Playoffs

[Puck]

The Colts are still in it.

https://1075thefan.com/663731/week-16-afc-playoff-look-colts-still-in-playoff-race/

[albany ed]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7fjDS0jKiE

[Lov2fish]

Mathematically and theoretically we are still in it. Being fans of this team how many of us fully expect the rug to get yanked out from under us? We've been here so many times and the results are always the same. Until they break that cycle it is who we are. Kinda like that old commercial. Ohh, ya almost had it!

[Puck]

Quitters

[albany ed]

Quitters

What I saw last Sunday was definitely not quitters. They played their asses off. Injuries in key positions on the offense and the defense.

[Puck]

What I saw last Sunday was definitely not quitters. They played their asses off. Injuries in key positions on the offense and the defense.

HA I was referring to people on the thread seeming to give up. Just joking around

[Puck]

What I saw last Sunday was definitely not quitters. They played their asses off. Injuries in key positions on the offense and the defense.


I think Rivers enthusiasm and command is contagious. Hard not to root for him

[Colts And Orioles]

What I saw last Sunday was definitely not quitters ...... they played their asses off ...... they had injuries at key positions, on the both the offense and the defense.





o


Seeing the road team in their all-white uniforms playing their asses off reminded me of the 1995 AFC Championship game ...... a team that was given very little chance to win, on the road, with 70,000 screaming fans rooting against them ...... all they had was each other, 47 men that very nearly pulled it off against all odds.

o

[YDFL Commish]

I had the same thought.

[omahacolt]

we are not making the playoffs. we have all watched this movie before.



playoffs on the table and the colts fold. happens every year. I doubt we win another game unless the texicans are resting their starters.

[Puck]

If you play around with this and do your normal picks. Then do different scenarios for the Colts you can see they can win the division as the 3 seed if they win out. And can get the 7th even with a loss to Houston in week 18

I do not see Jax beating the Donks. I think the Texans may struggle with the Chargers

I'm not giving up

https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

[Puck]

If the Steelers beat the Lions this week. The 9ers are in. Even if they lose their last 3.

They will know that before they play us on Monday night

If they win out they could get to the 5th seed. But still a WC. So its possible they do not risk injuries

[Puck]

this breaks it down pretty well

https://www.colts.com/news/how-colts-could-kick-off-vs-49ers-controlling-afc-playoff-destiny

Entering Week 16, the Colts have an uphill climb to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020 – and while the path is steep, it is clear.

With three games left, let's re-set where the Colts are in the AFC playoff picture and, using The Athletic's numbers, look at the odds for this team to reach the postseason by playing out several different scenarios to close out the 2025 regular season.

Buckle up, this is about to get complicated – but there's some fascinating stuff still to be decided starting this weekend.

AFC Standings (division leader)

Denver Broncos (12-2)*
New England Patriots (11-3)*
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)*
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)*
Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
Buffalo Bills (10-4)
Houston Texans (9-5)
Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
The main teams we're going to focus on here are the Jaguars, Chargers and Texans. The Steelers, Bills and Patriots will come into play in some narrow scenarios. The Ravens will either win the AFC North or finish behind the Colts in the wild card standings.

Seven AFC teams are already eliminated from the playoffs: the Chiefs, Dolphins, Bengals, Jets, Browns, Raiders and Titans.

Current playoff odds, scenarios & tiebreakers in final 3 weeks

The Colts, per The Athletic, have an 8 percent chance of reaching the playoffs and currently do not control their own playoff destiny.

However, if at least one of these results happens on Sunday, the Colts would kick off on Monday night against the 49ers in complete control of their playoff destiny:

Jaguars lose to Broncos (at Denver)
Chargers lose to Cowboys (at Dallas)
Texans lose to Raiders (at Houston)
If either result occurs and the Colts win their final three games, they would make the playoffs. Here's how, again, with the requirement the Colts win their final three games:

Jaguars lose to Broncos: This would put the Jaguars at 10-5. A Colts win over the Jaguars in Week 17 would then even both teams' records at 10-6; if both teams finish 11-6, the Colts would win the tiebreaker. Here's the fine print on how: The Colts and Jaguars would both be 11-6, 1-1 against each other, 4-2 in the AFC South, 9-4 against common opponents (HOU, TEN, SF, KC, DEN, LAC, LV, SEA, LAR, SF, AZ) and 8-4 against conference opponents, which would push to the NFL's fifth tiebreaker, which is strength of victory, and it would favor the Colts.
Chargers lose to Cowboys: This would cut the Colts' deficit to both the Chargers and Texans to one game (or would tie the Colts with Houston if the Texans lose to the Raiders). But since the Chargers and Texans play each other in Week 17, the Colts would either enter Week 18 tied with the Chargers at 10-6 (if the Texans win; the Colts have the head-to-head tiebreaker based on their Week 7 win in Los Angeles) or tied with the Texans at 10-6 (and the winner of Week 18's Colts-Texans game would make the playoffs). Even if the Texans are 9-7 entering Week 18, the Colts will still need a win (or tie) to make the playoffs, as Houston would have the tiebreaker over the Colts with a win.
Texans lose to Raiders: Again, this would require the Colts to still win in Week 18, but they'd then finish the season with an 11-6 record, which would be better than Houston at either 10-7 or 9-8.
There does exist a narrow scenario in which the Colts win their final three games and do not make the playoffs, but it requires every one of these results to happen:

Overall: Bills win any combination two of final three games against Browns, Eagles and Jets; Patriots win at least one of their final three games against the Ravens, Jets and Dolphins
Week 16: Chargers over Cowboys + Jaguars over Broncos + Texans over Raiders
Week 17: Texans over Chargers
Week 18: Chargers over Broncos + Jaguars over Titans
In this scenario, the Colts would be 11-6 and behind the 12-win Jaguars in the AFC South and the 12-win Bills/Patriots and Chargers in the wild card. The Texans would also be 11-6, but would own a better record against AFC opponents (9-3) than the Colts (8-4), which would give the tiebreaker to Houston.

However, if the Colts win their final three games and the Jaguars, Texans or Chargers lose at least twice, they would make the playoffs; in this scenario, the Colts would deal a loss to both the Jaguars (Week 17) and Texans (Week 18).

AFC South still up for grabs

Two key games exist outside of the Colts' control that, if results break their way, would open the door for the Colts to win the AFC South for the first time since 2014.

If these results were to happen, the Colts would head to Houston in Week 18 with an opportunity to clinch the AFC South with a victory:

Week 16: Colts over 49ers, Broncos over Jaguars
Week 17: Colts over Jaguars, Chargers over Texans
In this scenario, the Colts and Jaguars would be 10-6; the Texans would likely be 10-6 (again, if they beat the Raiders), but even if they lose to Las Vegas, the Colts would still need to win at NRG Stadium to clinch the division, as a loss would hand Houston the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Colts.

Additionally, the Colts could still go into Week 18 a game behind the Jaguars and still win the division with a victory over the Texans. However, this would require the Jaguars to lose at home to the 2-12 Titans.

Could the Colts go 2-1 and still make the playoffs?

Yes, but they'd need a lot more help. A 10-7 Colts team would need several things to happen:

Scenario 1: Jaguars go 0-3 AND Texans go 1-2 AND Steelers win AFC North or fewer than 10 games: if Houston's lone win is over the Raiders, the Colts would win a three-way tie of 10-7 teams for the AFC South. If Houston's lone win is over the Chargers or Colts, the Colts would lose the division but be a wild card team as long as the Ravens (7-7) do not win the AFC North over the Steelers (8-6), or the Steelers go 1-2 or 0-3 in their final three games.
Scenario 2: Chargers go 0-3 AND Bills go at least 1-2 AND Steelers win AFC North or fewer than 10 games: If the Colts and Chargers finish with the same record, the Colts would make the playoffs. However, in the event of a three-way tie between the Colts, Chargers and Bills or Colts, Chargers and Steelers, or a four-way tie between the Colts, Chargers, Bills and Steelers, the Colts would not make the playoffs in those scenarios.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


If my calculations are correct, the Colts can win the division if they win out and go 11-6 ...... the only help that they would need is for the Jaguars to lose to the Broncos on Sunday in central Colorado.

That said, first things first ...... the Colts have to l WIN ONE GAME ...... l they have just lost 4 consecutive games ...... all the "help" in the world isn't going to benefit the Colts if they can't win one solitary game.

o

[ChaosTheory]

I just change my perspective as a viewer. In the Polian days, I wanted everybody's best shot - full strength, no excuses, etc.

I was there most of this year until the Grim Reaper came knocking, and now we're not supposed to win shit from here out. So I'm straight into '95-mode now.

[CletusPyle]

I have been predicting a Broncos loss for weeks, and they keep stealing these games in the 4th quarter....would not be surprised to see the Jaguars win on Sunday!

[Racehorse]

I have been predicting a Broncos loss for weeks, and they keep stealing these games in the 4th quarter....would not be surprised to see the Jaguars win on Sunday!

Party pooper!

[CletusPyle]

Party pooper!

See my Soda Picks record, I wouldn't be too concerned!:D

[Hoopsdoc]

we are not making the playoffs. we have all watched this movie before.



playoffs on the table and the colts fold. happens every year. I doubt we win another game unless the texicans are resting their starters.

They won’t win another game. I’ve been convinced of that since the Texans loss. That, in effect, was the end of the season.

There’s also the fact that the 49’ers are really really good.

[ChoppedWood]

They won’t win another game. I’ve been convinced of that since the Texans loss. That, in effect, was the end of the season.

There’s also the fact that the 49’ers are really really good.

^^^^
This

This too was being talked about on the radio today. You would be hard pressed to find a team with more key players lost to injury this year than the niners. However, here they are in the middle of a fight to be the NFC's number one seed at the tail end of the season.

Conversely the Colts have been in a death spiral essentially since Buckner went down and then injuries to Sauce, Ward sent us careening toward a cliff, and of course now DJ finds us just collapsing.

It's difficult not to stand their cases up next to each other and say there is a massive difference in talent acquisition after starters across the two teams.

Fuck Chris Ballard!

[YDFL Commish]

^^^^
This
Conversely the Colts have been in a death spiral essentially since Buckner went down and then injuries to Sauce, Ward sent us careening toward a cliff, and of course now DJ finds us just collapsing.

It's difficult not to stand their cases up next to each other and say there is a massive difference in talent acquisition after starters across the two teams.

Fuck Chris Ballard!

Buckner, Sauce, Ward, Schrader, DJ, Dulin, Gould are all key contributors that we are missing.

But in the words of the great JohnnyU..."Talk is cheap, let's go play".

[Discflinger]

Exactly! Let's see if we can get a couple of these guys back when it matters(99). Been rewatching 95; that was "football".

[Discflinger]

Remember last time? I think he's off the team.

[Discflinger]

All season he's been 2.0 and that's what I been screaming! Sign his ass!

[Discflinger]

I am sure 17 wants all the routes, but are they 88?

[Racehorse]

All season he's been 2.0 and that's what I been screaming! Sign his ass!

What are you rambling on about?

[Oldcolt]

What are you rambling on about?

The man is on a plane most of us will never see. Honor him.

[ChaosTheory]

What are you rambling on about?

That's he says when he reads our banal posts with his third eye.

[IndyNorm]

Yes, technically the Colts can still make the playoffs. Realistically though they have about as good of a chance as I do of hitting the Powerball jackpot on Saturday night.

[sherck]

I think the odds are more in the favor of....

Going 1-8 after starting 7-1....

....then making the 2025 NFL playoffs.


While I have been entertained almost all season by my beloved Colts, that is tragic.

[Hoopsdoc]

With the Seahawks beating the Rams in a classic overtime game last night, the 49ers path to the number one seed is wide open. If they win out, they’ll win the division and be the top seed.

A little more motivation for them.

[IndyNorm]

With the Seahawks beating the Rams in a classic overtime game last night, the 49ers path to the number one seed is wide open. If they win out, they’ll win the division and be the top seed.

A little more motivation for them.

Additionally the Rams choking away the game cost me what would have been a really nice parlay win :mad::mad::mad:

[Colts And Orioles]

With the Seahawks beating the Rams in a classic overtime game last night, the 49ers path to the number one seed is wide open. If they win out, they’ll win the division and be the top seed.

A little more motivation for them.






o


Just after Joe Namath guaranteed a Jets victory in Super Bowl III, Namath's head coach (Weeb Ewbank) angrily confronted his quarterback, asking why he would say such a thing that would give the Colts more motivation to kick the Jets' asses. Namath told Ewbank, "If they need an incendiary comment from an opposing player to motivate them in a world championship game, then they're in trouble."

If the Rams had beaten the Seahawks in that game last week, I doubt that the 49ers, with a record of 10-4 while playing in the toughest division in football, would be any less motivated to kick the Colts' rear-ends than they are now. If the Colts lose to the 49ers on Monday night it will because they will have been outplayed, not because the outcome of the Rams-Seahawks game gave the 49ers an extra spark of inspiration.

o

[YDFL Commish]

o


Just after Joe Namath guaranteed a Jets victory in Super Bowl III, Namath's head coach (Weeb Ewbank) angrily confronted his quarterback, asking why he would say such a thing that would give the Colts more motivation to kick the Jets' asses. Namath told Ewbank, "If they need an incendiary comment from an opposing player to motivate them in a world championship game, then they're in trouble."

If the Rams had beaten the Seahawks in that game last week, I doubt that the 49ers, with a record of 10-4 while playing in the toughest division in football, would be any less motivated to kick the Colts' rear-ends than they are now. If the Colts lose to the 49ers on Monday night it will because they will have been outplayed, not because the outcome of the Rams-Seahawks game gave the 49ers an extra spark of inspiration.

o

that was Namath's quote? He used the word incendiary? The guy was as dumb as a box of rocks , and he using the word incendiary? I don't buy it.

[Colts And Orioles]

That was Namath's quote ??? He used the word incendiary ??? The guy was as dumb as a box of rocks, and he using the word incendiary ??? I don't buy it.





o


Namath's exact words were "Coach, if they need press clippings to get ready, they're in trouble." I used the word incendiary (along with the world championship game portion of my citation), as I was paraphrasing.

That wasn't the point. The point was that Namath told Coach Ewbank that the Colts were in trouble if they needed extra motivation from something that he said in order to win the game.

o

[Hoopsdoc]

this breaks it down pretty well

https://www.colts.com/news/how-colts-could-kick-off-vs-49ers-controlling-afc-playoff-destiny

Entering Week 16, the Colts have an uphill climb to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020 – and while the path is steep, it is clear.

With three games left, let's re-set where the Colts are in the AFC playoff picture and, using The Athletic's numbers, look at the odds for this team to reach the postseason by playing out several different scenarios to close out the 2025 regular season.

Buckle up, this is about to get complicated – but there's some fascinating stuff still to be decided starting this weekend.

AFC Standings (division leader)

Denver Broncos (12-2)*
New England Patriots (11-3)*
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)*
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)*
Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
Buffalo Bills (10-4)
Houston Texans (9-5)
Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
The main teams we're going to focus on here are the Jaguars, Chargers and Texans. The Steelers, Bills and Patriots will come into play in some narrow scenarios. The Ravens will either win the AFC North or finish behind the Colts in the wild card standings.

Seven AFC teams are already eliminated from the playoffs: the Chiefs, Dolphins, Bengals, Jets, Browns, Raiders and Titans.

Current playoff odds, scenarios & tiebreakers in final 3 weeks

The Colts, per The Athletic, have an 8 percent chance of reaching the playoffs and currently do not control their own playoff destiny.

However, if at least one of these results happens on Sunday, the Colts would kick off on Monday night against the 49ers in complete control of their playoff destiny:

Jaguars lose to Broncos (at Denver)
Chargers lose to Cowboys (at Dallas)
Texans lose to Raiders (at Houston)
If either result occurs and the Colts win their final three games, they would make the playoffs. Here's how, again, with the requirement the Colts win their final three games:

Jaguars lose to Broncos: This would put the Jaguars at 10-5. A Colts win over the Jaguars in Week 17 would then even both teams' records at 10-6; if both teams finish 11-6, the Colts would win the tiebreaker. Here's the fine print on how: The Colts and Jaguars would both be 11-6, 1-1 against each other, 4-2 in the AFC South, 9-4 against common opponents (HOU, TEN, SF, KC, DEN, LAC, LV, SEA, LAR, SF, AZ) and 8-4 against conference opponents, which would push to the NFL's fifth tiebreaker, which is strength of victory, and it would favor the Colts.
Chargers lose to Cowboys: This would cut the Colts' deficit to both the Chargers and Texans to one game (or would tie the Colts with Houston if the Texans lose to the Raiders). But since the Chargers and Texans play each other in Week 17, the Colts would either enter Week 18 tied with the Chargers at 10-6 (if the Texans win; the Colts have the head-to-head tiebreaker based on their Week 7 win in Los Angeles) or tied with the Texans at 10-6 (and the winner of Week 18's Colts-Texans game would make the playoffs). Even if the Texans are 9-7 entering Week 18, the Colts will still need a win (or tie) to make the playoffs, as Houston would have the tiebreaker over the Colts with a win.
Texans lose to Raiders: Again, this would require the Colts to still win in Week 18, but they'd then finish the season with an 11-6 record, which would be better than Houston at either 10-7 or 9-8.
There does exist a narrow scenario in which the Colts win their final three games and do not make the playoffs, but it requires every one of these results to happen:

Overall: Bills win any combination two of final three games against Browns, Eagles and Jets; Patriots win at least one of their final three games against the Ravens, Jets and Dolphins
Week 16: Chargers over Cowboys + Jaguars over Broncos + Texans over Raiders
Week 17: Texans over Chargers
Week 18: Chargers over Broncos + Jaguars over Titans
In this scenario, the Colts would be 11-6 and behind the 12-win Jaguars in the AFC South and the 12-win Bills/Patriots and Chargers in the wild card. The Texans would also be 11-6, but would own a better record against AFC opponents (9-3) than the Colts (8-4), which would give the tiebreaker to Houston.

However, if the Colts win their final three games and the Jaguars, Texans or Chargers lose at least twice, they would make the playoffs; in this scenario, the Colts would deal a loss to both the Jaguars (Week 17) and Texans (Week 18).

AFC South still up for grabs

Two key games exist outside of the Colts' control that, if results break their way, would open the door for the Colts to win the AFC South for the first time since 2014.

If these results were to happen, the Colts would head to Houston in Week 18 with an opportunity to clinch the AFC South with a victory:

Week 16: Colts over 49ers, Broncos over Jaguars
Week 17: Colts over Jaguars, Chargers over Texans
In this scenario, the Colts and Jaguars would be 10-6; the Texans would likely be 10-6 (again, if they beat the Raiders), but even if they lose to Las Vegas, the Colts would still need to win at NRG Stadium to clinch the division, as a loss would hand Houston the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Colts.

Additionally, the Colts could still go into Week 18 a game behind the Jaguars and still win the division with a victory over the Texans. However, this would require the Jaguars to lose at home to the 2-12 Titans.

Could the Colts go 2-1 and still make the playoffs?

Yes, but they'd need a lot more help. A 10-7 Colts team would need several things to happen:

Scenario 1: Jaguars go 0-3 AND Texans go 1-2 AND Steelers win AFC North or fewer than 10 games: if Houston's lone win is over the Raiders, the Colts would win a three-way tie of 10-7 teams for the AFC South. If Houston's lone win is over the Chargers or Colts, the Colts would lose the division but be a wild card team as long as the Ravens (7-7) do not win the AFC North over the Steelers (8-6), or the Steelers go 1-2 or 0-3 in their final three games.
Scenario 2: Chargers go 0-3 AND Bills go at least 1-2 AND Steelers win AFC North or fewer than 10 games: If the Colts and Chargers finish with the same record, the Colts would make the playoffs. However, in the event of a three-way tie between the Colts, Chargers and Bills or Colts, Chargers and Steelers, or a four-way tie between the Colts, Chargers, Bills and Steelers, the Colts would not make the playoffs in those scenarios.

So the Chargers beat the Cowboys, the Jags beat the Broncos, and the Texans beat the Raiders.

Does this mean the Colts are officially eliminated?

[CletusPyle]

I have been predicting a Broncos loss for weeks, and they keep stealing these games in the 4th quarter....would not be surprised to see the Jaguars win on Sunday!

It's lonely being a genius sometimes.....:D

[Puck]

So the Chargers beat the Cowboys, the Jags beat the Broncos, and the Texans beat the Raiders.

Does this mean the Colts are officially eliminated?

We have to win out and the Chargers need to lose to either the Texans or Donks I think

[Puck]

We have to win out and the Chargers need to lose to either the Texans or Donks I think

Ok. it's more complicated than that. The Colts dont even have to win tomorrow night

Try this

https://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

[omahacolt]

that was Namath's quote? He used the word incendiary? The guy was as dumb as a box of rocks , and he using the word incendiary? I don't buy it.

don't encourage him.


every post he makes tries to discuss shit from 40 years ago or longer. dude tries to make every fucking thread a history review and every fucking post he makes is a history lesson. its obnoxious.

[Colts And Orioles]

Don't encourage him.





o


Right ...... because if he stops encouraging me, I'm going to stop posting and/or change my posting patterns.

You should be a prosecutor, Omaha ...... you could be probably bring violent crime to a screeching halt by telling the American public not to encourage the psychopaths of organized crime to commit murder and extortion.

o

[Puck]

CLew 🏈🏀⚾️🥊
@droppedballspod
·
10h
If the Colts win out, the Texans beat the Chargers, and the Chargers lose to the Broncos in week 18, the AFC South would get 3 teams into the playoffs 😂😂😂.

Jags would be 12-5
Texans would be 11-6
Colts would be 11-6

All would have the tie breaker over the 11-6 Chargers.

[Oldcolt]

I like having someone to discuss 'history' with us. It does give me pause when Omaha calls C&O obnoxious however, as the man knows obnoxious better than most.

[Colts And Orioles]

I like having someone to discuss 'history' with us. It does give me pause when Omaha calls C&O obnoxious however, as the man knows obnoxious better than most.





o


It ought not give you reason to pause ...... if Jesse James complained that somebody stole his wallet, I wouldn't take him seriously.

o

[Puck]

The only way we make the playoffs now is to win out and Texans lose next week to the Chargers

It was fun. Just too many injuries to end the season

[albany ed]

The only way we make the playoffs now is to win out and Texans lose next week to the Chargers

It was fun. Just too many injuries to end the season

It was fun. The first half was way better than I and probably everyone else expected. DJ, Taylor, Downs, Warren and the OL. These guys were extraordinary. So much fun that first half. Couldn't have scripted it better. Second half? Pretty sad, but hey, it was fun while it lasted.

[CletusPyle]

If the NFL hadn't of back loaded our schedule and we would have had more of a normal mix of good and bad teams, I think this season would have been just what most of us expected it to be 8 or 9 wins and just missing the playoffs again. Since the first half of the schedule was mostly less talented teams, we overachieved and some of us (me included) got our hopes built up only to have another cruel rug pull!

Maybe this team is closer than I think, maybe we are somehow able to add a couple of critical pieces in the off season and finally put together a complete season and make the playoffs? Then again maybe we need some changes at the top? I think Steichen has a good football mind I see no reason to fire him at this point. I can't see CIG firing Ballard after allowing him to trade for Sauce, she almost has to go with him until we have a first rounder again.

[Oldcolt]

If the NFL hadn't of back loaded our schedule and we would have had more of a normal mix of good and bad teams, I think this season would have been just what most of us expected it to be 8 or 9 wins and just missing the playoffs again. Since the first half of the schedule was mostly less talented teams, we overachieved and some of us (me included) got our hopes built up only to have another cruel rug pull!

Maybe this team is closer than I think, maybe we are somehow able to add a couple of critical pieces in the off season and finally put together a complete season and make the playoffs? Then again maybe we need some changes at the top? I think Steichen has a good football mind I see no reason to fire him at this point. I can't see CIG firing Ballard after allowing him to trade for Sauce, she almost has to go with him until we have a first rounder again.

This is exactly my feeling. Ballard will most likely be back and with his inability to scout QBs or pass rushers we will be the same 8-9 win team with some form of the exact same excuses. Depressing beyond all belief.

[IndyNorm]

If the NFL hadn't of back loaded our schedule and we would have had more of a normal mix of good and bad teams, I think this season would have been just what most of us expected it to be 8 or 9 wins and just missing the playoffs again. Since the first half of the schedule was mostly less talented teams, we overachieved and some of us (me included) got our hopes built up only to have another cruel rug pull!

Maybe this team is closer than I think, maybe we are somehow able to add a couple of critical pieces in the off season and finally put together a complete season and make the playoffs? Then again maybe we need some changes at the top? I think Steichen has a good football mind I see no reason to fire him at this point. I can't see CIG firing Ballard after allowing him to trade for Sauce, she almost has to go with him until we have a first rounder again.

Obviously the injuries have a lot to do w/ our collapse as well. If we had stayed somewhat healthy I think we get another couple of wins that probably gets us into the playoffs.

More importantly though is we didn't get to see how the Steichen and Jones combo dealt with adversity and if they could have bounced back after being exposed at Pitt. This (along w/ the Sauce trade) really handcuffs ownership into rolling back w/ pretty much what we have for next season.

[Oldcolt]

Read this on another board about Ballard. I agree with it all except JT being obvious. He could have added that during Ballards term we have also been arguably the worst team in football 2 of those years. I think his term should come to an end:


At best he's been mediocre

He went into a season thinking Matt Pryor could be the blindsid for a statue. That was after he thought a guy coming off an Achilles tear in the same year was the answer at left tackle....when we all knew AC may retire

He traded a first for carson Wentz, outbidding himself

I like sauce but two firsts for a corner when your roster doesn't have a pass rusher is a lot. The Texans moved up to get Will Anderson and people thought it was ridiculous. It wasn't. I wish the texans still had that little finger ass unqualified gm.

We had seasons where he leaned on Parris Campbell to come back and play wide receiver. As a result we had the likes of Zach pascal leading us in yards. I'm not quitting on Latu and he's aight but right now it's looking like Verse is significant better. We haven't had a guy who can get a sack or pressure when you have to have one in a decade.

Telling people not paying attention to our division that he's been GM for 9 years and hasn't won a division that hasn't had a Josh Allen or Mahomes or Brady or Manning to go through shocks them. It's ridiculous

Some of his best picks have been beyond obvious - Nelson, JT in round 2, Warren. I'll give him credit on Buck wr (though you could make the case we should have traded up to get a different duck in the draft) and the Leonard Smith move. But if you have a decade you'll have a few hits.

[Oldcolt]

Obviously the injuries have a lot to do w/ our collapse as well. If we had stayed somewhat healthy I think we get another couple of wins that probably gets us into the playoffs.

More importantly though is we didn't get to see how the Steichen and Jones combo dealt with adversity and if they could have bounced back after being exposed at Pitt. This (along w/ the Sauce trade) really handcuffs ownership into rolling back w/ pretty much what we have for next season.

IndyNorm. How many teams fans in the NFL could say the exact same thing, and say it every year?

[rm1369]

He’ll likely get another year to try to prove the only issue with the team is injuries. Currently I don’t believe it. Hell the Niners have had tons of injuries. It looks like nearly every team in his tenure - a team that is less than the sum of its parts. A team that always finds a way to lose when it matters. He finds a decent amount of good players. He doesn’t find enough players that move the needle. This is a mediocre team lead by a mediocre GM. They teased us during a very soft early schedule, but I guess we shouldn’t be surprised with the final results.

[Oldcolt]

We need a GM with better luck as poor Ballard just seems to have had 10 years of bad breaks, poor guy.

[Thorgrim]

Hard to say at this point how long some of the coaches or front office people may stay around. If allowances are made for injuries, retirements, death of owner, questionable trades and draft choices that don’t turn out as planned then we could have this crew for a long time. Lack of post season appearances or success has not in itself been the deciding factor. The recent history of the team suggests we hope for the best and expect the worst. Bottom line, the team continues to make $$ and fans continue to pay to watch the product. At the end of the day we are just along for the ride. Mercifully, within the next two weeks we will either be celebrating an amazing turn-around or quietly digesting yet another meaningless January.

[IndyNorm]

IndyNorm. How many teams fans in the NFL could say the exact same thing, and say it every year?

Not many. Especially since we started out 7-1 (and if not for AD's fuck ups very well could have started 8-0) and are likely going to end up at 8-9.

He’ll likely get another year to try to prove the only issue with the team is injuries. Currently I don’t believe it. Hell the Niners have had tons of injuries. It looks like nearly every team in his tenure - a team that is less than the sum of its parts. A team that always finds a way to lose when it matters. He finds a decent amount of good players. He doesn’t find enough players that move the needle. This is a mediocre team lead by a mediocre GM. They teased us during a very soft early schedule, but I guess we shouldn’t be surprised with the final results.

Not only that, but he hasn't proved that he's able to find good players at the positions that really matter - QB, DE, etc.

[Oldcolt]

Not many. Especially since we started out 7-1 (and if not for AD's fuck ups very well could have started 8-0) and are likely going to end up at 8-9.



Not only that, but he hasn't proved that he's able to find good players at the positions that really matter - QB, DE, etc.

This is my major, really only, issue with Ballard. After 10 years we can't rush the QB, don't have a franchise QB and are not trying to develop one (unless something is happening with AR that nobody knows about). People are even hoping that we sign Rivers for next year. It is a nice story but come on. Rivers played 17 years in the NFL and never won a damn thing. No conference championships and obviously no Super Bowl championships. He will be 45 next year. And yet many believe he may be the best this team can do next year. And he actually may be. To me that is an indictment of leadership that that is the situation we are in. It shouldn't be acceptable.

[IndyNorm]

This is my major, really only, issue with Ballard. After 10 years we can't rush the QB, don't have a franchise QB and are not trying to develop one (unless something is happening with AR that nobody knows about). People are even hoping that we sign Rivers for next year. It is a nice story but come on. Rivers played 17 years in the NFL and never won a damn thing. No conference championships and obviously no Super Bowl championships. He will be 45 next year. And yet many believe he may be the best this team can do next year. And he actually may be. To me that is an indictment of leadership that that is the situation we are in. It shouldn't be acceptable.

The pass rush is particularly a black eye on his resume considering Ballard has invested more in the DL than any other position group by far, and they're average at best when fully healthy (and turn into a shit show when either Defo or Grover are out/injured).

[omahacolt]

The pass rush is particularly a black eye on his resume considering Ballard has invested more in the DL than any other position group by far, and they're average at best when fully healthy (and turn into a shit show when either Defo or Grover are out/injured).

the pass rush is just disgusting. it is shocking how terrible paye is. no other de does anything of note. latu makes a play every other game at best. its just disgusting

and there is no fix for it

[Puck]

If Chiefs win tonight we are eliminated

[Puck]

1 down , now Let's Go Chargers.

[ChoppedWood]

The pass rush is particularly a black eye on his resume considering Ballard has invested more in the DL than any other position group by far, and they're average at best when fully healthy (and turn into a shit show when either Defo or Grover are out/injured).

This is enough, just this, for this alone he should be removed from the organization. I said it even when we were rolling, the lack of pass rush would be our Achilles and it absolutely proved so. So what, give him ANOTHER chance to butcher another high draft pick on a dud?

Fuck that, this dude sucks, his record is his record. Cannot understand how there remain people who give his lame ass any fucking credit. He needs to be fucking fired.

[Kray007]

Okay, an honest invitation. I’d like to hear just where Chris Ballard has failed as a talent evaluator. Just which positions are so bereft of talent that you’re prompted to rise from your couch, run for the barn, and grab your pitchfork?

At least two games were lost because of an annoying proclivity to turn over the ball in the shadow of our own goalposts

One was lost when Patrick Mahomes staged a miracle comeback, a feat he seems to generate with all too annoying regularity.

One was lost when an opponent got the ball back, trailing, with no time outs, and 46 seconds left.

One was lost when a Receiver, whose name shall never again be muttered, fumbled at the one yard line.

And that wasn’t the only time that the nameless Receiver drove a stake through the heart of our ambitions. At times, throwing in his direction was entering a black hole that could swallow the life out of Quarterbacks,, even those named Elway and Manning.

But, none of that was Chris Ballard’s fault. It wasn’t his fault that Daniel Jones broke his leg. It wasn’t his fault that Anthony Richardson lost his battle with a rubber band.

It wasn’t his fault that Charvarius Ward concussed…three times. It wasn’t his fault when Sauce Gardner went down.

It wasn’t his fault when DeForest Buckner dinged his neck, and it sure wasn’t his fault when injuries turned the Offense Line into a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone.

You’re going to tell me that it’s possible to suffer injuries and win. You’ll point to San Francisco and their 11-4 record despite losing Bosa and Warner, Bartch and Williams.

I’ll point out that, for every team that overcomes, most don’t. I’ll see you the 49’ers and raise with the Bengals, the Ravens, the Chiefs, and, yeah, the Colts.

I’ll also point out that the 49’ers had the easiest schedule in the league in 2025.

If you complain about Quarterback, I’d ask how soon you forget Daniel Jones. The Colts 8-2 record wasn’t a mirage. He might not be Andrew Luck, but if that’s your standard, if you’re expecting any new GM to strike his staff on a rock and have Peyton Manning spring forth, fully formed, you’re going to have to spend a couple of decades wading through an icy hell’scape of broken dreams. 20 other NFL teams would love to have Jones, and it’s not for nothing that I point out that if you look at any list of the best free agents available in 2026, Jones is listed near the top…even with the injury.

If Linebacker is your quarrel, I ask who could have foreseen Zaire Franklin’s one year decline from pro bowl to mediocrity? You say that, even if Franklin hadn’t regressed, there was a need at Linebacker, especially one who can cover. That’s true, but I wonder what might have been if Carlies hadn’t gone down. As a rookie, in admittedly limited action, he got PFF’s 3rd highest grade for coverage at the position, at 83.1. Personally, I have no problem with Ballard’s decision to play his cards close to his vest and bide his time, hoping thatbthe promise Carlies showed wasn’t fool’s gold.

And, finally, we reach Defensive End, the position that causes people to start sharpening their knives. You point at all the capital we’ve spent on the position, and the lean harvest gleaned. I say so what do you expect? Right now, there are only about 6-12 edge players who are truly elite. This despite the fact that over 500 have been drafted over the past decade.

Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, Will Anderson, Aiden Hutchinson, Nick Bosa, Maxx Crosby, Trey Hendrickson, Danielle Hunter, Josh Hines Allen, Nik Bonito, TJ Watt. Any of them would work wonders if he were lined up opposite Laiatu Latu.

To be honest, 5 of those guys, 6 if you include Verse, were available when Ballard picked. But 29 other teams passed on Watt in the first round in 2017. 63 teams passed on Bonito. Hunter and Hendrickson lasted into the 3rd round, and Maxx Crosby was the 106th player drafted in 2019.

You sputter yes, but Bill Polian found Robert Mathis. True, but that was sheer luck, nothing more, nothing less. It wasn’t an exercise in scouting genius, not an indication of brilliance. Mathis was the 16th Defensive End selected in 2003. Bill Polian simply spun the wheel, put his chips on 26 black and won.

If we’re going to fire GM’s because they can’t find Reggie White or Lawrence Taylor, the line at the unemployment office will be awfully long. The best the front office in New England could do is Harold Landry. The Eagles field a couple of guys named Smith and Phillips. Off with Howie Roseman’s head.

Even without a blue chip player on the edge, when D Buck went down, the Colts had 35 sacks in 15 games. That’s 3 a game, 51 in a 17 game schedule. That’s, by any measure, is acceptable.

And, it’s not like Ballard hasn’t been beating the bushes. Samson Ebukam looked good until he got hurt. They were in hot pursuit of Hunter, but he decided to go home to Houston. Rumor had an interest in the Giant’s Thibodeaux, but the Giants, demonstrating their usual ineptitude, decided to hold onto a player who’ll never sign a second contract with them.

In 3 months, Ballard might have Trey Hendrickson on his radar. If he does, chances are pretty good that Hendrickson will have a locker wedged between Sauce Gardner and DeForest Buckner.

As sure as the sun rises, people who scream for Ballard to do something, anything, will be wringing their hands, bitching about it.

[Colts And Orioles]

Okay, an honest invitation. I’d like to hear just where Chris Ballard has failed as a talent evaluator. Just which positions are so bereft of talent that you’re prompted to rise from your couch, run for the barn, and grab your pitchfork?

At least two games were lost because of an annoying proclivity to turn over the ball in the shadow of our own goalposts

One was lost when Patrick Mahomes staged a miracle comeback, a feat he seems to generate with all too annoying regularity.

One was lost when an opponent got the ball back, trailing, with no time outs, and 46 seconds left.

One was lost when a Receiver, whose name shall never again be muttered, fumbled at the one yard line.

And that wasn’t the only time that the nameless Receiver drove a stake through the heart of our ambitions. At times, throwing in his direction was entering a black hole that could swallow the life out of Quarterbacks,, even those named Elway and Manning.

But, none of that was Chris Ballard’s fault. It wasn’t his fault that Daniel Jones broke his leg. It wasn’t his fault that Anthony Richardson lost his battle with a rubber band.

It wasn’t his fault that Charvarius Ward concussed…three times. It wasn’t his fault when Sauce Gardner went down.

It wasn’t his fault when DeForest Buckner dinged his neck, and it sure wasn’t his fault when injuries turned the Offense Line into a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone.

You’re going to tell me that it’s possible to suffer injuries and win. You’ll point to San Francisco and their 11-4 record despite losing Bosa and Warner, Bartch and Williams.

I’ll point out that, for every team that overcomes, most don’t. I’ll see you the 49’ers and raise with the Bengals, the Ravens, the Chiefs, and, yeah, the Colts.

I’ll also point out that the 49’ers had the easiest schedule in the league in 2025.

If you complain about Quarterback, I’d ask how soon you forget Daniel Jones. The Colts 8-2 record wasn’t a mirage. He might not be Andrew Luck, but if that’s your standard, if you’re expecting any new GM to strike his staff on a rock and have Peyton Manning spring forth, fully formed, you’re going to have to spend a couple of decades wading through an icy hell’scape of broken dreams. 20 other NFL teams would love to have Jones, and it’s not for nothing that I point out that if you look at any list of the best free agents available in 2026, Jones is listed near the top…even with the injury.

If Linebacker is your quarrel, I ask who could have foreseen Zaire Franklin’s one year decline from pro bowl to mediocrity? You say that, even if Franklin hadn’t regressed, there was a need at Linebacker, especially one who can cover. That’s true, but I wonder what might have been if Carlies hadn’t gone down. As a rookie, in admittedly limited action, he got PFF’s 3rd highest grade for coverage at the position, at 83.1. Personally, I have no problem with Ballard’s decision to play his cards close to his vest and bide his time, hoping thatbthe promise Carlies showed wasn’t fool’s gold.

And, finally, we reach Defensive End, the position that causes people to start sharpening their knives. You point at all the capital we’ve spent on the position, and the lean harvest gleaned. I say so what do you expect? Right now, there are only about 6-12 edge players who are truly elite. This despite the fact that over 500 have been drafted over the past decade.

Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, Will Anderson, Aiden Hutchinson, Nick Bosa, Maxx Crosby, Trey Hendrickson, Danielle Hunter, Josh Hines Allen, Nik Bonito, TJ Watt. Any of them would work wonders if he were lined up opposite Laiatu Latu.

To be honest, 5 of those guys, 6 if you include Verse, were available when Ballard picked. But 29 other teams passed on Watt in the first round in 2017. 63 teams passed on Bonito. Hunter and Hendrickson lasted into the 3rd round, and Maxx Crosby was the 106th player drafted in 2019.

You sputter yes, but Bill Polian found Robert Mathis. True, but that was sheer luck, nothing more, nothing less. It wasn’t an exercise in scouting genius, not an indication of brilliance. Mathis was the 16th Defensive End selected in 2003. Bill Polian simply spun the wheel, put his chips on 26 black and won.

If we’re going to fire GM’s because they can’t find Reggie White or Lawrence Taylor, the line at the unemployment office will be awfully long. The best the front office in New England could do is Harold Landry. The Eagles field a couple of guys named Smith and Phillips. Off with Howie Roseman’s head.

Even without a blue chip player on the edge, when D Buck went down, the Colts had 35 sacks in 15 games. That’s 3 a game, 51 in a 17 game schedule. That’s, by any measure, is acceptable.

And, it’s not like Ballard hasn’t been beating the bushes. Samson Ebukam looked good until he got hurt. They were in hot pursuit of Hunter, but he decided to go home to Houston. Rumor had an interest in the Giant’s Thibodeaux, but the Giants, demonstrating their usual ineptitude, decided to hold onto a player who’ll never sign a second contract with them.

In 3 months, Ballard might have Trey Hendrickson on his radar. If he does, chances are pretty good that Hendrickson will have a locker wedged between Sauce Gardner and DeForest Buckner.

As sure as the sun rises, people who scream for Ballard to do something, anything, will be wringing their hands, bitching about it.





o


I like this post ...... it should probably get cut-and-pasted, and placed in this thread.


http://www.coltfreaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200246

o

[sherck]

Okay, an honest invitation. I’d like to hear just where Chris Ballard has failed as a talent evaluator...
The two positions that Bill Polian said you never pass on.....passer and pass rusher.

Passer: Tolzine, Brissett, Hoyer, Luck, Rivers, Wentz, Easton, Ellinger, Ryan, Foles, Richardson, Minshew, Flacco, Daniel Jones and Leonard.

He has tried; I will give him all the credit in the world that he has tried. Through the draft, through inherited players, through free agency. Headliners and no names.
He has tried and he has failed. Two playoff appearances, one with Luck and one with Rivers with MASSIVE inconsistent quarterback play through the years.

Pass Rushers: Sheard, Simon, Anderson, Woods, Hankins, Autry, Hunt, Basham, Mingo, Houston, Steward, Bucker, Ward, Muhammad, Paye, Odeyingeo, Lewis, Turey, Banagu, Ngakoue, Ebukam, Latu, Davis, Bryant.

Again, he has tried. He has used high draft picks (2024 first defensive player picked in the draft...), he has used mid draft picks, he has signed free agents to big contracts and small contracts. He has tried...and failed.

Since 2017 and the start of Ballard's time as GM, we have had ONE player with a double digit sack season. Houston in 2019 with 11.0 sacks. That's it.



So, two REALLY important positions on any NFL team and while Ballard has devoted a TON of draft and cap resources to them, he has failed to find guys who can do it at high levels of NFL skill.

Honest assessment.

[Racehorse]

The two positions that Bill Polian said you never pass on.....passer and pass rusher.

Passer: Tolzine, Brissett, Hoyer, Luck, Rivers, Wentz, Easton, Ellinger, Ryan, Foles, Richardson, Minshew, Flacco, Daniel Jones and Leonard.

He has tried; I will give him all the credit in the world that he has tried. Through the draft, through inherited players, through free agency. Headliners and no names.
He has tried and he has failed. Two playoff appearances, one with Luck and one with Rivers with MASSIVE inconsistent quarterback play through the years.

Pass Rushers: Sheard, Simon, Anderson, Woods, Hankins, Autry, Hunt, Basham, Mingo, Houston, Steward, Bucker, Ward, Muhammad, Paye, Odeyingeo, Lewis, Turey, Banagu, Ngakoue, Ebukam, Latu, Davis, Bryant.

Again, he has tried. He has used high draft picks (2024 first defensive player picked in the draft...), he has used mid draft picks, he has signed free agents to big contracts and small contracts. He has tried...and failed.

Since 2017 and the start of Ballard's time as GM, we have had ONE player with a double digit sack season. Houston in 2019 with 11.0 sacks. That's it.



So, two REALLY important positions on any NFL team and while Ballard has devoted a TON of draft and cap resources to them, he has failed to find guys who can do it at high levels of NFL skill.

Honest assessment.

To be fair, most teams without "the guy" at QB have been on the same carousel as we are on. For every team with a Mahomes for a decade of excellent QB play, there is a team like Cleveland that has been looking for two decades or more. The same could be said for pass rusher. Teams with a TJ Watt have great success, but there as many without that type of stud as there are with one.

[Oldcolt]

Kray. Nobody ever wrote a post like that about a winning team. He has had a decade and won nothing. For me that is enough. I don't really give a shit about anything else in a GM or coach.

[Kray007]

The two positions that Bill Polian said you never pass on.....passer and pass rusher.

Passer: Tolzine, Brissett, Hoyer, Luck, Rivers, Wentz, Easton, Ellinger, Ryan, Foles, Richardson, Minshew, Flacco, Daniel Jones and Leonard.

He has tried; I will give him all the credit in the world that he has tried. Through the draft, through inherited players, through free agency. Headliners and no names.
He has tried and he has failed. Two playoff appearances, one with Luck and one with Rivers with MASSIVE inconsistent quarterback play through the years.

Pass Rushers: Sheard, Simon, Anderson, Woods, Hankins, Autry, Hunt, Basham, Mingo, Houston, Steward, Bucker, Ward, Muhammad, Paye, Odeyingeo, Lewis, Turey, Banagu, Ngakoue, Ebukam, Latu, Davis, Bryant.

Again, he has tried. He has used high draft picks (2024 first defensive player picked in the draft...), he has used mid draft picks, he has signed free agents to big contracts and small contracts. He has tried...and failed.

Since 2017 and the start of Ballard's time as GM, we have had ONE player with a double digit sack season. Houston in 2019 with 11.0 sacks. That's it.



So, two REALLY important positions on any NFL team and while Ballard has devoted a TON of draft and cap resources to them, he has failed to find guys who can do it at high levels of NFL skill.

Honest assessment.

With all due respect, after beating a lot of bushes, Chris Ballard found a Quarterback…Daniel Jones. He’s 7th in the league in QBR and 10th in the NFL’s system. He’s tough, he’s smart, he’s accurate, and he does a great job running Shane Steichen’s system. He’s also tough enough, dedicated enough to play through an injury that would have sidelined most other Quarterbacks. He’s the epitome of a high level Quarterback.

As far as pass rushers are concerned, you can’t seriously complain because a low level free agent or a non premium draft pick didn’t develop into Dwight Freeney. After you get past the first ten selections in the draft, picking a DE is a dice roll. Myles Garrett doesn’t slip far enough in the draft for the Colts to snag him, and there are ten Terrell Bashams for every Maxx Crosby.

At DE, Laiatu Latu has a ton of potential. Is he a finished product? No, but, he’s PFF’s 11th ranked edge player; they credit him with 10 sacks and 54 pressures. The team hopes he’s on the same trajectory as Maxx Crosby who went from 50’something pressures in year two to 100 plus in his third.

[sherck]

With all due respect, after beating a lot of bushes, Chris Ballard found a Quarterback…Daniel Jones. He’s 7th in the league in QBR and 10th in the NFL’s system. He’s tough, he’s smart, he’s accurate, and he does a great job running Shane Steichen’s system. He’s also tough enough, dedicated enough to play through an injury that would have sidelined most other Quarterbacks. He’s the epitome of a high level Quarterback.
With all due respect, 12 games (and not all of them terribly successful) does not a franchise QB make.

If DJ comes back and performs, either in 2026 or 2027 when he is healthy, then he will have found his guy. GREAT! I will be one of the most blue coated cheerleader of his success. However, right now which is when you asked your question, Ballard has not found a franchise QB in almost a decade of looking.

That was your question; talent evaluation.

As far as pass rushers are concerned, you can’t seriously complain because a low level free agent or a non premium draft pick didn’t develop into Dwight Freeney. After you get past the first ten selections in the draft, picking a DE is a dice roll. Myles Garrett doesn’t slip far enough in the draft for the Colts to snag him, and there are ten Terrell Bashams for every Maxx Crosby.

At DE, Laiatu Latu has a ton of potential. Is he a finished product? No, but, he’s PFF’s 11th ranked edge player; they credit him with 10 sacks and 54 pressures. The team hopes he’s on the same trajectory as Maxx Crosby who went from 50’something pressures in year two to 100 plus in his third.
Do you believe that a 10 sack season is unreasonable from your best pass rusher? Are you SERIOUSLY going to content that our edge defenders have been good at pass rush? He has swung and missed a ton in his time as GM. Perhaps Latu will develop into a great pass rusher...but he is not there yet.

In less than 10 minutes, I composed a list of 31 pass rushers not drafted in the first round that all had multiple double digit sack seasons. I could probably find more with more research. They don't grow on trees but they are out there and the good talent evaluators find them.

Offensive linemen? Ballard is great at that. Secondary? Sure, I will give him that nod as well. Linebackers? Heck yeah, he can find them!

Quarterbacks and pass rushers? Nope.

Again, you asked about where Ballard has failed in evaluating talent and stocking the Colts with quality players at that position. I pointed out two positions where that has happened.

You can decide if you agree or not but I think the evidence is pretty clear.

[CletusPyle]

Okay, an honest invitation. I’d like to hear just where Chris Ballard has failed as a talent evaluator. Just which positions are so bereft of talent that you’re prompted to rise from your couch, run for the barn, and grab your pitchfork?

At least two games were lost because of an annoying proclivity to turn over the ball in the shadow of our own goalposts

One was lost when Patrick Mahomes staged a miracle comeback, a feat he seems to generate with all too annoying regularity.

One was lost when an opponent got the ball back, trailing, with no time outs, and 46 seconds left.

One was lost when a Receiver, whose name shall never again be muttered, fumbled at the one yard line.

And that wasn’t the only time that the nameless Receiver drove a stake through the heart of our ambitions. At times, throwing in his direction was entering a black hole that could swallow the life out of Quarterbacks,, even those named Elway and Manning.

But, none of that was Chris Ballard’s fault. It wasn’t his fault that Daniel Jones broke his leg. It wasn’t his fault that Anthony Richardson lost his battle with a rubber band.

It wasn’t his fault that Charvarius Ward concussed…three times. It wasn’t his fault when Sauce Gardner went down.

It wasn’t his fault when DeForest Buckner dinged his neck, and it sure wasn’t his fault when injuries turned the Offense Line into a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone.

You’re going to tell me that it’s possible to suffer injuries and win. You’ll point to San Francisco and their 11-4 record despite losing Bosa and Warner, Bartch and Williams.

I’ll point out that, for every team that overcomes, most don’t. I’ll see you the 49’ers and raise with the Bengals, the Ravens, the Chiefs, and, yeah, the Colts.

I’ll also point out that the 49’ers had the easiest schedule in the league in 2025.

If you complain about Quarterback, I’d ask how soon you forget Daniel Jones. The Colts 8-2 record wasn’t a mirage. He might not be Andrew Luck, but if that’s your standard, if you’re expecting any new GM to strike his staff on a rock and have Peyton Manning spring forth, fully formed, you’re going to have to spend a couple of decades wading through an icy hell’scape of broken dreams. 20 other NFL teams would love to have Jones, and it’s not for nothing that I point out that if you look at any list of the best free agents available in 2026, Jones is listed near the top…even with the injury.

If Linebacker is your quarrel, I ask who could have foreseen Zaire Franklin’s one year decline from pro bowl to mediocrity? You say that, even if Franklin hadn’t regressed, there was a need at Linebacker, especially one who can cover. That’s true, but I wonder what might have been if Carlies hadn’t gone down. As a rookie, in admittedly limited action, he got PFF’s 3rd highest grade for coverage at the position, at 83.1. Personally, I have no problem with Ballard’s decision to play his cards close to his vest and bide his time, hoping thatbthe promise Carlies showed wasn’t fool’s gold.

And, finally, we reach Defensive End, the position that causes people to start sharpening their knives. You point at all the capital we’ve spent on the position, and the lean harvest gleaned. I say so what do you expect? Right now, there are only about 6-12 edge players who are truly elite. This despite the fact that over 500 have been drafted over the past decade.

Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, Will Anderson, Aiden Hutchinson, Nick Bosa, Maxx Crosby, Trey Hendrickson, Danielle Hunter, Josh Hines Allen, Nik Bonito, TJ Watt. Any of them would work wonders if he were lined up opposite Laiatu Latu.

To be honest, 5 of those guys, 6 if you include Verse, were available when Ballard picked. But 29 other teams passed on Watt in the first round in 2017. 63 teams passed on Bonito. Hunter and Hendrickson lasted into the 3rd round, and Maxx Crosby was the 106th player drafted in 2019.

You sputter yes, but Bill Polian found Robert Mathis. True, but that was sheer luck, nothing more, nothing less. It wasn’t an exercise in scouting genius, not an indication of brilliance. Mathis was the 16th Defensive End selected in 2003. Bill Polian simply spun the wheel, put his chips on 26 black and won.

If we’re going to fire GM’s because they can’t find Reggie White or Lawrence Taylor, the line at the unemployment office will be awfully long. The best the front office in New England could do is Harold Landry. The Eagles field a couple of guys named Smith and Phillips. Off with Howie Roseman’s head.

Even without a blue chip player on the edge, when D Buck went down, the Colts had 35 sacks in 15 games. That’s 3 a game, 51 in a 17 game schedule. That’s, by any measure, is acceptable.

And, it’s not like Ballard hasn’t been beating the bushes. Samson Ebukam looked good until he got hurt. They were in hot pursuit of Hunter, but he decided to go home to Houston. Rumor had an interest in the Giant’s Thibodeaux, but the Giants, demonstrating their usual ineptitude, decided to hold onto a player who’ll never sign a second contract with them.

In 3 months, Ballard might have Trey Hendrickson on his radar. If he does, chances are pretty good that Hendrickson will have a locker wedged between Sauce Gardner and DeForest Buckner.

As sure as the sun rises, people who scream for Ballard to do something, anything, will be wringing their hands, bitching about it.

Are you Ballard's agent?:D

[ChoppedWood]

Okay, an honest invitation. I’d like to hear just where Chris Ballard has failed as a talent evaluator. Just which positions are so bereft of talent that you’re prompted to rise from your couch, run for the barn, and grab your pitchfork?

At least two games were lost because of an annoying proclivity to turn over the ball in the shadow of our own goalposts

One was lost when Patrick Mahomes staged a miracle comeback, a feat he seems to generate with all too annoying regularity.

One was lost when an opponent got the ball back, trailing, with no time outs, and 46 seconds left.

One was lost when a Receiver, whose name shall never again be muttered, fumbled at the one yard line.

And that wasn’t the only time that the nameless Receiver drove a stake through the heart of our ambitions. At times, throwing in his direction was entering a black hole that could swallow the life out of Quarterbacks,, even those named Elway and Manning.

But, none of that was Chris Ballard’s fault. It wasn’t his fault that Daniel Jones broke his leg. It wasn’t his fault that Anthony Richardson lost his battle with a rubber band.

It wasn’t his fault that Charvarius Ward concussed…three times. It wasn’t his fault when Sauce Gardner went down.

It wasn’t his fault when DeForest Buckner dinged his neck, and it sure wasn’t his fault when injuries turned the Offense Line into a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone.

You’re going to tell me that it’s possible to suffer injuries and win. You’ll point to San Francisco and their 11-4 record despite losing Bosa and Warner, Bartch and Williams.

I’ll point out that, for every team that overcomes, most don’t. I’ll see you the 49’ers and raise with the Bengals, the Ravens, the Chiefs, and, yeah, the Colts.

I’ll also point out that the 49’ers had the easiest schedule in the league in 2025.

If you complain about Quarterback, I’d ask how soon you forget Daniel Jones. The Colts 8-2 record wasn’t a mirage. He might not be Andrew Luck, but if that’s your standard, if you’re expecting any new GM to strike his staff on a rock and have Peyton Manning spring forth, fully formed, you’re going to have to spend a couple of decades wading through an icy hell’scape of broken dreams. 20 other NFL teams would love to have Jones, and it’s not for nothing that I point out that if you look at any list of the best free agents available in 2026, Jones is listed near the top…even with the injury.

If Linebacker is your quarrel, I ask who could have foreseen Zaire Franklin’s one year decline from pro bowl to mediocrity? You say that, even if Franklin hadn’t regressed, there was a need at Linebacker, especially one who can cover. That’s true, but I wonder what might have been if Carlies hadn’t gone down. As a rookie, in admittedly limited action, he got PFF’s 3rd highest grade for coverage at the position, at 83.1. Personally, I have no problem with Ballard’s decision to play his cards close to his vest and bide his time, hoping thatbthe promise Carlies showed wasn’t fool’s gold.

And, finally, we reach Defensive End, the position that causes people to start sharpening their knives. You point at all the capital we’ve spent on the position, and the lean harvest gleaned. I say so what do you expect? Right now, there are only about 6-12 edge players who are truly elite. This despite the fact that over 500 have been drafted over the past decade.

Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, Will Anderson, Aiden Hutchinson, Nick Bosa, Maxx Crosby, Trey Hendrickson, Danielle Hunter, Josh Hines Allen, Nik Bonito, TJ Watt. Any of them would work wonders if he were lined up opposite Laiatu Latu.

To be honest, 5 of those guys, 6 if you include Verse, were available when Ballard picked. But 29 other teams passed on Watt in the first round in 2017. 63 teams passed on Bonito. Hunter and Hendrickson lasted into the 3rd round, and Maxx Crosby was the 106th player drafted in 2019.

You sputter yes, but Bill Polian found Robert Mathis. True, but that was sheer luck, nothing more, nothing less. It wasn’t an exercise in scouting genius, not an indication of brilliance. Mathis was the 16th Defensive End selected in 2003. Bill Polian simply spun the wheel, put his chips on 26 black and won.

If we’re going to fire GM’s because they can’t find Reggie White or Lawrence Taylor, the line at the unemployment office will be awfully long. The best the front office in New England could do is Harold Landry. The Eagles field a couple of guys named Smith and Phillips. Off with Howie Roseman’s head.

Even without a blue chip player on the edge, when D Buck went down, the Colts had 35 sacks in 15 games. That’s 3 a game, 51 in a 17 game schedule. That’s, by any measure, is acceptable.

And, it’s not like Ballard hasn’t been beating the bushes. Samson Ebukam looked good until he got hurt. They were in hot pursuit of Hunter, but he decided to go home to Houston. Rumor had an interest in the Giant’s Thibodeaux, but the Giants, demonstrating their usual ineptitude, decided to hold onto a player who’ll never sign a second contract with them.

In 3 months, Ballard might have Trey Hendrickson on his radar. If he does, chances are pretty good that Hendrickson will have a locker wedged between Sauce Gardner and DeForest Buckner.

As sure as the sun rises, people who scream for Ballard to do something, anything, will be wringing their hands, bitching about it.

He can't be blamed?

Then why in the fuck does ANY team have a GM? I guess we should go with auto draft like the fantasy league option? Better yet, let's just do Ai draft and free agency, then we can just bitch about the computer algorithm

Hell yes he can be blamed, GM's get credit and blame based on their teams performance, period, that's their fucking jobs!

When you SUCK at your job for 10 years, you are going to be fired! If a fucking CEO of a company constantly misses production, revenue, net revenue goals for any sizable period of time, they are deemed shitty at that job and they aren't there any longer.

Cannot understand how in the hell you can say he can't be blamed. Look at our fucking record under his tenure as the GM------- IT SUCKS, and it SUCKS because CHRIS BALLARD SUCKS!

[Colts And Orioles]

With all due respect, after beating a lot of bushes, Chris Ballard found a Quarterback…Daniel Jones.





o


He also found Philip Rivers, who led the Colts to an 11-5 record and their lone seasons as a bona-fide contender in Ballard's lengthy tenure as the Colts' General Manager ...... unfortunately for Ballard and the Colts (and their fans), Uncle Phil decided to retire immediately following that 2020 season.

On the other hand, this current Colts team is arguably the best team overall that we have had in Ballard's entire tenure, and if Rivers had decided to continue playing for the Colts in 2021 and 2022 they may have continued as a solid, bona-fide contender, but perhaps not a team that would win a conference championship and a trip to the Super Bowl ...... the butterfly effect of Rivers hypothetically staying on as the Colts' starting quarterback in 2021 and beyond likely would have affected other moves that have helped the Colts in that time frame, and this current team might not have been the team that started the season at 8-2 before Daniel Jones broke his left fibula ....... remember, this 2025 Colts team wasn't just beating bad teams when Jones was healthy, they were stomping them ...... 33-8 over the Dolphins, 41-20 over the Titans, 40-6 over the Raiders, 38-14 over the Titans ...... yes, those were bad teams that the Colts were beating, but previous Colts teams would almost always play down to their competition and either barely beat the bad teams, and sometimes lose to them. Additionally, the Colts spanked the Chargers on their homefield in Los Angeles ...... the Colts had a 38-17 lead in the 4th quarter, and coasted to an easy 38-24 win ....... and the Chargers are one of the best teams in the NFL with a record of 11-3 outside of that loss to the Colts.


And so Kray, you and I and perhaps a few other starry-eyed dreamers are very optimistic about the Colts' future in 2026 and beyond ...... but because of the fact that the Colts have had only one solid, bona-fide contender season in Ballard's lengthy tenure as the GM of the Colts (the 2020 Philip Rivers season), it's going to be a lonely island that we're standing on. Most Colts fans are lonely, angry, and tired ...... they don't want to hear about the labor pains, they just want to see the baby.

o

[apballin]

Alright Jim I know you’re reading this, we need you right now and it begins today, let’s go Chargers!

Help us out Captain Comeback

[Hoopsdoc]

Alright Jim I know you’re reading this, we need you right now and it begins today, let’s go Chargers!

Help us out Captain Comeback

I agree with the sentiment but we’re not beating the Jags or the Texans.

[nate505]

I agree with the sentiment but we’re not beating the Jags or the Texans.

Agreed, or at least I wouldn't bet that the Colts are, but I still want the Chargers to win so tomorrow's game means something.

[Hoopsdoc]

Agreed, or at least I wouldn't bet that the Colts are, but I still want the Chargers to win so tomorrow's game means something.

Or, alternatively, it will just make tomorrow’s loss more disappointing if the Chargers win.

[ChoppedWood]

This shit with using penalties as a lever to determine the outcome of the games really makes the NFL nearly unwatchable.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


The season is over ...... the best that the Colts can do is kick the Jaguars and the Texans in the nuts on the way out.

o

[Oldcolt]

Read this on reddit:

After beginning the season 8-2, and with a 99% chance to make the playoffs, the Colts are eliminated from NFL playoff contention following a 5 game losing streak.

The 2025 Indianapolis Colts join the 2012 Chicago Bears and 1996 Washington Redskins as the only teams to begin the season 7-1, and miss the playoffs. Depending on the results of the next 2 games, they could become the first to do so while also finishing with a record below .500. This would be the biggest collapse in the history of the NFL.

Since the Colts bye week, there have been 18 games involving IND/JAX/HOU/LAC that could significantly increase the Colts’ playoff chances with the right result:

Each and every result has gone the wrong way for the Colts.

Every. Single. One. 0-18.

[Hoopsdoc]

It’s better this way. It’s not like they were going anywhere anyway. Get a head start on the offseason.

[apballin]

o


The season is over ...... the best that the Colts can do is kick the Jaguars and the Texans in the nuts on the way out.

o

Beating them does absolutely nothing, it’s not even a kick in the nuts they’re in the playoffs so it’s literally a tuneup for both of them. Wouldn’t surprise me if it’s all Texans backups

[ChoppedWood]

Read this on reddit:

After beginning the season 8-2, and with a 99% chance to make the playoffs, the Colts are eliminated from NFL playoff contention following a 5 game losing streak.

The 2025 Indianapolis Colts join the 2012 Chicago Bears and 1996 Washington Redskins as the only teams to begin the season 7-1, and miss the playoffs. Depending on the results of the next 2 games, they could become the first to do so while also finishing with a record below .500. This would be the biggest collapse in the history of the NFL.

Since the Colts bye week, there have been 18 games involving IND/JAX/HOU/LAC that could significantly increase the Colts’ playoff chances with the right result:

Each and every result has gone the wrong way for the Colts.

Every. Single. One. 0-18.

But let's retain Chris Ballard! Fuck yeah man, let's give him a raise! I mean you can't blame him for any of this shit...

[Thorgrim]

After 10+ years these seasons have become indistinguishable from one another. Different faces but same disappointing results. At least it doesn’t sting as much any more. I wonder if this it what it feels like to be a falcons or cardinals fan.

[apballin]

But let's retain Chris Ballard! Fuck yeah man, let's give him a raise! I mean you can't blame him for any of this shit...

This freefall is ALL on Steichen, his dumbass cutie pie play calling, let me show everyone in the NFL how smart I am is what did this

[Thorgrim]

The colts are one of 8 teams with one or fewer playoff wins in the past ten years. We are in poor company. As much as I hate it I’m afraid some changes are necessary.

[Mr. Session]

The colts are one of 8 teams with one or fewer playoff wins in the past ten years. We are in poor company. As much as I hate it I’m afraid some changes are necessary.

We’ve been very patient.

[nate505]

Or, alternatively, it will just make tomorrow’s loss more disappointing if the Chargers win.

Well, now I'm indifferent. Sigh.

[Thorgrim]

But let's retain Chris Ballard! Fuck yeah man, let's give him a raise! I mean you can't blame him for any of this shit...

Could I interest you in an official Chris Ballard “flat bill” cap? lol

[CletusPyle]

But let's retain Chris Ballard! Fuck yeah man, let's give him a raise! I mean you can't blame him for any of this shit...

Teflon Chris!

[ChoppedWood]

This freefall is ALL on Steichen, his dumbass cutie pie play calling, let me show everyone in the NFL how smart I am is what did this

Aint no lie in that shit, this guy is even more proud of his "smarts" than Frank, and I didn't think that was even possible.

[YDFL Commish]

He calls a better game than Frank ever has or will.

[apballin]

Aint no lie in that shit, this guy is even more proud of his "smarts" than Frank, and I didn't think that was even possible.

Whether it was ego or worry about Jonathan Taylor’s future contract requests, the moment he started getting mentioned in MVP conversations his carries went down especially in winning time

[Thorgrim]

He calls a better game than Frank ever has or will.

Frank was atrocious.

[sherck]

In the end, it is hard to win without a superior QB...however you want to measure "superior."

That said, it will not surprise me to see Ballard retained for one more year and it will not surprise me to see Carley fire him.

As my son pointed out, it is a REALLY hard to be taken serious during an interview of a prospective new GM when you have to tell them, "oh, by the way, you do not have a 1st round draft pick in the next two drafts to start to reshape the team. Good luck!"

The roster showed that is was good...when we had a good QB running the offense. I could see Ballard being given one more year to reach the promised land...and I could see CIG pull the rug out from under him.

Let the off season commence. :(

[Colts And Orioles]

Beating them does absolutely nothing, it’s not even a kick in the nuts they’re in the playoffs so it’s literally a tuneup for both of them. Wouldn’t surprise me if it’s all Texans backups.





o


They are both fighting each other for the division title, as they are currently 1/2 of a game apart from each other. So losing to the Colts for either one of them would be a kick in their nuts ...... or at least a stomp on their toes. And if the division title is on the line next Sunday, I don't think that the Texans will rest their starters.

o

[Thorgrim]

As much as I dislike the Texans I hate the Jags.

[Oldcolt]

In the end, it is hard to win without a superior QB...however you want to measure "superior."

That said, it will not surprise me to see Ballard retained for one more year and it will not surprise me to see Carley fire him.

As my son pointed out, it is a REALLY hard to be taken serious during an interview of a prospective new GM when you have to tell them, "oh, by the way, you do not have a 1st round draft pick in the next two drafts to start to reshape the team. Good luck!"

The roster showed that is was good...when we had a good QB running the offense. I could see Ballard being given one more year to reach the promised land...and I could see CIG pull the rug out from under him.

Let the off season commence. :(

I don't think the loss of 2 firsts is that much trouble when hiring a new GM. If they are hiring the last guy won zilch and stuck around for a decade. You will have enough job security to do the job and all GMs I assume have a healthy ego and believe they can turn a franchise around. There are no GM jobs available where there aren't issue with the franchise.

[Hoopsdoc]

As much as I dislike the Texans I hate the Jags.

Coen seems like a total asshole, but the kind of coach you want on your team. He completely resurrected Baker Mayfields career, and the Bucs have cratered since he left.

I don’t really mind Demeco Ryans.

[Hoopsdoc]

This season has been probably the weirdest I can remember.

Total apathy at the very beginning, exhilaration during the early part of the season, a feeling of dread when it became clear the wheels were coming off, and back to total apathy now that it’s all over but two meaningless scrimmages.

It does suck that we’re stuck with Rivers even though there’s no shot at the playoffs. It’s the worst possible scenario. We can’t even find out what we have in Leonard because we’ll be playing a 44 year old who will play no part in the future of this team.

[Hoopsdoc]

Colts went from 7-1 and a 99 percent chance of making the playoffs to being eliminated WITH TWO WEEKS LEFT IN THE SEASON.

That’s gotta be the most epic collapse in NFL history.

[ChoppedWood]

This season has been probably the weirdest I can remember.

Total apathy at the very beginning, exhilaration during the early part of the season, a feeling of dread when it became clear the wheels were coming off, and back to total apathy now that it’s all over but two meaningless scrimmages.

It does suck that we’re stuck with Rivers even though there’s no shot at the playoffs. It’s the worst possible scenario. We can’t even find out what we have in Leonard because we’ll be playing a 44 year old who will play no part in the future of this team.

We have NO reason to play Rivers tomorrow or next week, but he is Steichen's boy, so we will.

[apballin]

We have NO reason to play Rivers tomorrow or next week, but he is Steichen's boy, so we will.

Have to cement his hall of fame jacket, ever since he got here he’s been the story, not the team, not honoring Jim, not Jonathan Taylor, It’s been all about Rivers

[apballin]

o


They are both fighting each other for the division title, as they are currently 1/2 of a game apart from each other. So losing to the Colts for either one of them would be a kick in their nuts ...... or at least a stomp on their toes. And if the division title is on the line next Sunday, I don't think that the Texans will rest their starters.

o

If colts beat Jags then turn around and beat Texans, jags win the division there’s no embarrassment no spoiler… nothing. Jags beat colts they win the division, so then colts will be playing Texans backups, no real kick in the nuts winning that game either.

So basically the Colts got all the attention and early praise meanwhile the jags were quietly going about their business until a Coach that has no respect and can’t handle success set the table for them to go on a playoff run

[Colts And Orioles]

If colts beat Jags then turn around and beat Texans, jags win the division there’s no embarrassment no spoiler… nothing. Jags beat colts they win the division, so then colts will be playing Texans backups, no real kick in the nuts winning that game either.

So basically the Colts got all the attention and early praise meanwhile the jags were quietly going about their business until a Coach that has no respect and can’t handle success set the table for them to go on a playoff run.





o


I said that the Colts' season was over.

And I said that the only thing left to do for the Colts was to play spoiler, and kick the Jaguars and/or the Texans in the nuts.

Both of those statements are true ...... the Colts' season is over, and the Colts can only play spoiler in their final 2 games. Most importantly, the Colts' season is over.

o

[Thorgrim]

I don't think the loss of 2 firsts is that much trouble when hiring a new GM. If they are hiring the last guy won zilch and stuck around for a decade. You will have enough job security to do the job and all GMs I assume have a healthy ego and believe they can turn a franchise around. There are no GM jobs available where there aren't issue with the franchise.

If Ballard is shown the door I think the position would be very desirable. Where else could a candidate successfully pitch a ten year plan?

[sherck]

Colts went from 7-1 and a 99 percent chance of making the playoffs to being eliminated WITH TWO WEEKS LEFT IN THE SEASON.

That’s gotta be the most epic collapse in NFL history.

We are the 3rd team in NFL history to start 7-1 and miss the playoffs.

However, we could be the first NFL team to start 7-1 and, if we lose the last two, end with a season record under .500.

Ahhh, the history the Colts make!!

[Thorgrim]

We need a GM with better luck as poor Ballard just seems to have had 10 years of bad breaks, poor guy.

https://coltswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2025/12/28/chris-ballard-resume-indianapolis-colts-general-manager/87934367007/

[Puck]

We have NO reason to play Rivers tomorrow or next week, but he is Steichen's boy, so we will.

Who is going to play? Who is going to be the backup?

Rivers would just go home if he isnt starting. AR is on IR


I really hope you all get your wish and get to see how much Riley is not a starting QB in the NFL.

The coaches and FO are still playing for their jobs. They need to win. With Rivers they can show they can win with a good QB.

Riley was never brought in to be a starter IMO. He was a late round pick to run the practice squad and as an emergency QB

Again I like Riley. But he is not a starting NFL QB.

[apballin]

Who is going to play? Who is going to be the backup?

Rivers would just go home if he isnt starting. AR is on IR


I really hope you all get your wish and get to see how much Riley is not a starting QB in the NFL.

The coaches and FO are still playing for their jobs. They need to win. With Rivers they can show they can win with a good QB.

Riley was never brought in to be a starter IMO. He was a late round pick to run the practice squad and as an emergency QB

Again I like Riley. But he is not a starting NFL QB.

Well unfortunately the guy that was brought in to be the QB, drafted 4th overall can’t stay on the field, can’t read a defense, doesn’t wanna put in the work to become great so here we are.

Things can change regardless of where a guy was drafted and what the “vision” is for the guy. This is the perfect opportunity to see what he can do, no pressure situation just go out there and let it fly.

Rivers playing good does nothing for building next season, I’m sure Steichen is all in on his buddy Daniel Jones which I think would be a huge mistake, so either way it all goes back to Leonard

[Puck]

AR is not cleared to play. No idea why you would be dogging Jones. He's proven he can play very well. The guy toughed it out on a broken leg.

Rivers playing gives players a chance to get their incentives. If there are any.

Will we see Riley today? Maybe. But he didn't get the 1st team reps. So Im guessing he starts next week. Maybe AR gets activated Who knows. BUt if he gets hurt then he spends the offseason on rehab ONCE AGAIN.

And we will all see he is not ready. Coaches know it or he would be playing. It's obvious to some of us. But some need a visual to understand.

[ChoppedWood]

Who is going to play? Who is going to be the backup?

Rivers would just go home if he isnt starting. AR is on IR


I really hope you all get your wish and get to see how much Riley is not a starting QB in the NFL.

The coaches and FO are still playing for their jobs. They need to win. With Rivers they can show they can win with a good QB.

Riley was never brought in to be a starter IMO. He was a late round pick to run the practice squad and as an emergency QB

Again I like Riley. But he is not a starting NFL QB.

I've said from the jump Leonard can't play at this level- he can't sustain drives from the pocket.

This is exactly the problem:

"The coaches and FO are still playing for their jobs. They need to win. With Rivers they can show they can win with a good QB."

They shouldn't be, they should have a clear unmet ultimatum: PLAYOFFS OR UNEMPLOYMENT.

So what, Rivers wins another game, or maybe 2, so the terrible draft situation gets even worse? Nah man, fuck these two.

It's time for them to go and for someone else to try to make things better here.

[apballin]

AR is not cleared to play. No idea why you would be dogging Jones. He's proven he can play very well. The guy toughed it out on a broken leg.

Rivers playing gives players a chance to get their incentives. If there are any.

Will we see Riley today? Maybe. But he didn't get the 1st team reps. So Im guessing he starts next week. Maybe AR gets activated Who knows. BUt if he gets hurt then he spends the offseason on rehab ONCE AGAIN.

And we will all see he is not ready. Coaches know it or he would be playing. It's obvious to some of us. But some need a visual to understand.

I’m not dogging Jones I said I wouldn’t pay him, how many leg injuries is that? Saying a guy is a bad investment isn’t downgrading what he did for the first 8 games, but his resume speaks for itself and add in another leg injury

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Against the Seahawks the Colts' defense was great, but the Colts' offense was lacking.

Against the 49ers the Colts' offense was sufficient, but the Colts' defense was horrible.

Against the Jaguars the Colts' defense recovered to play well enough to win, but the Colts' offense was sub-par.



All of that wound up tallying 3 consecutive, competitive losses ...... but nonetheless, they were all losses.

o