Remaining schedule

[Puck]

The only team with a winning record is Houston. There is not a game on here that we should not win. 3 straight home games after the bye and only 3 more road games the rest of the season. I see us wining 6-7 of these games. Losing to @Jax and possibly one to either @Houston again or @Titans



10 Nov 11 JAX @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

11 Nov 18 TEN @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

12 Nov 25 MIA @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

13 Dec 02 IND @ JAX TIAA Bank Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

14 Dec 09 IND @ HOU NRG Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

15 Dec 16 DAL @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX

16 Dec 23 NYG @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets TBD

17 Dec 30 IND @ TEN Nissan Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets

[omahacolt]

We are losing at least 4 of these games. Colts have no defense

[Puck]

We are losing at least 4 of these games. Colts have no defense

Yea. Today was bad.... Hooker was sorely missed today. But I dont see any team that we cant out score.

[Dam8610]

The only team with a winning record is Houston. There is not a game on here that we should not win. 3 straight home games after the bye and only 3 more road games the rest of the season. I see us wining 6-7 of these games. Losing to @Jax and possibly one to either @Houston again or @Titans



10 Nov 11 JAX @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

11 Nov 18 TEN @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

12 Nov 25 MIA @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

13 Dec 02 IND @ JAX TIAA Bank Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

14 Dec 09 IND @ HOU NRG Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

15 Dec 16 DAL @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX

16 Dec 23 NYG @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets TBD

17 Dec 30 IND @ TEN Nissan Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets

So you're predicting 11-5 and a division title?

[Indiana V2]

On paper every remaining game is winnable, and in fact we've been in every game this season. However, knowing how young we are overall, and the defense has been up and down, I think it's more likely we split here on out. Though if the offense continues playing the way it has, then we could make a run for the division.

[Puck]

So you're predicting 11-5 and a division title?

It's possible.....

[omahacolt]

Yea. Today was bad.... Hooker was sorely missed today. But I dont see any team that we cant out score.

Won’t win 6 games playing like that

[omahacolt]

It's possible.....

11-5 is possible in the terms of it physically can happen but it is very close to impossible

This isn’t a good team

[Puck]

On paper every remaining game is winnable, and in fact we've been in every game this season. However, knowing how young we are overall, and the defense has been up and down, I think it's more likely we split here on out. Though if the offense continues playing the way it has, then we could make a run for the division.


We could win out.... but more than likely we will lose a few. My post was meant to say that I dont think we beat Jax in Jax but any other game is winnable. No one on that schedule should scare anyone. BUt you are right. We are young so you never know.

[Maniac]

11-5 is possible in the terms of it physically can happen but it is very close to impossible

This isn’t a good team

Neither are any of the teams left in the schedule. I'd take our offense over any of them though.

We've seen this defense play better than it did today though. They have the ability to. I think we'll see some more solid games from them, but they are young with no depth and still lacking talent in some key areas, so there will be ups and downs. If they can create turnovers, that will be enough with this offense against those crap teams.

[DrSpaceman]

The only team with a winning record is Houston. There is not a game on here that we should not win. 3 straight home games after the bye and only 3 more road games the rest of the season. I see us wining 6-7 of these games. Losing to @Jax and possibly one to either @Houston again or @Titans



10 Nov 11 JAX @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

11 Nov 18 TEN @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

12 Nov 25 MIA @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

13 Dec 02 IND @ JAX TIAA Bank Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

14 Dec 09 IND @ HOU NRG Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

15 Dec 16 DAL @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX

16 Dec 23 NYG @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets TBD

17 Dec 30 IND @ TEN Nissan Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets


They really could lose all but one of these games (I can't see losing to the Giants) OR win every single one of them. The margin is just close with all these games

Its just so hard to say. I thought the Jets game would be a win, was badly wrong.

If the offense plays like it has the last few weeks, 6 or 7 wins are possible.

But the D was terrible today outside one play by Darius Leonard. Dak Prescott or Deshaun Watson could have a good game and put up 40 on this D easily if they keep playing like this. None of the other QBs are great that we face luckily, but the pass D if they can't get a rush on teams is just bad.

[Puck]

So you're predicting 11-5 and a division title?

BTW. I said 6-7 games we could/should win that is 9-7 or 10-6

[FatDT]

They really could lose all but one of these games (I can't see losing to the Giants) OR win every single one of them. The margin is just close with all these games

Its just so hard to say. I thought the Jets game would be a win, was badly wrong.

If the offense plays like it has the last few weeks, 6 or 7 wins are possible.

But the D was terrible today outside one play by Darius Leonard. Dak Prescott or Deshaun Watson could have a good game and put up 40 on this D easily if they keep playing like this. None of the other QBs are great that we face luckily, but the pass D if they can't get a rush on teams is just bad.

I think the D will be better after the bye.

[VeveJones007]

Through 8 games, Colts are +16 point differential. They’re basically playing at a .500-ish clip.

4-4 or 5-3 are the most likely scenario. I’m just excited to watch and (hopefully) see continued growth in several areas.

[JAFF]

We are losing at least 4 of these games. Colts have no defense

If the Colts went .500 the rest of the way, wouldn't that be amazing? Yeah, the D is a mess. Ok, it was a dumpster fire yesterday. But the Colts ran the ball. And if you can win the ground game, you can play keep away from the other team. Houston, Tenn, and Jax are flawed team. Jax isn't scaring anyone right now.

It was the O line. They won the game.

[VeveJones007]

If the Colts went .500 the rest of the way, wouldn't that be amazing? Yeah, the D is a mess. Ok, it was a dumpster fire yesterday. But the Colts ran the ball. And if you can win the ground game, you can play keep away from the other team. Houston, Tenn, and Jax are flawed team. Jax isn't scaring anyone right now.

It was the O line. They won the game.

No, it’s the most likely outcome given what they have shown. See my post above.

[sherck]

It is a bit funny.

An 8 - 8 record represented two disappointing seasons in years 4 & 5 of the Chuck Pagano error in Indy. When they follow three 11 - 5 seasons in a row, they are a pretty big let down.

However, after the 4 win un-fun that was last season, an 8 - 8 season is just want the doctor ordered for our ailing team.

I really thought that we would get to 10 wins before the season started; mostly because I really thought that the offense we have seen over the past two games was going to be present for the whole season. Obviously, it took time to gel.

Walk Worthy,

[rcubed]

It is a bit funny.

An 8 - 8 record represented two disappointing seasons in years 4 & 5 of the Chuck Pagano error in Indy. When they follow three 11 - 5 seasons in a row, they are a pretty big let down.

However, after the 4 win un-fun that was last season, an 8 - 8 season is just want the doctor ordered for our ailing team.

I really thought that we would get to 10 wins before the season started; mostly because I really thought that the offense we have seen over the past two games was going to be present for the whole season. Obviously, it took time to gel.

Walk Worthy,
trending up is better than trending down.

[Colts And Orioles]

Neither are any of the teams left in the schedule. I'd take our offense over any of them though.

We've seen this defense play better than it did today though. They have the ability to. I think we'll see some more solid games from them, but they are young with no depth and still lacking talent in some key areas, so there will be ups and downs. If they can create turnovers, that will be enough with this offense against those crap teams.




o



For the most part I agree with this assertion, with the possible exception of the Cowboys and the Texans. I think that the verdict is still out on them as to whether or not they are good teams (or at least above average teams.)


Other than those 2 games, the Colts have no excuse whatsoever to not win any of the other 6 games that remain on their schedule. I'm not saying that they will win all 6 of them, but simply asserting that they are at least as good (if not better) than those 4 teams that they will be playing in said 6 contests.



o

[nate505]

It is a bit funny.

An 8 - 8 record represented two disappointing seasons in years 4 & 5 of the Chuck Pagano error in Indy. When they follow three 11 - 5 seasons in a row, they are a pretty big let down.

However, after the 4 win un-fun that was last season, an 8 - 8 season is just want the doctor ordered for our ailing team.

I really thought that we would get to 10 wins before the season started; mostly because I really thought that the offense we have seen over the past two games was going to be present for the whole season. Obviously, it took time to gel.

Walk Worthy,

It's astonishing how much more joy I've got from watching this year's team compared to last year's, and the season is just half over.

[JAFF]

No, it’s the most likely outcome given what they have shown. See my post above.

Thats fantasy football talk. They could go 2-6 with a couple of bad bounces

[VeveJones007]

Thats fantasy football talk. They could go 2-6 with a couple of bad bounces

Likelihood. 4-4 is the most likely. That doesn’t mean 2-6 or 6-2 aren’t possible.

[Colts And Orioles]

We are losing at least 4 of these games. The Colts have no defense.




o



In my rat's ass of an opinion, the defense has played surprisingly better than expected for the majority of the season.


I think that they have had only 2 bad games (against the Raiders and the Jaguars.)


Even in the games against the Patriots and the Jets, they played better than what the final scores might indicate ........ they played with some cohesion in the 2nd half against the Patriots to turn what appeared to be a laugher at halftime (24-3) into a competitive game early in the 4th quarter (they got as close as 24-17 before the Patriots' offense regained momentum), and they continually kept the Jets out of the endzone in spite of the offense putting them in bad situations on numerous occasions.


So aside from the those 2 clunkers against the Raiders and the Jaguars, the other 8 games have been (at least) average or better.


o

[VeveJones007]

o



In my rat's ass of an opinion, the defense has played surprisingly better than expected for the majority of the season.


I think that they have had only 2 bad games (against the Raiders and the Jaguars.)


Even in the games against the Patriots and the Jets, they played better than what the final scores might indicate ........ they played with some cohesion in the 2nd half against the Patriots to turn what appeared to be a laugher at halftime (24-3) into a competitive game early in the 4th quarter (they got as close as 24-17 before the Patriots' offense regained momentum), and they continually kept the Jets out of the endzone in spite of the offense putting them in bad situations on numerous occasions.


So aside from the those 2 clunkers against the Raiders and the Jaguars, the other 8 games have been (at least) average or better.


o

Disagree with you on the Jets game. The defense let Darnold complete 24/30 passes for nearly 300 yards and really struggled to get off the field. Time of possession was completely lopsided (37 vs 23 min) in favor of the Jets. The offense didn't do the defense any favors with the 4 turnovers, but the defense played poorly enough to lose to one of the worst teams in football.

[Colts And Orioles]

o



In my rat's ass of an opinion, the defense has played surprisingly better than expected for the majority of the season.


I think that they have had only 2 bad games (against the Raiders and the Jaguars.)


Even in the games against the Patriots and the Jets, they played better than what the final scores might indicate ........ they played with some cohesion in the 2nd half against the Patriots to turn what appeared to be a laugher at halftime (24-3) into a competitive game early in the 4th quarter (they got as close as 24-17 before the Patriots' offense regained momentum), and they continually kept the Jets out of the endzone in spite of the offense putting them in bad situations on numerous occasions.


So aside from the those 2 clunkers against the Raiders and the Jaguars, the other 8 games have been (at least) average or better.


o






Disagree with you on the Jets game. The defense let Darnold complete 24/30 passes for nearly 300 yards and really struggled to get off the field. Time of possession was completely lopsided (37 vs 23 min) in favor of the Jets. The offense didn't do the defense any favors with the 4 turnovers, but the defense played poorly enough to lose to one of the worst teams in football.




o



23 of the 42 points that the Jets scored came directly from and/or following turnovers in that game (20 from turnovers, and 3 after the Colts turned the ball over on downs deep in their own territory when they were forced to go for it on 4th down.) That's more than half of their point total for the game.

The Jets also kicked a franchise record 7 field goals in that game, which means that the defense minimized much of the damage that was caused by the offense.


Also, the lopsided time of possession was as much an indictment of the Colts' offense as it was their defense. 5 of the Colts' 8 possessions in the first half consisted of 3 plays or less, and used 5:04 of clock time.


o

[Dewey 5]

The rest of the games are all winnable imo but the Texans will be a tough one & I don't think the Cowboys will be a walk in the park. Their D is very good & it seems they are getting their act together on offense. We will see a heavy dose of Zeke & Prescott is playing better of late. We just can't have another clunker like the Jets game. To me that loss looms larger than not getting a tie against Houston.

[Dam8610]

The rest of the games are all winnable imo but the Texans will be a tough one & I don't think the Cowboys will be a walk in the park. Their D is very good & it seems they are getting their act together on offense. We will see a heavy dose of Zeke & Prescott is playing better of late. We just can't have another clunker like the Jets game. To me that loss looms larger than not getting a tie against Houston.

Both are huge right now. Being 8-3-1 going into Houston should they beat Miami and Jacksonville instead of 7-5 would give them a shot at the division lead in that game no matter what else happened. Still surprised you guys didn't lambaste Reich for that 4th down decision, but I guess you're in the honeymoon phase.

[omahacolt]

Both are huge right now. Being 8-3-1 going into Houston should they beat Miami and Jacksonville instead of 7-5 would give them a shot at the division lead in that game no matter what else happened. Still surprised you guys didn't lambaste Reich for that 4th down decision, but I guess you're in the honeymoon phase.

Coaches don’t matter

[Dam8610]

Coaches don’t matter

Nor do stupid people who intentionally dumb down arguments and completely lose their meaning in the process.

[Chaka]

Both are huge right now. Being 8-3-1 going into Houston should they beat Miami and Jacksonville instead of 7-5 would give them a shot at the division lead in that game no matter what else happened. Still surprised you guys didn't lambaste Reich for that 4th down decision, but I guess you're in the honeymoon phase.

He wasn’t lambasted because it was an understandable decision for an aggressive coach who wants to build a winning mentality.

If you criticize him for that decision, you’d also have to criticize his other aggressive decisions like going for it on other 4th down situations (most of which have been successful) or, most recently, his decision to go for 2 in the third quarter of the JAX game when we were ahead by 14 - a decision which worked and ultimately preserved our 3 point lead at the end of the game, ensuring that JAX could not win by just getting a FG - and probably impacting their decision making on the last pivotal drive.

[omahacolt]

Nor do stupid people who intentionally dumb down arguments and completely lose their meaning in the process.

If the players executed it wouldn’t be an issue.

[Colts And Orioles]

Both are huge right now. Being 8-3-1 going into Houston should they beat Miami and Jacksonville instead of 7-5 would give them a shot at the division lead in that game no matter what else happened. Still surprised you guys didn't lambaste Reich for that 4th down decision, but I guess you're in the honeymoon phase.











He wasn’t lambasted because it was an understandable decision for an aggressive coach who wants to build a winning mentality.

If you criticize him for that decision, you’d also have to criticize his other aggressive decisions like going for it on other 4th down situations (most of which have been successful) or, most recently, his decision to go for 2 in the third quarter of the JAX game when we were ahead by 14 - a decision which worked and ultimately preserved our 3 point lead at the end of the game, ensuring that JAX could not win by just getting a FG - and probably impacting their decision making on the last pivotal drive.




o



I don't think that those critiques are necessarily mutually inclusive and/or exclusive.

I have made it clear on numerous occasions that I love Reich and the magnificent improvement over the Colts' previous coach (Chuck Pagano) while simultaneously asserting that that specific decision to go for it on 4th down with only 29 seconds left to play in overtime was not prudent, particularly that early in the season when it is (was) not yet clear as to whether or not the team would be vying for a playoff berth.


Being aggressive throughout the first 55 to 59 minutes of a game (and for the first 13 and-a-half-to-14 and-a-half minutes of an overtime period) does not preclude a coach from accepting the reality of a situation in the closing seconds of the 4th quarter (and/or overtime), and making a prudent decision because of that reality.



Overall, I am thrilled with Reich, particularly with the non-predictive nature of the play-calling on offense (which is the antithesis of what we saw during the Pagano regime from 2013 through 2017.)



o

[Oldcolt]

Both are huge right now. Being 8-3-1 going into Houston should they beat Miami and Jacksonville instead of 7-5 would give them a shot at the division lead in that game no matter what else happened. Still surprised you guys didn't lambaste Reich for that 4th down decision, but I guess you're in the honeymoon phase.

I am equally surprised that you are unable to see that that decision has been crucial in changing what folks refer to as the culture of the team. He showed them who he was and who they will be, a team unafraid of losing. It was huge for the development of the TEAM. I cannot see why you are blind to that. The change in attitude on this team is amazing. It didn't just happen, it was a brilliant move (from the perspective of culture building) by Reich and like everything in life it came with a cost. It is has been well worth it.

[VeveJones007]

If you’re one of the people starting to put W’s next to each week on the remaining schedule, consider that the truth about this team is somewhere between that Titans game and the Jets game. They could win any game...but they could also lose any game. Those kinds of teams very rarely are able to put together a 9-1 or 8-2 run like the Colts would need to make the playoffs.

On a related note, it will be interesting to see what adjustments the divisional opponents make in the second slate of games. I like what Reich has shown so far, but we’ll see if the good defenses in the AFC South can bounce back, especially at home.

[Chromeburn]

I am equally surprised that you are unable to see that that decision has been crucial in changing what folks refer to as the culture of the team. He showed them who he was and who they will be, a team unafraid of losing. It was huge for the development of the TEAM. I cannot see why you are blind to that. The change in attitude on this team is amazing. It didn't just happen, it was a brilliant move (from the perspective of culture building) by Reich and like everything in life it came with a cost. It is has been well worth it.

Exactly, the game isn’t just stats and fantasy numbers. There is a reason people talk about culture and team building. It isn’t just for sound bytes and quotes in the paper. If anyone has had a good boss and a bad boss, who did you want to work for and why? Did you want to show up for work or show up for a paycheck? You can tell this team is having fun and is confident, believing in themselves. The difference in talent from team to team is not that huge. Guys are of similar weight, speed and strength. A lot of it comes down to discipline, mentality, preparation, and culture.

If they want to make the playoffs they control their destiny, win and things will work themselves out. But it’s not a honeymoon phase, it’s recognizing the coach has a strategy and philosophy and buying into that. Will it always work out? No. They call it the process, but it is simply buying in, working hard and keep working at it and things will turn around. This team bought in, i am fine with sacrificing a tie in order to get there. If their season comes down to one play, they don’t deserve to be in the playoffs yet. And I do t want a team that barely reaches the playoffs, I want a team that reaches the Super Bowl.

[Puck]

6-5. 5 to go..... 10-6 very possible. But I think 11-5 is definitely A possibility


13 Dec 02 IND @ JAX TIAA Bank Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

14 Dec 09 IND @ HOU NRG Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

15 Dec 16 DAL @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX

16 Dec 23 NYG @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets TBD

17 Dec 30 IND @ TEN Nissan Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets

[Indiana V2]

How odd that we've already played all our home games against our division rivals. Going to be tough to win in Jacksonville, Houston, and Tennessee, but knowing Luck has done it before, we have a chance.

[1965southpaw]

If you’re one of the people starting to put W’s next to each week on the remaining schedule, consider that the truth about this team is somewhere between that Titans game and the Jets game. They could win any game...but they could also lose any game. Those kinds of teams very rarely are able to put together a 9-1 or 8-2 run like the Colts would need to make the playoffs.

On a related note, it will be interesting to see what adjustments the divisional opponents make in the second slate of games. I like what Reich has shown so far, but we’ll see if the good defenses in the AFC South can bounce back, especially at home.

Agreed. I predicted 8-8 at the beginning of the year and I still think that's most likely....maybe 9-7. I love this team and what they've accomplished. And most of all, I love that they are fun to watch again. However, opponents now have a lot of colts tape that they didn't have in the first 2/3 of the season and our division games + Cowboys will be tough. I think if we make the playoffs it will be as a wildcard. Regardless of what happens there, I will be satisfied. This is/was a rebuilding year and we are ahead of schedule.

[HoosierinFL]

6-5. 5 to go..... 10-6 very possible. But I think 11-5 is definitely A possibility


13 Dec 02 IND @ JAX TIAA Bank Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

14 Dec 09 IND @ HOU NRG Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

15 Dec 16 DAL @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX

16 Dec 23 NYG @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets TBD

17 Dec 30 IND @ TEN Nissan Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets

All 3 of those road games may be a challenge, and we could end up anywhere from 8-8 to 11-5.

[rcubed]

All 3 of those road games may be a challenge, and we could end up anywhere from 8-8 to 11-5.
looks like we will be facing kessler, not bortles, next game.

[Colts And Orioles]

Neither are any of the teams left in the schedule. I'd take our offense over any of them though.

We've seen this defense play better than it did today though. They have the ability to. I think we'll see some more solid games from them, but they are young with no depth and still lacking talent in some key areas, so there will be ups and downs. If they can create turnovers, that will be enough with this offense against those crap teams.





o


For the most part I agree with this assertion, with the possible exception of the Cowboys and the Texans. I think that the verdict is still out on them as to whether or not they are good teams (or at least above average teams.)


Other than those 2 games, the Colts have no excuse whatsoever to not win any of the other 6 games that remain on their schedule. I'm not saying that they will win all 6 of them, but simply asserting that they are at least as good (if not better) than those 4 teams that they will be playing in said 6 contests.


o
o


(ONE MONTH LATER)


I think that both of these teams (the Texans and the Cowboys) have shown to be good or (at least) pretty good.

Those 2 games are my biggest concerns of what remains to be played for the 2018 Colts in the regular season ........ I am also moderately concerned about the Titans game because of the Marcus Mariota factor.


o

[Dam8610]

o


(ONE MONTH LATER)


I think that both of these teams (the Texans and the Cowboys) have shown to be good or (at least) pretty good.

Those 2 games are my biggest concerns of what remains to be played for the 2018 Colts in the regular season ........ I am also moderately concerned about the Titans game because of the Marcus Mariota factor.


o

Leonard spying him worked well last time, I see no reason to go away from that. Force him to do what he can't do, win with his arm.

[Dewey 5]

o


(ONE MONTH LATER)


I think that both of these teams (the Texans and the Cowboys) have shown to be good or (at least) pretty good.

Those 2 games are my biggest concerns of what remains to be played for the 2018 Colts in the regular season ........ I am also moderately concerned about the Titans game because of the Marcus Mariota factor.


o

Cowboys D looked pretty stout tonight against the Saints. Gonna be a tough game for us.

[VeveJones007]

Cowboys D looked pretty stout tonight against the Saints. Gonna be a tough game for us.

But I thought that scheme was fatally flawed?? No way they just held the Saints to 10 points.

It’s almost as if any scheme can work if you have the right players and coaching.

[FatDT]

But I thought that scheme was fatally flawed?? No way they just held the Saints to 10 points.

It’s almost as if any scheme can work if you have the right players and coaching.

The Cowboys have a very good defense this year. The most points they've given up is 28 to the Titans.

2nd in the league in points, giving up 18.2 per game.
5th in the league in yards, giving up 318.2 per game.
Tied for 4th in 1st downs/game, giving up 18.4.

Their D this year is what we can potentially hope for in a year or two.

[VeveJones007]

The Cowboys have a very good defense this year. The most points they've given up is 28 to the Titans.

2nd in the league in points, giving up 18.2 per game.
5th in the league in yards, giving up 318.2 per game.
Tied for 4th in 1st downs/game, giving up 18.4.

Their D this year is what we can potentially hope for in a year or two.

Yep, but I guarantee you these facts won’t get in the way of people saying this scheme can’t work for one reason or another.

[FatDT]

Yep, but I guarantee you these facts won’t get in the way of people saying this scheme can’t work for one reason or another.

Maybe. I've seen a few bad takes with regard to our defense.

There are the people that think we play a Tampa 2 again.

There are the people that think any zone coverage is bad and indicates we're going back to the Ron Meeks days.

There are the people who think this is a good defense for not spending a lot (that was never true even in the Polian days, but even if it was it would have nothing to do with this defense).

I do think the pitfalls of a defense like this are pretty well-known. You can't sit back in zone too much and let a QB slice you up little by little. You can't get away with playing 4 DEs on the DL every snap. You can't vacate the middle of the field and expect to get any stops.

But just about any modern NFL defense (read: NOT the Tampa 2) can be successful with good players.

What I find interesting is the lack of stars on Dallas' defense. Outside of Lawrence, they don't really have superstars.

[VeveJones007]

Maybe. I've seen a few bad takes with regard to our defense.

There are the people that think we play a Tampa 2 again.

There are the people that think any zone coverage is bad and indicates we're going back to the Ron Meeks days.

There are the people who think this is a good defense for not spending a lot (that was never true even in the Polian days, but even if it was it would have nothing to do with this defense).

I do think the pitfalls of a defense like this are pretty well-known. You can't sit back in zone too much and let a QB slice you up little by little. You can't get away with playing 4 DEs on the DL every snap. You can't vacate the middle of the field and expect to get any stops.

But just about any modern NFL defense (read: NOT the Tampa 2) can be successful with good players.

What I find interesting is the lack of stars on Dallas' defense. Outside of Lawrence, they don't really have superstars.

One rule of thumb I employ is to ignore or push back on anyone who deals in absolutes.

As for that Dallas defense, LVE and Jaylon Smith are becoming two of the best LBs in football. That defense is fast and physical, which is exactly what I think Ballard and Eberflus want.

[Dam8610]

Maybe. I've seen a few bad takes with regard to our defense.

There are the people that think we play a Tampa 2 again.

There are the people that think any zone coverage is bad and indicates we're going back to the Ron Meeks days.

There are the people who think this is a good defense for not spending a lot (that was never true even in the Polian days, but even if it was it would have nothing to do with this defense).

I do think the pitfalls of a defense like this are pretty well-known. You can't sit back in zone too much and let a QB slice you up little by little. You can't get away with playing 4 DEs on the DL every snap. You can't vacate the middle of the field and expect to get any stops.

But just about any modern NFL defense (read: NOT the Tampa 2) can be successful with good players.

What I find interesting is the lack of stars on Dallas' defense. Outside of Lawrence, they don't really have superstars.

Jaylon Smith and LVE were both very highly rated, incredibly talented LBs. Smith would've been a Top 10 pick without the injury.

[FatDT]

I remember Smith being talked about as a top 5 pick before his injury. It's great he's made it this far after shredding all his knee ligaments. Is he a superstar though? Probably not yet. Maybe at the end of this season. Crawford and Irving both seem like good players too. Their CB1 was a first rounder. They have talent. But they're getting it done without selling out like the Jags did.

[Dam8610]

I remember Smith being talked about as a top 5 pick before his injury. It's great he's made it this far after shredding all his knee ligaments. Is he a superstar though? Probably not yet. Maybe at the end of this season. Crawford and Irving both seem like good players too. Their CB1 was a first rounder. They have talent. But they're getting it done without selling out like the Jags did.

The Jags model was never smart or sustainable. Buying the top of the FA class rarely works for long if at all.

[DrSpaceman]

The Jags model was never smart or sustainable. Buying the top of the FA class rarely works for long if at all.

And having a shitty QB is not a sustainable way to success in this league.

You might get a year or two year window and if everything falls right, win a SB. TB and Baltimore in their first SB win did it.

But year in and year out, in the current league, you need a QB that can win games, come from behind, make plays and do more than just hand off the ball to a RB.

[Chromeburn]

I remember Smith being talked about as a top 5 pick before his injury. It's great he's made it this far after shredding all his knee ligaments. Is he a superstar though? Probably not yet. Maybe at the end of this season. Crawford and Irving both seem like good players too. Their CB1 was a first rounder. They have talent. But they're getting it done without selling out like the Jags did.

Aren't the cowboys up against the cap? Lawrence is franchise tagged, they may not be able to do it again next year.

[VeveJones007]

Aren't the cowboys up against the cap? Lawrence is franchise tagged, they may not be able to do it again next year.

That’s a name that I’m keeping an eye on.

[Chromeburn]

That’s a name that I’m keeping an eye on.

Yeah me too, I know the cowboys have Zeke’s deal coming up and after that Prescott’s. Still if the cap keeps going up.

[sherck]

Aren't the cowboys up against the cap? Lawrence is franchise tagged, they may not be able to do it again next year.Nope. $47m under using 2018 cap numbers. It will end up north of $50m. They can re-sign him.

Walk Worthy,

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Colts And Orioles]

o



For the most part I agree with this assertion, with the possible exception of the Cowboys and the Texans. I think that the verdict is still out on them as to whether or not they are good teams (or at least above average teams.)


Other than those 2 games, the Colts have no excuse whatsoever to not win any of the other 6 games that remain on their schedule. I'm not saying that they will win all 6 of them, but simply asserting that they are at least as good (if not better) than those 4 teams that they will be playing in said 6 contests.



o


o


(ONE MONTH LATER)


I think that both of these teams (the Texans and the Cowboys) have shown to be good or (at least) pretty good.

Those 2 games are my biggest concerns of what remains to be played for the 2018 Colts in the regular season ........ I am also moderately concerned about the Titans game because of the Marcus Mariota factor.


o
o


Texans down, Cowboys still to come.

Marcus Mariota could give the Titans a puncher's chance in the season finale, especially at home in Tennessee.

The Colts had no business losing to the Jaguars, and they have very little business losing to the Giants (the Giants have improved over their last few games, but with the defense and the offensive line having the season's which they have been having, they really need to put them away by at least 7 points.)

o

[Dewey 5]

o


Texans down, Cowboys still to come.

Marcus Mariota could give the Titans a puncher's chance in the season finale, especially at home in Tennessee.

The Colts had no business losing to the Jaguars, and they have very little business losing to the Giants (the Giants have improved over their last few games, but with the defense and the offensive line having the season's which they have been having, they really need to put them away by at least 7 points.)

o

Giants are playing well right now. Barkley is a total stud.

[Racehorse]

Giants are playing well right now. Barkley is a total stud.

Yes. Glad we have Nelson, but a stud like Barkley would go a long ways for this offense. Maybe we find one next offseason.

[JAFF]

Maybe. I've seen a few bad takes with regard to our defense.

There are the people that think we play a Tampa 2 again.

There are the people that think any zone coverage is bad and indicates we're going back to the Ron Meeks days.

There are the people who think this is a good defense for not spending a lot (that was never true even in the Polian days, but even if it was it would have nothing to do with this defense).

I do think the pitfalls of a defense like this are pretty well-known. You can't sit back in zone too much and let a QB slice you up little by little. You can't get away with playing 4 DEs on the DL every snap. You can't vacate the middle of the field and expect to get any stops.

But just about any modern NFL defense (read: NOT the Tampa 2) can be successful with good players.

What I find interesting is the lack of stars on Dallas' defense. Outside of Lawrence, they don't really have superstars.

I was listening on the radio, and the clor guy was having a great time explaining how the Colts showed 4 man blitz, but 3 linemen dropped and three LB's blitzed.

Not the Dungy D

[Chromeburn]

Nope. $47m under using 2018 cap numbers. It will end up north of $50m. They can re-sign him.

Walk Worthy,

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Here are their FA's next year

Cole Beasley, WR
Cameron Fleming, OT
Randy Gregory, DE
David Irving, DT
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE
Jamize Olawale, FB
Deonte Thompson, WR

I wouldn't mind a shot at Irving. And they have the Cooper, Prescot and Zeke deals coming up the following year.

[sherck]

Here are their FA's next year

Cole Beasley, WR
Cameron Fleming, OT
Randy Gregory, DE
David Irving, DT
DeMarcus Lawrence, DE
Jamize Olawale, FB
Deonte Thompson, WR

I wouldn't mind a shot at Irving. And they have the Cooper, Prescot and Zeke deals coming up the following year.
Has not Irving been hurt most of the year? Websites only have him playing snaps in weeks 6 & 7 of this season.

Walk Worthy,

[Maniac]

Has not Irving been hurt most of the year? Websites only have him playing snaps in weeks 6 & 7 of this season.

Walk Worthy,

He has had a high ankle sprain.

Keep in mind, he's in the substance abuse program now and admits to smoking pot regularly (and apparently before games.) that puts him at high risk of getting suspended again:

https://i.imgur.com/FZLJRgS.jpg

[FatDT]

He has a point, but it doesn't matter. It's against NFL rules and he has the rest of his life to smoke weed. His time in the NFL is limited and it'll be a lot more limited if he fails a test again.

[Butter]

He has a point, but it doesn't matter. It's against NFL rules and he has the rest of his life to smoke weed. His time in the NFL is limited and it'll be a lot more limited if he fails a test again.

I completely agree with him that the NFL rule and most states laws are dumb, but they are what they are and risking your career is poor choice and for a team to tie up much cap space in a player who is going to openly flaunt breaking the rules would be stupid as well. Pass.

[DrSpaceman]

The Colts are much closer to a playoff spot now than I realized and are on the verge of controlling their own destiny, but not quite there

Dolphins lost today.

So tied with Baltimore, Titans for the last spot, but then Pitt is only a half game up on the division/WC race and could be easily overtaken for both.

Play the titans week 17, need to win that one, basically a week 17 playoff game there, lose and you're out.


I believe the Colts just need to :

Win their last two games, puts the Titans out AND

A single loss sometime between now and the end of the season by Pitt OR Baltimore. Then the Colts will be ahead of one of the two of them and the other team will win the division, most likely. (Cleveland still with an outside shot)


Pitt has NE right now and NO next week.

Baltimore has SD next week. And Cleveland, no pushovers now

It is looking good, two winnable games left basically to make the 6th spot.

[Puck]

Hopefully he’ll heat pulls out all the stops and cheats in ways we have never seen

[Puck]

The pats beating the Steelers is our biggest help. We will be the 6th seed by the end of the day

[JAFF]

How can you say that. Fuck those a holes

[Puck]

How can you say that. Fuck those a holes

Do the math

[JAFF]

Do the math

Its football and Im not doing algebra. Fuck the pats

[Puck]

Its football and Im not doing algebra. Fuck the pats

Then your just a retard

[Brylok]

Kraft has ordered his team to lose in a respectable way in order to screw the Colts.

[JAFF]

Then your just a retard

No im a fan fuck the pats. The season takes care of its self.

Pats suck

[Puck]

No im a fan fuck the pats. The season takes care of its self.

Pats suck

Maybe I gave you too much credit for being smart.

If the pats win we are the 6th seed. It’s ours to lose. If. It then we need more help from other teams.

Don’t let pride make you stupid

[Luck4Reich]

No im a fan fuck the pats. The season takes care of its self.

Pats suck

Pats are in regardless. If they lose today it hurts the Colts not the Pats.

[JAFF]

Then your just a retard

The rest of the world will take care of themselves. Fuck the pats

[Puck]

The rest of the world will take care of themselves. Fuck the pats

Ok then root for the Steelers to lose. Does that help?

[Dewey 5]

The rest of the world will take care of themselves. Fuck the pats

50

[JAFF]

Ok then root for the Steelers to lose. Does that help?

No

[Puck]

No



So let me get this right..... If it came down to the last game of the yr and we needed the pats to beat the steelers and that is the only way it would be possible.... you would not root for the Pats?

[southside asshole]

Ok then root for the Steelers to lose. Does that help?

It certainly helps me.

[Butter]

I was rooting for a tie, hurts both teams.

[Racehorse]

I feel dirty hoping Brady gets the TD here

[Chromeburn]

God I hate rooting for the pats, of course they let us down

[Puck]

Well Fuck.... guess we need to hope Brees can knock them out next week

[Brylok]

The one time I want those pricks to win. Shit.

[JAFF]

I feel dirty hoping Brady gets the TD here

You should

[DrSpaceman]

Fuckin' pats fags

Can't win when we need them to.

[Puck]

And I am pretty sure the Texicans move to the 2 seed now

[JAFF]

And I am pretty sure the Texicans move to the 2 seed now

So the pats must go on the road. Excellent

[Racehorse]

And I am pretty sure the Texicans move to the 2 seed now

Chargers can eliminate the Cheats so we can all laugh at Brady. Well, now that I think about it, we could be the team they face if we get the sixth seed.

[Racehorse]

So much for whoever it was who said the Cheats are on the road to yet another SB.

[NJColtsFan]

Fuckin' pats fags

Can't win when we need them to.

If business is handled in Indy next weekend, it should come down to handling business in Tennessee. Steelers and Ravens both playing teams on the road. Both home teams have a lot on the line.

[Puck]

We can beat NE. Not as confident in beating the Steelers

[Colts And Orioles]

o


8 - 6


A) ) The Colts could still get as high as a #2 seed if they win their last 2 games ........ they would need the Texans to lose 2 games, the Patriots to lose 2 games, and the Steelers and the Ravens to lose 1 game apiece.


B) ) A little more likely than that would simply winning the division title by winning their last 2 games, and hoping that the Texans lose their last 2 games.


C) ) Even more likely than that would be a wildcard berth ........ in which case the only help they would need would be for the Steelers or the Ravens to lose 1 of the 4 remaining games that they have left between them (in addition to the Colts winning out, and finishing at 10-6 overall.)


o

[Racehorse]

Dolphins are not mathematically out of winning their division. They win out and NE loses the next two...

[Colts And Orioles]

o

As unlikely as it is, the Colts could still conceivably get the #2 seed and a first-round bye.


http://coltfreaks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57245&page=7

o

[chicagocolt]

If the loss vs Houston causes us to miss the playoffs I will be sick.

In other news Brady looked washed this week.

[Racehorse]

This feels like 1995 all over again. I am loving it.

[bertjones]

This feels like 1995 all over again. I am loving it.

For this old timer it harkens back to 1975. You had a young franchise QB (jones) with a first year coach(Marchibroda) with a lot of young talent on both sides of the ball. The team started slowly(1-4) but the talent started to jell
and the team went through the rest of their schedule like a runaway locomotive. And on a foggy day in Memorial stadium they beat the mighty
Dolphins of Don Shula and secured the division crown.
This year feels a lot like that. They may or may not make the playoffs(I think
they will) but then as now you get the feeling that this is the start of something big. It's been a good experience, among the better ones I've had in
the decades I've been following sports.

[Colts And Orioles]

For this old timer it harkens back to 1975. You had a young franchise QB (jones) with a first year coach(Marchibroda) with a lot of young talent on both sides of the ball. The team started slowly(1-4) but the talent started to jell, and the team went through the rest of their schedule like a runaway locomotive. And on a foggy day in Memorial Stadium, they beat the mighty Dolphins of Don Shula to secure the division crown.

This year feels a lot like that. They may or may not make the playoffs(I think
they will) but then as now you get the feeling that this is the start of something big. It's been a good experience, among the better ones I've had in that the decades I've been following sports.



o

They actually secured the division title the following week, when they beat the Patriots in the season finale ........ both teams were tied at 9-4 after that overtime win over the Dolphins in Week 13, and Miami beat Denver on Saturday afternoon on national television the next week to finish at 10-4.

The 9-4 Colts KO'd the Patriots the following day (Sunday) to close out the season at 10-4, and took the AFC East crown due to a 2-game sweep over the Dolphins in head-on play.


http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/1975-bal


http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/1975-mia

o

[bertjones]

o

They actually secured the division title the following week, when they beat the Patriots in the season finale ........ both teams were tied at 9-4 after that overtime win over the Dolphins in Week 13, and Miami beat Denver on Saturday afternoon on national television the next week to finish at 10-4.

The 9-4 Colts KO'd the Patriots the following day (Sunday) to close out the season at 10-4, and took the AFC East crown due to a 2-game sweep over the Dolphins in head-on play.


http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/1975-bal


http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/results.nsf/Teams/1975-mia

o

By "secured" I meant that it put them in the drivers seat to win the division,
which they did the following week as you correctly pointed out. Kind of
like how the U.S. hockey team's win over the USSR did not give them the
Gold medal right then and there, they still had to beat Finland.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


(ONE MONTH LATER)


I think that both of these teams (the Texans and the Cowboys) have shown to be good or (at least) pretty good.

Those 2 games are my biggest concerns of what remains to be played for the 2018 Colts in the regular season ........ I am also moderately concerned about the Titans game because of the Marcus Mariota factor.


o


o


Texans down, Cowboys still to come.

Marcus Mariota could give the Titans a puncher's chance in the season finale, especially at home in Tennessee.

The Colts had no business losing to the Jaguars, and they have very little business losing to the Giants (the Giants have improved over their last few games, but with the defense and the offensive line having the season's which they have been having, they really need to put them away by at least 7 points.)

o
o


Mariota is questionable for Sunday Night's nationally televised showdown with the Colts.


Titans Uncertain if Mariota will Play vs. Colts

(By Kevin Hickey)

https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2018/12/24/tennessee-titans-marcus-mariota-stinger-injury-indianapolis-colts-week-17/

o

[JAFF]

He will play

[Racehorse]

He will play
First quarter, at least. Who knows when he will be knocked out of the game. Maybe we should start a poll...

[VeveJones007]

First quarter, at least. Who knows when he will be knocked out of the game. Maybe we should start a poll...

Depends on which Colts defense shows up.

[Colts And Orioles]

o

In my rats' ass of an opinion, the Colts got the best of both worlds in their game against the Giants.

They played crappy for more than half of the game, but still won ........ so they got a wake-up call to remind them that they were not necessarily as great as they looked in their 23-0 shutout against the Cowboys, yet they still managed to escape said game with a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.


I suspect that the defense will play better against the Titans, although not necessarily as well as they played in their previous meeting in Indianapolis, which the Colts easily won by a score of 38-10 ........ and only 3 of those 10 points that the Titans scored that day occurred when it actually mattered.


Reich should have them ready for this game, and I foresee that they will win by about 13 points ........ about halfway in between their margin of victory against the Giants (1) and their margin of victory against the Titans in their previous match-up (28.)

o

[Racehorse]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIKraiPix80&fbclid=IwAR0huqiTaZJ7gmrk1D5tnh1H3OLfP5SXhclSkFHtC 58Ws-iuXSD8yRcvlfE&app=desktop

[rcubed]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIKraiPix80&fbclid=IwAR0huqiTaZJ7gmrk1D5tnh1H3OLfP5SXhclSkFHtC 58Ws-iuXSD8yRcvlfE&app=desktop
wtf is that guy going on about?!

[Racehorse]

wtf is that guy going on about?!

I was kind of hoping you could tell me.

[1965southpaw]

I was kind of hoping you could tell me.

I think he's using numerology to "prove" that the colts win the superbowl. I couldn't get over being grossed out by the loud sniffling and snorting he was doing. I'm sure his keyboard is one giant petry dish of grossness.

[Colts And Orioles]

o

In my rats' ass of an opinion, the Colts got the best of both worlds in their game against the Giants.

They played crappy for more than half of the game, but still won ........ so they got a wake-up call to remind them that they were not necessarily as great as they looked in their 23-0 shutout against the Cowboys, yet they still managed to escape said game with a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.


I suspect that the defense will play better against the Titans, although not necessarily as well as they played in their previous meeting in Indianapolis, which the Colts easily won by a score of 38-10 ........ and only 3 of those 10 points that the Titans scored that day occurred when it actually mattered.


Reich should have them ready for this game, and I foresee that they will win by about 13 points ........ about halfway in between their margin of victory against the Giants (1) and their margin of victory against the Titans in their previous match-up (28.)

o
o


Close. They won by 16.


o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


The Colts will essentially be playing in their 6th playoff game against the Chiefs next weekend ........ after the Colts lost to the Jaguars 5 weeks ago to fall to 6-6 overall, everybody pretty much knew that they would have to run the table to have any real shot at making the postseason.

o