce is more than a body. You could add talent there, sure, but DE needs talent more, and you could say the same thing about RB, TE, OL, CB, and DT.

[rm1369]

I think that was what he was waiting for. No sense wasting cap dollars when the QB is not going to be good enough to win against 660% of the teams in the league. Now if he doesn't push in a few more chips to the middle of the table, I will question his overall plan.

I question the logic in acquiring two old vet QBs and not trying to fill out the rest of the roster. Regardless if Ballard has managed the roster the way he has because he didn’t have confidence in the QB, I can accept that. If he still doesn’t or this is really just his philosophy then I’m ready to move on to someone else. That doesn’t mean he needs to sign every big name FA this off season. It’s the constant gifting of spots to rookies and the disregard for mid level vets that I’m tired of.

[YDFL Commish]

I question the logic in acquiring two old vet QBs and not trying to fill out the rest of the roster. Regardless if Ballard has managed the roster the way he has because he didn’t have confidence in the QB, I can accept that. If he still doesn’t or this is really just his philosophy then I’m ready to move on to someone else. That doesn’t mean he needs to sign every big name FA this off season. It’s the constant gifting of spots to rookies and the disregard for mid level vets that I’m tired of.

Agreed. You don't build your roster and go for it, until you know you have the QB. After 16 games from Manning, BP knew what he had and began building the roster.

We what, 8 qtrs of play from AR? Do we know what we have?

I think if you add either an elite pass rusher or CB in FA and MHJ, this team could go along way though.

[CletusPyle]

This last game I saw some flashes from Pierce that make me think this guy could be very good if we could give our QB more time in the pocket. I liked that to get him more involved they had him running some shorter routes. He is quick and I think other teams know what a weapon he is and they have done a good job taking him out....Downs is the steal of the draft!

[Colts And Orioles]

Check the date on the article - it’s from September of 2022.





o


My bad for not pointing that out in my post.

o

[ukcolt]

It's not a weak enough position to be called a hole. Pittman and Downs are better than just good (Downs looks like one of the steals of the 2023 draft class), and Pierce is more than a body. You could add talent there, sure, but DE needs talent more, and you could say the same thing about RB, TE, OL, CB, and DT.

What?????? We have 3 WR's of note and 2 RB's performing at a really high level, yet you think there is a greater need to upgrade the RB position? In fact you list just about every position as needing help.

Now I am not totally arguing against you in terms of depth. But how often is a 3rd RB used in a game in comparison to how often a 4th receiver is used? A 4th receiver will probably see 25% of the snaps at a guess, whereas the 3rd RB might see 5% if they are lucky.

Our starters on the DL i am reasonably comfortable with, Paye, Ebukam, Stewart and Buckner as starters and we have the rookie who's name i have yet to learn how to say, let alone spell....Dayo & Lewis often move across the line, that's 7 guys i have reasonably happy with. Could we add a superstar of course we can. Could we do with a run stuffing back up DT, yes, but is that really a priority we need to focus using resources on?

[ChaosTheory]

What?????? We have 3 WR's of note and 2 RB's performing at a really high level, yet you think there is a greater need to upgrade the RB position? In fact you list just about every position as needing help.

I took it as him saying a DE pass-rusher is clearly a bigger need than WR. We aren't loaded at WR, but we have some good players and talent. So calling it a "hole" could be applied to several other positions by that definition.

[Dam8610]

What?????? We have 3 WR's of note and 2 RB's performing at a really high level, yet you think there is a greater need to upgrade the RB position? In fact you list just about every position as needing help.

Now I am not totally arguing against you in terms of depth. But how often is a 3rd RB used in a game in comparison to how often a 4th receiver is used? A 4th receiver will probably see 25% of the snaps at a guess, whereas the 3rd RB might see 5% if they are lucky.

Our starters on the DL i am reasonably comfortable with, Paye, Ebukam, Stewart and Buckner as starters and we have the rookie who's name i have yet to learn how to say, let alone spell....Dayo & Lewis often move across the line, that's 7 guys i have reasonably happy with. Could we add a superstar of course we can. Could we do with a run stuffing back up DT, yes, but is that really a priority we need to focus using resources on?

I tend to take a 3-4 year view of each position. From that perspective, the Colts will need a new RB1 in that time, or at the very least an RB2 with an eye toward RB1, a premiere pass rusher and at least one rotational piece at DE, maybe two, a new NT and likely at least looking for the next starter at UT, at least one LB, maybe two, probably 4 DBs, and 2-3 IOL. The only positions that I could see being okay with only depth for the next 3-4 years are QB, WR, TE, and OT.

[IndyNorm]

I think that was what he was waiting for. No sense wasting cap dollars when the QB is not going to be good enough to win against 660% of the teams in the league. Now if he doesn't push in a few more chips to the middle of the table, I will question his overall plan.

Not sure I follow what you're saying here. Other than last year we've definitely been better than bottom 1/3 of the league. Especially in '20 where if we would have had any sort of pass rush and a couple more weapons for Rivers then we're probably a top 1/3 team.

[Chromeburn]

I tend to take a 3-4 year view of each position. From that perspective, the Colts will need a new RB1 in that time, or at the very least an RB2 with an eye toward RB1, a premiere pass rusher and at least one rotational piece at DE, maybe two, a new NT and likely at least looking for the next starter at UT, at least one LB, maybe two, probably 4 DBs, and 2-3 IOL. The only positions that I could see being okay with only depth for the next 3-4 years are QB, WR, TE, and OT.

RBs are instant impact, you can get that piece last. I wish there were better DEs and edge in the next draft. But there should be some good DTs. Given the development time DTs take, a couple years he should be ready to slide in as a starter. Unless they get a top five pick, I would try for MHj in that scenario. DT might be the best option. OT is a possibility as well, but I think we might be good in that area for awhile. Then I would go CB or WR, the BPA defense after that.

[Racehorse]

Not sure I follow what you're saying here. Other than last year we've definitely been better than bottom 1/3 of the league. Especially in '20 where if we would have had any sort of pass rush and a couple more weapons for Rivers then we're probably a top 1/3 team.

Fat fingers got me. I was trying to say 60%, not 660%. I was referring to playoff teams. This team will beat a playoff team from time to time, but not consistently. Minshew rarely does. AR gives us a chance, I think.

[HoosierinFL]

I took it as him saying a DE pass-rusher is clearly a bigger need than WR. We aren't loaded at WR, but we have some good players and talent. So calling it a "hole" could be applied to several other positions by that definition.

The funny thing about our pass rush is that even though we don't have a dominant guy who is racking up big numbers, no Myles Garrett or Nick Bosa or Dwight Freeney, we are scheming sacks fairly well, tied for 12th in total team sacks, and there was a graphic in the last game suggesting we are leading the NFL in strip sacks this year but I can't find any stats offhand to support that claim - outside of being tied for 4th in forced fumbles.

So yea a great sack monster player would be nice, but right now it just doesn't look like a huge priority compared to the secondary which is currently a patchwork of backups and Kenny Moore.

[IndyNorm]

Fat fingers got me. I was trying to say 60%, not 660%. I was referring to playoff teams. This team will beat a playoff team from time to time, but not consistently. Minshew rarely does. AR gives us a chance, I think.

Gotcha. Yeah, I don't blame him for not going all in w/ a rookie QB. Hopefully AR shows he can stay healthy next year and keeps progressing then Ballard is ready and willing to go all in in '25.

[Chromeburn]

The funny thing about our pass rush is that even though we don't have a dominant guy who is racking up big numbers, no Myles Garrett or Nick Bosa or Dwight Freeney, we are scheming sacks fairly well, tied for 12th in total team sacks, and there was a graphic in the last game suggesting we are leading the NFL in strip sacks this year but I can't find any stats offhand to support that claim - outside of being tied for 4th in forced fumbles.

So yea a great sack monster player would be nice, but right now it just doesn't look like a huge priority compared to the secondary which is currently a patchwork of backups and Kenny Moore.

I would imagine the secondary falling apart will hurt those numbers.

[HoosierinFL]

I would imagine the secondary falling apart will hurt those numbers.

I think it did this past weekend. There will be no such thing as a coverage sack for this defense for awhile

[Discflinger]

Still think he's great. Not that my opinion matters. But he does it the Colts way and I would like Jim to hire no more GMs.
Trash away...

[Discflinger]

https://www.colts.com/news/anthony-richardson-recovery-shane-steichen-josh-downs-chris-ballard-2023-season
Ballard being Ballard.