Colts-Jags super quick thoughts

[GoBigBlue88]

1. My voice is strained because I yelled so fucking loud at my TV. I have not been this pissed off by a game in some time. Maybe ever.

2. I put the loss mostly on Frank Reich. He had no answers all day. None. His playcalling in gotta-have-it situations was atrocious. You draft Quenton Nelson sixth overall and are terrified to run it with your RB. Gotcha. These bullshit Pascal or Ebron sweeps or that 4th down play designed to go to Hewittt (who was covered anyway) were just terrible playcalls.

3. This game highlighted the huge need this team has at WR. Inman is fine catching gimme passes, but if he can't sit down in a zone, he's not giving you anything. Need someone who can win 50-50 balls.

4. The insistence on using Joe Haeg in this game was baffling. Once or twice would be OK. Reich apparently thinks Haeg is Walter Jones as a blocking option. He is not.

5. The final drive was badly mismanaged, but the Colts still got screwed by that call. People want to make it either/or. No. You can have bad clock management and still get screwed.

6. Sick of watching Marlon Mack leave yards on the field because his vision is absolutely shit. He is the worst runner on this team.

7. ...but it's compounded when the Colts put in Haeg and run to the strong side in tight sets. That's not the Colts' strength. Run out of the freaking shotgun. Jesus.

8. Eric Ebron was the most physical player on offense today, which says everything.

9. This team sorely missed Jack Doyle and Ryan Kelly today. Replacing Doyle with Haeg is dumb and ineffective. Boehm is clearly a backup.

10. Denico Autry had himself a game today, which was good to see.

11. Thought Darius Leonard was totally invisible today.

12. Colts really needed defensive points today, so seeing those instances where they played 15 yard off umbrella coverage on 3rd-and-15 was really frustrating. The ball was there to be turned over, to be honest.

13. I love what I see from Tyquan Lewis. At the very worst, he's going to be a pocket-crusher at DE. Would still like to see more of him at 3-tech. I think he's living up to his hype, though. He's making QBs step up consistently. Fed Autry some of that pressure today.

14. This loss sucks but Jacksonville's defense is really good. This isn't an anomaly. Their QB just blows. I hate Jalen Ramsey as much as the rest of you, but dude is a baller. It's tough when this team is rolling so unexpectedly, to hit such a speed bump like this. But long-term, I still really like a lot of what's in place. This team needs some talent infusion at skill positions (even RB1, folks), but they're not far off.

15. Reich needs to get better with timeout usage. Faked going for it on 4th down to punt in first half, wasted a timeout instead of just taking a 5 yard penalty and punting (dumb). Has had a few of those situations this year.

[Colt Classic]

Hot take: this team isn't good and has played average to bad teams all year and just happened to come out on top several games in a row. Fool's gold to cover up what most saw as a 6-7 win team from the start. Sure there are some players, but not enough of them.

[daedge]

Good point on being scared to run.

Luck had 52 pass attempts today....what happened to sticking with the run?

Mack: 8 carries
Hines: 4 carries

We weren't down by 20+ points....

[Oldcolt]

Nice to score zero points and not have it a blowout. Good game if we learn from it. I gotta believe people were real happy with themselves for winning and all the deservingly good press they’ve gotten lately. Human nature. Hopefully they hate how this feels and start to learn how to stay focused over a long season. That and we gotta get some more high caliber skill guys. Lousy way to spend an afternoon

[omahacolt]

1. My voice is strained because I yelled so fucking loud at my TV. I have not been this pissed off by a game in some time. Maybe ever.

2. I put the loss mostly on Frank Reich. He had no answers all day. None. His playcalling in gotta-have-it situations was atrocious. You draft Quenton Nelson sixth overall and are terrified to run it with your RB. Gotcha. These bullshit Pascal or Ebron sweeps or that 4th down play designed to go to Hewittt (who was covered anyway) were just terrible playcalls.

3. This game highlighted the huge need this team has at WR. Inman is fine catching gimme passes, but if he can't sit down in a zone, he's not giving you anything. Need someone who can win 50-50 balls.

4. The insistence on using Joe Haeg in this game was baffling. Once or twice would be OK. Reich apparently thinks Haeg is Walter Jones as a blocking option. He is not.

5. The final drive was badly mismanaged, but the Colts still got screwed by that call. People want to make it either/or. No. You can have bad clock management and still get screwed.

6. Sick of watching Marlon Mack leave yards on the field because his vision is absolutely shit. He is the worst runner on this team.

7. ...but it's compounded when the Colts put in Haeg and run to the strong side in tight sets. That's not the Colts' strength. Run out of the freaking shotgun. Jesus.

8. Eric Ebron was the most physical player on offense today, which says everything.

9. This team sorely missed Jack Doyle and Ryan Kelly today. Replacing Doyle with Haeg is dumb and ineffective. Boehm is clearly a backup.

10. Denico Autry had himself a game today, which was good to see.

11. Thought Darius Leonard was totally invisible today.

12. Colts really needed defensive points today, so seeing those instances where they played 15 yard off umbrella coverage on 3rd-and-15 was really frustrating. The ball was there to be turned over, to be honest.

13. I love what I see from Tyquan Lewis. At the very worst, he's going to be a pocket-crusher at DE. Would still like to see more of him at 3-tech. I think he's living up to his hype, though. He's making QBs step up consistently. Fed Autry some of that pressure today.

14. This loss sucks but Jacksonville's defense is really good. This isn't an anomaly. Their QB just blows. I hate Jalen Ramsey as much as the rest of you, but dude is a baller. It's tough when this team is rolling so unexpectedly, to hit such a speed bump like this. But long-term, I still really like a lot of what's in place. This team needs some talent infusion at skill positions (even RB1, folks), but they're not far off.

15. Reich needs to get better with timeout usage. Faked going for it on 4th down to punt in first half, wasted a timeout instead of just taking a 5 yard penalty and punting (dumb). Has had a few of those situations this year.

good post gbb.

only thing i slightly disagree with is that Lewis didn't impress me all that much. yes he got pressure but it was Ereck flowers. how can a good player not consistently beat him like a drum?

i could be too hard on the guy

[omahacolt]

i have some thoughts as well

1) terrible coaching. zero answers to the jags defense. all game long. credit to the jags for being disciplined and never relenting. it actually reminded me of the times manning came back with the broncos and the colts d was just dialed the fuck in every snap.

2) the first game, there were two broken coverages by Barry Church that gave ebron tds. he was benched this game. when watching earlier this week i had a feeling if we couldn't capitalize on mistakes, this might be a tough game. the jags simply didn't make hardly any mistakes on defense.

3) is there anything we can do to get a tough offense? all the talk about this oline being tough guys but they get bullied a lot. especially in the run game. we cant run when we want. we have moments but we really are one dimensional. this oline isn't fixed until that is fixed. i am so tired of always being bullied up front.

4) i don't pay attention enough i guess but do all teams load the box to run? what happened to spreading teams out and running?

5) our running game was nowhere to be found and nobody could get open as a wr, can we please use our rb's more in the pass game?

6) fuck ryan grant. seriously. fuck that guy. get him off the field. bring up the other rookie and see what he has at this point. play pascal. but stop playing this idiot because ballard was dumb enough to sign him.

7) stop playing haeg at te and play swoope. going heavy on oline isn't working

8) that call by the ref at the end? dude should be fired. that is just inexcusable. seriously. he should be fired. this is not an overreaction or a joke.

9) the colts seem to always find a way to lose to shit bag qb's like cody kessler. this seems to be a culture thing. we make backup qb's look great or we at least let them hang in there. this has been going on since manning was here.

10.) autry finally showed up. 2nd time this year he had a good game. good to see. still the dude gets too much playing time.

11) not sure how you can judge the secondary much. they were hardly threatened.

12) 3rd and 13 dump off goes for a first down in the 4th quarter. are you fucking kidding me?

13) simply couldn't protect luck to work down the field and when we did, the wr's couldnt get open. who has worse wr's than the colts?

14) i thought hunt brought his A game today. many times he blew up the double team.

15) where is turay?

16) end of game clock management was just atrocious. Luck has to be better than that. seconds just clicking away for no reason. that might have been the worst part of the game for me.

17) colts were punched in the mouth. they responded by going to to the ropes and just covering up. fits with their history.

[YDFL Commish]

This was a Frank Reich Andrew Luck loss. Mostly a Frank Reich loss, and he has to own it.

He wasn't playing the Chiefs...it's the fucking Jags, 9 pt. wins this game and 6 sends it to OT. Take the fucking points Frank!

Luck just missed some throws that he needed to make and on the int had a wide open Inman for 7 or 8 yds.

[omahacolt]

This was a Frank Reich Andrew Luck loss. Mostly a Frank Reich loss, and he has to own it.

He wasn't playing the Chiefs...it's the fucking Jags, 9 pt. wins this game and 6 sends it to OT. Take the fucking points Frank!

Luck just missed some throws that he needed to make and on the int had a wide open Inman for 7 or 8 yds.

I like coaches being agrressive. I also understand it will nite is at times and I am ok with that. My thing is that if you are going to be aggressive, have a damn good plan

[Coltsalr]

So, who supports drafting a WR in the first round?

[omahacolt]

So, who supports drafting a WR in the first round?

Not me

[YDFL Commish]

I like coaches being agrressive. I also understand it will nite is at times and I am ok with that. My thing is that if you are going to be aggressive, have a damn good plan

I do as well. But Reich had to know that points would be at a premium and that it wasn't going to take that may points to beat the Jags.

I have no qualms with Reich going for the win against the Texicans because it shows the team we only care about wins. In this case, I believe he sacrificed the win in order to try to score TD's.

Big difference IMO.

[omahacolt]

I do as well. But Reich had to know that points would be at a premium and that it wasn't going to take that may points to beat the Jags.

I have no qualms with Reich going for the win against the Texicans because it shows the team we only care about wins. In this case, I believe he sacrificed the win in order to try to score TD's.

Big difference IMO.

I was probably more worried about this game as most people but even I thought we could put at least 20 on them. It was early and I am sure he thought there would be more points. I am also pretty sure he thought the jags would t score much

[Colt Classic]

So, who supports drafting a WR in the first round?

Not where they'll be picking. Bottom of the first, like Wayne? Sure. Not mid 1st.

[GoBigBlue88]

IMO, anyone criticizing the decision to go for it on 4th and goal at the 2 or whatever, in the 1Q, is shamelessly hindsighting it. I would spot you the next 4th down attempt, but against Kessler, you go for it every time there because you force a punt and essentially are in position to take 3 all over again.

[YDFL Commish]

IMO, anyone criticizing the decision to go for it on 4th and goal at the 2 or whatever, in the 1Q, is shamelessly hindsighting it. I would spot you the next 4th down attempt, but against Kessler, you go for it every time there because you force a punt and essentially are in position to take 3 all over again.

Nope. Take the points. Let's say you only get 3 until the last drive? Then you only need 3 to tie...and AV hits that every time.

The tone of the game and the tone of the 2nd half of the 1st Jags game, should've shown Reich that we weren't going to move the ball much against the Jags. So when you have the opportunity to put points on the board do it.

[Chromeburn]

So, who supports drafting a WR in the first round?

A lot of WR's in this upcoming drafts and it is kind of a minefield. I don't know if there is a lot of separation between 1st round and 3rd round receivers. There will be some busts also.

Grab one of the top defensive linemen if you can. They don't last long and it is a deep draft for them. Harder to find than a good wide out.


As for the game; they were due a loss. They played like crap last week and pulled it out. Jags were determined to win it and balled out. Too bad they don't play like that every week. But then again, they are the jags.

Big lesson for Reich. Manning learned to to take what the jags gave him when their defense was good. Hopefully the guys learned that again today.

[Indiana V2]

I did not want Leveon Bell before, but now I'm thinking we take a run at him, Mack is not the answer for our RB1.

[Racehorse]

i have some thoughts as well

1) terrible coaching. zero answers to the jags defense. all game long. credit to the jags for being disciplined and never relenting. it actually reminded me of the times manning came back with the broncos and the colts d was just dialed the fuck in every snap.

2) the first game, there were two broken coverages by Barry Church that gave ebron tds. he was benched this game. when watching earlier this week i had a feeling if we couldn't capitalize on mistakes, this might be a tough game. the jags simply didn't make hardly any mistakes on defense.

3) is there anything we can do to get a tough offense? all the talk about this oline being tough guys but they get bullied a lot. especially in the run game. we cant run when we want. we have moments but we really are one dimensional. this oline isn't fixed until that is fixed. i am so tired of always being bullied up front.

4) i don't pay attention enough i guess but do all teams load the box to run? what happened to spreading teams out and running?

5) our running game was nowhere to be found and nobody could get open as a wr, can we please use our rb's more in the pass game?

6) fuck ryan grant. seriously. fuck that guy. get him off the field. bring up the other rookie and see what he has at this point. play pascal. but stop playing this idiot because ballard was dumb enough to sign him.

7) stop playing haeg at te and play swoope. going heavy on oline isn't working

8) that call by the ref at the end? dude should be fired. that is just inexcusable. seriously. he should be fired. this is not an overreaction or a joke.

9) the colts seem to always find a way to lose to shit bag qb's like cody kessler. this seems to be a culture thing. we make backup qb's look great or we at least let them hang in there. this has been going on since manning was here.

10.) autry finally showed up. 2nd time this year he had a good game. good to see. still the dude gets too much playing time.

11) not sure how you can judge the secondary much. they were hardly threatened.

12) 3rd and 13 dump off goes for a first down in the 4th quarter. are you fucking kidding me?

13) simply couldn't protect luck to work down the field and when we did, the wr's couldnt get open. who has worse wr's than the colts?

14) i thought hunt brought his A game today. many times he blew up the double team.

15) where is turay?

16) end of game clock management was just atrocious. Luck has to be better than that. seconds just clicking away for no reason. that might have been the worst part of the game for me.

17) colts were punched in the mouth. they responded by going to to the ropes and just covering up. fits with their history.

#7: Swoope would have been a better option as an eligible receiver, because they would have to play the pass in addition to the run.

[DrSpaceman]

I agree about Reich. He made lots of mistakes today.

But he is a rookie coach and has to learn. You can't always go for it on 4th down. Kick the FG. Even in the 4th quarter, the next to last drive. YOu have two timeouts and the two minutes warning. Take the 3,cut it to a FG, get the stop.

I still like him as coach and just hopes he is learning like the rest of them

This team is not winning the SB this year, we all knew that. And after a 1-5 start, playoffs would have been nice, but was unlikely. Still like where the team is at 6-6. The playoffs are probably out now after this loss, but we all knew this season was about setting up the future, which is still looking good

AGree about Kelley and Doyle and their blocking.

Also agree about the WRs. Sorely need to upgrade the #2/3 spots. This game shows why. A good secondary like this you need multiple options to get some guys open.

Luck really needed to spike that ball on the next to last play. No idea what they were thinking. Time management was bad the last 30 seconds.

Also that roughing the passer/hit with the helmet call early in the game was crap. What are you supposed to do, run straight up and down into the QB

On the other hand, crap like that late hit on Rogers on the first quarter punt return, you should get tossed from the game for on hit like that. VERY late, could have easily been injured......I would not have minded a few Colts beating that guys ass after that play for what he did. Yes, would have been a penalty, but that was complete bush league crap and very dangerous.

[GoBigBlue88]

Nope. Take the points. Let's say you only get 3 until the last drive? Then you only need 3 to tie...and AV hits that every time.

The tone of the game and the tone of the 2nd half of the 1st Jags game, should've shown Reich that we weren't going to move the ball much against the Jags. So when you have the opportunity to put points on the board do it.

You're saying that with hindsight though.

I guess the way I look at it is: they were 6 inches away from winning the game.

[GoBigBlue88]

#7: Swoope would have been a better option as an eligible receiver, because they would have to play the pass in addition to the run.

Yes, would MUCH rather have had Swoope in than Haeg.

But I also wonder if Swoope was on a snap count and not anywhere near 100%.

[Butter]

You're saying that with hindsight though.

I guess the way I look at it is: they were 6 inches away from winning the game.

1st half 0-0 I'd go for it there every time.

[YDFL Commish]

You're saying that with hindsight though.

I guess the way I look at it is: they were 6 inches away from winning the game.

Hindsight and forsight. Dingy could predict what was needed during a game (Ravens 06 playoffs).

I'm not down on Reich. I just want him to own this.

[Racehorse]

Hindsight and forsight. Dingy could predict what was needed during a game (Ravens 06 playoffs).

I'm not down on Reich. I just want him to own this.

I would guess that he would. Seems a high character guy, unlike McDouche

[YDFL Commish]

A couple of other points:

Luck is rolling right too much, therefor cutting off half the field. It's making it too easy on defenses to defend.

A little less roll right and an occasional roll left would help.

Eberflus was stunting like crazy during pre-season. I may be wrong, but he hasn't been stunting the DL much. I would like to see him mix that in a little more.

[Brylok]

First game I've missed all year. Good for me...

[Thorgrim]

I did not want Leveon Bell before, but now I'm thinking we take a run at him, Mack is not the answer for our RB1.

I’m warming to it.

[ChoppedWood]

One of the shittiest coached games in the history of the NFL and Luck, shit, that's exactly what he was, shit.

I was talking to a friend pre-game and said this game presented this exact risk. We're the cock of the walk going up against a dumpster fire- NO ONE HAD TO PREP HARD FOR THIS ONE, go down to JAX, have fun, pick up a win, come home and be the darlings of ESPN Sunday night...

Very disappointing, very.

[Dewey 5]

I did not want Leveon Bell before, but now I'm thinking we take a run at him, Mack is not the answer for our RB1.

I know it's not popular but now I'm all in for Bell.

[Wyatt]

ugly game yesterday, but I still think the future is bright. With as young of a team as we have, with a rookie coach, and young GM, we're going to be inconsistent and have some growing pains.

We really missed Kelly and Doyle, but we have got to figure out how to plan around that, no team, this late in the season will have an entirely healthy roster, we've actually been pretty fortunate this season other than a few games early on.

Agreed with most of what GBB and Omaha observed, and I fully support Reich's call from the 1 to go for the TD. Reich and Ballard have shown that they will take ownership in mistakes unlike the last regime.

[HoosierinFL]

I do as well. But Reich had to know that points would be at a premium and that it wasn't going to take that may points to beat the Jags.

I have no qualms with Reich going for the win against the Texicans because it shows the team we only care about wins. In this case, I believe he sacrificed the win in order to try to score TD's.

Big difference IMO.

There’s a fine line between being aggressive vs. reckless. Reich crossed it this time.

[Oldcolt]

There’s a fine line between being aggressive vs. reckless. Reich crossed it this time.

Lets hope he has learned where that line is.

[Chaka]

ugly game yesterday, but I still think the future is bright. With as young of a team as we have, with a rookie coach, and young GM, we're going to be inconsistent and have some growing pains.

We really missed Kelly and Doyle, but we have got to figure out how to plan around that, no team, this late in the season will have an entirely healthy roster, we've actually been pretty fortunate this season other than a few games early on.

Agreed with most of what GBB and Omaha observed, and I fully support Reich's call from the 1 to go for the TD. Reich and Ballard have shown that they will take ownership in mistakes unlike the last regime.

Agreed. Ugly, sucky, disappointing game. This was just one of those games where Reich's aggressiveness worked against us. The problem is that we came up just shy so many times on 3rd down, leading to three failed 4th-and-1 attempts. If we had been 4th-and-4 in those instances, I'm guessing we would have kicked field goals and ultimately won the game.

Ryan Grant seemed to have a particularly bad day. Not a good sign for a guy on a one year "show me" contract.

Gotta credit JAX, I guess, as much as I don't want to. Their QB didn't beat us, but the defense did.

P.S. We need to figure out a way to embarrass Jalen Ramsey next time we play them - the guy is a punk.

[Pez]

i have some thoughts as well
8) that call by the ref at the end? dude should be fired. that is just inexcusable. seriously. he should be fired. this is not an overreaction or a joke.


I am apparently in the minority, but this was the right call. The refs cant decide if a team wants forward progress or wants to stop the clock, so they always give forward progress.

Imagine a scenario where it's 4th and 3 from the opponents 10 yard line. We run 3.5 yards to the 6.5, then get pushed back and out of bounds at the 9. The ref gives forward progress and we get a first down. If the ref says the runner is out of bounds, then the spot must become the 9 and it's a turnover on downs.

The only time in such a scenario where the ref would not give forward progress is if Ebron went backwards and out of bounds under his own power, in which case the clock would have stopped. Ramsey made his play and ended the game.

There were a sh** ton of opportunities to win this game. This call was not what lost the game for us, nor was it a bad call.

[DrSpaceman]

I am apparently in the minority, but this was the right call. The refs cant decide if a team wants forward progress or wants to stop the clock, so they always give forward progress.

Imagine a scenario where it's 4th and 3 from the opponents 10 yard line. We run 3.5 yards to the 6.5, then get pushed back and out of bounds at the 9. The ref gives forward progress and we get a first down. If the ref says the runner is out of bounds, then the spot must become the 9 and it's a turnover on downs.

The only time in such a scenario where the ref would not give forward progress is if Ebron went backwards and out of bounds under his own power, in which case the clock would have stopped. Ramsey made his play and ended the game.

There were a sh** ton of opportunities to win this game. This call was not what lost the game for us, nor was it a bad call.


I thought it was a bad call, but it didn't lose the game.

Even if they get one more play, probably not scoring a TD on the next play.

Luck should have downed the ball on the play before, wasted WAY too much time there on a play that did nothing. If he had spiked it and saved 15-20 seconds, could have still worked the middle of the field on the next play, had a chance to spike it and get one shot at the end zone from a reasonable 10-15 yards

Lots of mismanagement by Luck and Reich

[sherck]

#1: There is no WR on our roster that I want back in 2019 with the exception of T.Y. and Cain. That's it; fire the rest, sign a value veteran in free agency and draft two in the draft, one in the top 3 rounds and one in the mid rounds. We need a completely rebuilt WR corps.

#2: Jumbo packages against a tough run front is terrible in the NFL. SO much more effective to go 4 wide and run from the shotgun (with the run from the base/jumbo every now and then). We got WAY too one-dimensional and their defense is too good fro that.

#3: I love how our defense played; even if it was against a poor NFL offense. Yes, it needs more talent and it will get added to in 2019 but we have some really nice, young pieces in Leonard, Walker, Hooker, Wilson, Lewis and Turay. Add another 4 high calibre players in 2019 and this defense starts to turn a corner, I think.

#4: I am undecided on RB. The last five games were good running game; this one killed us. Is it the scheme, the O-Line or the RBs? I am not sold on Bell at all but I hope we at least talk to him in free agency to see where it is at. In the end, I would probably not sign him but at least kick the tires.

#5: Rookie HC got schooled yesterday. I hope he learns from it (and I think he will).

#6: That probably just killed our playoff chances. If we got a loss, we needed it to be non-divisional for Wildcard tiebreakers. The Jags just pretty much killed our playoff hopes.

I am not nearly as upset by the loss as I though I would be. I figured that we would not run a perfect 10-0 in our last ten games but I figured the losses would be to the Texans or Cowboys and not the dumpster fire Jags. Oh well, 8 - 8 here we come! :)

Walk Worthy,

[DrSpaceman]

I don't think the Colts will make the playoffs and this pretty much killed it. Will likely need to win out.

However, even though Baltimore is in the second WC spot right now, they are in a tight race with Pitt and could end up taking the divison. They both have two tough games left

Pitt has NE and NO
Balt has KC and LA chargers.

They could both end up losing two, making Pitt 9-6-1 and Balt 9-7. If somehow COlts win the last 4 they could sneak by them.

Then assuming no other teams ends up 10-6 and they win the tiebreakers.

Still possible, but now there is zero room for error and losses.

[Hoopsdoc]

I know it's not popular but now I'm all in for Bell.

Sigh. We don’t need Bell and the 15 million per year cap hit he’s gonna demand. We could draft or sign one.

[omahacolt]

I am apparently in the minority, but this was the right call. The refs cant decide if a team wants forward progress or wants to stop the clock, so they always give forward progress.

Imagine a scenario where it's 4th and 3 from the opponents 10 yard line. We run 3.5 yards to the 6.5, then get pushed back and out of bounds at the 9. The ref gives forward progress and we get a first down. If the ref says the runner is out of bounds, then the spot must become the 9 and it's a turnover on downs.

The only time in such a scenario where the ref would not give forward progress is if Ebron went backwards and out of bounds under his own power, in which case the clock would have stopped. Ramsey made his play and ended the game.

There were a sh** ton of opportunities to win this game. This call was not what lost the game for us, nor was it a bad call.

It was a fucking terrible call. He got hit and landed out of bounds. There is simply no other way to look at it. The scenario you named isn’t the same. Even the head ref guy said he didn’t agree

[Racehorse]

#1: There is no WR on our roster that I want back in 2019 with the exception of T.Y. and Cain. That's it; fire the rest, sign a value veteran in free agency and draft two in the draft, one in the top 3 rounds and one in the mid rounds. We need a completely rebuilt WR corps.

#2: Jumbo packages against a tough run front is terrible in the NFL. SO much more effective to go 4 wide and run from the shotgun (with the run from the base/jumbo every now and then). We got WAY too one-dimensional and their defense is too good fro that.

#3: I love how our defense played; even if it was against a poor NFL offense. Yes, it needs more talent and it will get added to in 2019 but we have some really nice, young pieces in Leonard, Walker, Hooker, Wilson, Lewis and Turay. Add another 4 high calibre players in 2019 and this defense starts to turn a corner, I think.

#4: I am undecided on RB. The last five games were good running game; this one killed us. Is it the scheme, the O-Line or the RBs? I am not sold on Bell at all but I hope we at least talk to him in free agency to see where it is at. In the end, I would probably not sign him but at least kick the tires.

#5: Rookie HC got schooled yesterday. I hope he learns from it (and I think he will).

#6: That probably just killed our playoff chances. If we got a loss, we needed it to be non-divisional for Wildcard tiebreakers. The Jags just pretty much killed our playoff hopes.

I am not nearly as upset by the loss as I though I would be. I figured that we would not run a perfect 10-0 in our last ten games but I figured the losses would be to the Texans or Cowboys and not the dumpster fire Jags. Oh well, 8 - 8 here we come! :)

Walk Worthy,I disagree about the WRs. I think Inman would make a good WR3, but he has to be WR2 with our roster. I think he would win matchups at WR3, but not at WR2.

The rest of your post is about right. Especially where you said you are not as upset about not making the playoffs. We always want to make the playoffs, but a top 15 pick to an almost playoff team that is hungry like ours is will do wonders for the future.

[Oldcolt]

We need playmakers. Bell is one. He is a great pass blocker and receiver. He follows blocks and has great vision (which is what we desperately need. Against great defenses-like you are going to see on a super bowl run-you have got to have great vision, follow your bocks and get the yards that can be gotten ). He costs only money which we have a shitload of. Maybe they can get comparable production from another free agent or thru the draft but I have no faith in who we have right now on the roster to be that guy.

[Chromeburn]

We need playmakers. Bell is one. He is a great pass blocker and receiver. He follows blocks and has great vision (which is what we desperately need. Against great defenses-like you are going to see on a super bowl run-you have got to have great vision, follow your bocks and get the yards that can be gotten ). He costs only money which we have a shitload of. Maybe they can get comparable production from another free agent or thru the draft but I have no faith in who we have right now on the roster to be that guy.

At 17 million a season. You don't think we can find someone through the draft or even sign a couple players at 17mil that would help this team. Two corners? Two d-line?

[Chromeburn]

1st half 0-0 I'd go for it there every time.

Yup. of course hindsight is 20-20. The last game was a high scoring game. No one thought 6 points would be the only points scored.

[Pez]

It was a fucking terrible call. He got hit and landed out of bounds. There is simply no other way to look at it. The scenario you named isn’t the same. Even the head ref guy said he didn’t agree

I thought the head ref guy said something like, "at the end of the game like this I would stop the clock."

The fact remains that Ebron began possessing the ball at the 26, was hit in-bounds at the 25, and hit the ground out of bounds at the 26.

Ticky-tack call, but a correct call. His forward progress was stopped in bounds at the 25. he landed out of bounds at the 26.

[DrSpaceman]

I don't want bell at $17 million a season

Too much trouble still on D for that

If he wants to play for even $10 million I'd consider it. Of if the D was solid and he was the missing piece to potentially win a title I'd do it for a year or two

The Colts are not that though. right now They are improving and next year should be playoff quality, but likely still not SB contenders.

[DrSpaceman]

I thought the head ref guy said something like, "at the end of the game like this I would stop the clock."

The fact remains that Ebron began possessing the ball at the 26, was hit in-bounds at the 25, and hit the ground out of bounds at the 26.

Ticky-tack call, but a correct call. His forward progress was stopped in bounds at the 25. he landed out of bounds at the 26.

While it was technically a correct call, I see the majority of the team on calls like that the clock is stopped if its close.

The refs generally do not get that picky or technical on the rule of if they are going out of bounds and moving backward. They usually give large leeway to the offense and stopping the clock, at least from what I've seen.

[GoBigBlue88]

At 17 million a season. You don't think we can find someone through the draft or even sign a couple players at 17mil that would help this team. Two corners? Two d-line?

I mean, if Demarcus Lawrence is on the market, sure.

But after tags are applied, there aren't a ton of guys worth a ton of money. Bell is one of them. I'd rather one Bell price tag than, like, Grant + Howard + that level of player.

[Chaka]

We need playmakers. Bell is one. He is a great pass blocker and receiver. He follows blocks and has great vision (which is what we desperately need. Against great defenses-like you are going to see on a super bowl run-you have got to have great vision, follow your bocks and get the yards that can be gotten ). He costs only money which we have a shitload of. Maybe they can get comparable production from another free agent or thru the draft but I have no faith in who we have right now on the roster to be that guy.

All of the things you’ve said are pretty much true, and by his tweets he seems to want to come here (or at least he seems to want to convince the Colts to enter the bidding). However, as tempting as signing him might be, he’s a two-time NFL substance abuse violator and he completely abandoned a team that was counting on him this year. In my personal opinion, I wouldn't want to add this kind of guy to a team with lots of young and potentially impressionable players. It feels like a Redskins-type move to me.

[Kray007]

Game hinged on Reich's decision to go for a TD instead of settling for the FG in the 1st Qtr. if they're only down by 3, they could have closed out the 4th quarter with a tying FG, then gone for the win in OT.

[rcubed]

12) 3rd and 13 dump off goes for a first down in the 4th quarter. are you fucking kidding me?

.

this is what annoyed me most in the game. it happened several times. 3rd and long and there is 15 yeards between the front 4 and the next defensive player and jags pick up the 1st.

[Dewey 5]

Sigh. We don’t need Bell and the 15 million per year cap hit he’s gonna demand. We could draft or sign one.

Who? Gimme a name. FTR, I don't buy into the Pittsburgh system made Bell theory.

[HoosierinFL]

All of the things you’ve said are pretty much true, and by his tweets he seems to want to come here (or at least he seems to want to convince the Colts to enter the bidding). However, as tempting as signing him might be, he’s a two-time NFL substance abuse violator and he completely abandoned a team that was counting on him this year. In my personal opinion, I wouldn't want to add this kind of guy to a team with lots of young and potentially impressionable players. It feels like a Redskins-type move to me.

I don't think its quite fair to say he abandoned them. It was a business decision because they wouldn't give him the security of a contract.

[Racehorse]

Game hinged on Reich's decision to go for a TD instead of settling for the FG in the 1st Qtr. if they're only down by 3, they could have closed out the 4th quarter with a tying FG, then gone for the win in OT.

Had we succeeded, we would have won 7-6

[Chromeburn]

Rumor on twitter is Ramsey punched TY in the throat yesterday. Anyone see that?

[Chaka]

I don't think its quite fair to say he abandoned them. It was a business decision because they wouldn't give him the security of a contract.

That’s a fair point – I’ll agree it’s not as if he sat out while under an existing contract (setting aside any arguments that, by virtue of his membership in the NFLPA, he has agreed to the franchise designation procedure). So I guess you’re right that my statement was too strong in this regard, but I’d still be leery of a guy with such an overt “me first” attitude. I also know I’d be pretty irritated with his behavior if I was a Steelers fan.

Now, I realize the Steeler were able to compensate pretty well with James Conner, but that concerns me as well – if Bell is so special, why were they able to replace his production so easily? Conner is averaging 4.5 YPC with 12 TDs, and is on pace for about 70 receptions at an average of 9 yards apiece (with one additional TD). By comparison, last year Bell averaged 4.0 YPC with 9 TDs, and caught 85 passes at an average of 7.7 yards each (and 2 TDs). Maybe the Steelers caught lightning in a bottle twice, but then again, maybe not.

Not to mention the fact that Bell will also be 27 on opening day next year, and most RBs have peaked by their age 25-26 seasons per the following article:

http://apexfantasyleagues.com/2018/01/peak-age-nfl-running-back/#

So, for all of these reasons, in addition to the ones I mentioned in my first post, I just don’t think the Colts should sign him.

[YDFL Commish]

While it was technically a correct call, I see the majority of the team on calls like that the clock is stopped if its close.

The refs generally do not get that picky or technical on the rule of if they are going out of bounds and moving backward. They usually give large leeway to the offense and stopping the clock, at least from what I've seen.

Correct. But it is called one way when a team is in 2-minute and another throughout the rest of the game.

[Oldcolt]

All of the things you’ve said are pretty much true, and by his tweets he seems to want to come here (or at least he seems to want to convince the Colts to enter the bidding). However, as tempting as signing him might be, he’s a two-time NFL substance abuse violator and he completely abandoned a team that was counting on him this year. In my personal opinion, I wouldn't want to add this kind of guy to a team with lots of young and potentially impressionable players. It feels like a Redskins-type move to me.

Yeah, he does have a lot of baggage (the drugs. I don't blame him for not wanting to play year after year as a franchise player. You are one injury away from ending your career. You have a minimum number of years to make money. Nobody gives a financial shit about you once you retire either). He would be a huge upgrade on the field. I think you almost gotta kick the tires just to do due diligence

[Kray007]

Had we succeeded, we would have won 7-6

Sometimes, if you're a coach, you've gotta settle for the FG...especially in a game in which both Defenses are dominating. Colts were in FG range 3 times, and lost by 6.

[Racehorse]

Sometimes, if you're a coach, you've gotta settle for the FG...especially in a game in which both Defenses are dominating. Colts were in FG range 3 times, and lost by 6.

Both are correct.

Btw, where you been, Ken?

[1965southpaw]

I can't remember Pags EVER accepting such clear, specific accountability for a botched play, game plan, failure to get his team ready as Frank does about this loss. It give me confidence that he is intelligent, has his ego in check, and can learn and grow as a coach with his young team. I think it's great that he's learning during this rebuilding season and will be more ready next year at the same time we have a roster that's more ready to perform as a serious contender. I predicted an 8-8 season and I still think that's the ceiling for this team.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/colts-look-rebound-dismal-offensive-performance-012818543--nfl.html


Reich did some self-critiquing, too.

Three times with Indy in position to kick field goals, he went for it on fourth down. All three plays came up short.

''They outcoached me on that. They played a coverage they had not played in that situation. It was the answer in case they did that and we were just a little off in our execution,'' Reich said, referring to the play on fourth-and-goal.

''The second (fourth-down) call, the reverse to (Eric) Ebron, it was a high risk-reward. I had envisioned that play into breaking out - not just a first down but possibly a 20 or 30-yard gain. We had a half yard to go. That would be the one that I would question myself the most on. Just run it up the middle. We had half a yard, run a quarterback sneak or just run a dive play up the middle and get the half yard. I took the risk for the big play and I was wrong.''

[Pez]

I saw a stat that if the Colts win out (highly unlikely), we still only have a 57% chance of making the playoffs in the 6th wildcard spot.

First six games we had one win, two close ones and three piles of shit. Next six games we have 5 wins and 1 pile of shit. Hard not to be optimistic.

I sure would love to beat the Texans though.


http://www.playoffstatus.com/nfl/coltswhatif.html

[sherck]

In many ways, I think missing the playoffs is a fine thing for this season.

- A 7-9 / 8 - 8 / 9 - 7 record shows a good improvement over last year's 4 win season. There are A LOT of NFL teams that change coaches/GMs after a poor season and do not improve. We did.

- No one throught our defense was ready for prime time. They are actually ahead of where I thought they would be. Lots of reps for young players and when we add more talent this off-season, they might be ready for prime time next year.

- Season points out some flaws to our offense. 1st year HC / play caller, weakness at WR, potential weakness at RB, depth at TE and OL. Massive improvement in the O-line overall but it will allow Ballard to focus on how to improve personnel for the offense.

- The team will be hungry for a playoff spot. Just missing out will wet the fire of the younger players to do better next year.



The team is a much different team now than in weeks 1 - 6. We have identified strengths of the team (O-Line, TE, QB, spots on the defense, TE starters) and weaknesses (rest of the defense, WR, TE depth).

Even after a pretty darn ugly loss, I am still hopeful that we can do well for the rest of the season and have a great off-season and be ready to take back the division in 2019.

Walk Worthy,

[DrSpaceman]

Missing the playoffs with a 7-9 win season is certainly not the end of the world

I can live with a 10-20 draft pick and building for next season. Still lots of cap money. Maybe Ballard can pull another trade back. I would even consider seeing how good Luck has been playing seeing what you can get in a Brissett trade.

[VeveJones007]

In many ways, I think missing the playoffs is a fine thing for this season.

- A 7-9 / 8 - 8 / 9 - 7 record shows a good improvement over last year's 4 win season. There are A LOT of NFL teams that change coaches/GMs after a poor season and do not improve. We did.

- No one throught our defense was ready for prime time. They are actually ahead of where I thought they would be. Lots of reps for young players and when we add more talent this off-season, they might be ready for prime time next year.

- Season points out some flaws to our offense. 1st year HC / play caller, weakness at WR, potential weakness at RB, depth at TE and OL. Massive improvement in the O-line overall but it will allow Ballard to focus on how to improve personnel for the offense.

- The team will be hungry for a playoff spot. Just missing out will wet the fire of the younger players to do better next year.



The team is a much different team now than in weeks 1 - 6. We have identified strengths of the team (O-Line, TE, QB, spots on the defense, TE starters) and weaknesses (rest of the defense, WR, TE depth).

Even after a pretty darn ugly loss, I am still hopeful that we can do well for the rest of the season and have a great off-season and be ready to take back the division in 2019.

Walk Worthy,

There's still a lot of positives. That was a really fine defensive performance on Sunday. Overall, there's a very clear picture forming of how this team is set up for the next several years. Now it's up to Ballard to augment this core (both draft and UFA) and the coaching staff to keep developing the pieces and putting them in positions to succeed.

[Hoopsdoc]

There's still a lot of positives. That was a really fine defensive performance on Sunday. Overall, there's a very clear picture forming of how this team is set up for the next several years. Now it's up to Ballard to augment this core (both draft and UFA) and the coaching staff to keep developing the pieces and putting them in positions to succeed.

Dude. That “performance” was against the heretofore 0-8 Cody Kessler who was missing the one decent player they have on offense.

Allowing that team to score 6 points is not a fine defensive performance.

[Dewey 5]

In many ways, I think missing the playoffs is a fine thing for this season.

- A 7-9 / 8 - 8 / 9 - 7 record shows a good improvement over last year's 4 win season. There are A LOT of NFL teams that change coaches/GMs after a poor season and do not improve. We did.

- No one throught our defense was ready for prime time. They are actually ahead of where I thought they would be. Lots of reps for young players and when we add more talent this off-season, they might be ready for prime time next year.

- Season points out some flaws to our offense. 1st year HC / play caller, weakness at WR, potential weakness at RB, depth at TE and OL. Massive improvement in the O-line overall but it will allow Ballard to focus on how to improve personnel for the offense.

- The team will be hungry for a playoff spot. Just missing out will wet the fire of the younger players to do better next year.



The team is a much different team now than in weeks 1 - 6. We have identified strengths of the team (O-Line, TE, QB, spots on the defense, TE starters) and weaknesses (rest of the defense, WR, TE depth).

Even after a pretty darn ugly loss, I am still hopeful that we can do well for the rest of the season and have a great off-season and be ready to take back the division in 2019.

Walk Worthy,

I agree. Next year however, these almost wins need to be wins. The "no show up games" need to be show up & be prepared games. Coaches & players have the benefit of a learning curve this year. Next year they get no such free pass. A lot of work to do this offseason. Time to go to work.

[VeveJones007]

Dude. That “performance” was against the heretofore 0-8 Cody Kessler who was missing the one decent player they have on offense.

Allowing that team to score 6 points is not a fine defensive performance.

Would 3 points have been acceptable, or were you holding the defense to a shutout-or-nothing benchmark?

[Hoopsdoc]

Would 3 points have been acceptable, or were you holding the defense to a shutout-or-nothing benchmark?

3 points would have been acceptable, 0 would have been fine.

[Butter]

Dude. That “performance” was against the heretofore 0-8 Cody Kessler who was missing the one decent player they have on offense.

Allowing that team to score 6 points is not a fine defensive performance.

Ok, now that is just kind of ridiculous. The fail was on the offense, I don't care what team you are playing against if you lose 6-0 that is on the offense. In the offense friendly modern NFL if you hold them under 20 and lose it is on the Offense.

[FatDT]

3 points would have been acceptable, 0 would have been fine.

You’re just being sour. Holding any NFL offense to 6 points is doing a good job.

[VeveJones007]

You’re just being sour. Holding any NFL offense to 6 points is doing a good job.

“Being sour” is quite generous. 6 points against = unacceptable is an atrocious take.

[1965southpaw]

I saw a stat that if the Colts win out (highly unlikely), we still only have a 57% chance of making the playoffs in the 6th wildcard spot.

First six games we had one win, two close ones and three piles of shit. Next six games we have 5 wins and 1 pile of shit. Hard not to be optimistic.

I sure would love to beat the Texans though.


http://www.playoffstatus.com/nfl/coltswhatif.html


Yesterday I saw that woman on NFL network (Cynthia Frelund) use her "model" to predict the 6th wildcard spot and based on her analytics only the colts and ravens have a credible chance to make it. What I don't like about her reports is that she doesn't share what variables are in her model so I don't know whether it's a credible model or not. Only specific thing she said re Colts odds were that our league leading 3rd down conversion rate was a significant factor. Her conclusion was if we win one of houston or cowboys game we would likely get the 6th spot.

[Racehorse]

Yesterday I saw that woman on NFL network (Cynthia Frelund) use her "model" to predict the 6th wildcard spot and based on her analytics only the colts and ravens have a credible chance to make it. What I don't like about her reports is that she doesn't share what variables are in her model so I don't know whether it's a credible model or not. Only specific thing she said re Colts odds were that our league leading 3rd down conversion rate was a significant factor. Her conclusion was if we win one of houston or cowboys game we would likely get the 6th spot.

I am torn on this. On the one hand, it would be nice to defy the odds and make the playoffs this year, having a chance to knock off a higher seed. They would also gain playoff experience. On the other hand, this team is not likely going to make much noise in the playoffs, so improved draft position would vastly improve our team for the future.

Like most, I feel that you always want to make the playoffs. Always! But do we really?

[Pez]

I am torn on this. On the one hand, it would be nice to defy the odds and make the playoffs this year, having a chance to knock off a higher seed. They would also gain playoff experience. On the other hand, this team is not likely going to make much noise in the playoffs, so improved draft position would vastly improve our team for the future.

Like most, I feel that you always want to make the playoffs. Always! But do we really?

Without a doubt, yes.

1. playoff experience, especially if we can win the wildcard and get to the divisional
2. psychological benefit of making the playoffs in general
3. small sample size, but this 'regime' has shown an ability to find value in the draft
4. an extra second rounder from the Jets (negotiated last year)
5. An extra 4th rounder compensatory that we will get for Moncrief

And were already past the point in a way. If we go 2-2 on in the next 4, we:

1. miss the playoffs
2. pick about 16th or 17th

If we win out and make the playoffs, then go one and done, we will

1. get the aforementioned benefits of playoff experience
2. finish 12th and pick 21st

I am confident that with this 'regime' the difference between a 17th pick and a 21st pick is not that significant.

We have some flexibility also. If we want to trade up to draft higher in the first, we have an extra 2nd and an extra 4th to use as capital to trade up.

[Pez]

Yesterday I saw that woman on NFL network (Cynthia Frelund) use her "model" to predict the 6th wildcard spot and based on her analytics only the colts and ravens have a credible chance to make it. What I don't like about her reports is that she doesn't share what variables are in her model so I don't know whether it's a credible model or not. Only specific thing she said re Colts odds were that our league leading 3rd down conversion rate was a significant factor. Her conclusion was if we win one of houston or cowboys game we would likely get the 6th spot.

Colts AND ravens both? or colts OR ravens?

[VeveJones007]

Without a doubt, yes.

1. playoff experience, especially if we can win the wildcard and get to the divisional
2. psychological benefit of making the playoffs in general
3. small sample size, but this 'regime' has shown an ability to find value in the draft
4. an extra second rounder from the Jets (negotiated last year)
5. An extra 4th rounder compensatory that we will get for Moncrief

And were already past the point in a way. If we go 2-2 on in the next 4, we:

1. miss the playoffs
2. pick about 16th or 17th

If we win out and make the playoffs, then go one and done, we will

1. get the aforementioned benefits of playoff experience
2. finish 12th and pick 21st

I am confident that with this 'regime' the difference between a 17th pick and a 21st pick is not that significant.

We have some flexibility also. If we want to trade up to draft higher in the first, we have an extra 2nd and an extra 4th to use as capital to trade up.

Simply making the playoffs this year doesn't matter. If they make the playoffs because a lot of the young players are showing growth, then so be it. Only the growth will make a difference in putting this team closer to its next title.

[albany ed]

If I had to guess, I'd say they lose at least 2 more games. Usually, rookies hit a wall around this time, and the Colts have more than their share of rookies playing key starter roles.

[Hoopsdoc]

You’re just being sour. Holding any NFL offense to 6 points is doing a good job.

Ordinarily I would agree. But not against THAT team. They are AWWWWWFUL.

[JAFF]

While the game against the Jags was god awful, it will tell us what this team is made of. If they come out and get @ss kicked, that won't be good. If they come and out drag the Texans into overtime, I will be happy. They need to play hard and smart. The coach needs to admit that a FG is better than 0 points.

The Texans are a better team, with a good O and a better D. If the Colts can make them fight all game long. That will be the best news, no matter what the final score is.

[Pez]

Simply making the playoffs this year doesn't matter. If they make the playoffs because a lot of the young players are showing growth, then so be it. Only the growth will make a difference in putting this team closer to its next title.

Also agree with this 100%. I guess it should be clear that I think we have < 1% chance of making the playoffs. We probably only have a slightly better change to beat the Texans.

[JAFF]

Also agree with this 100%. I guess it should be clear that I think we have < 1% chance of making the playoffs. We probably only have a slightly better change to beat the Texans.

I'm thinking of the Colts v. Ravens in Baltimore on the trip to the super bowl. 5 field goals. Adam V being money all game long.

In the NFL, you need to get points. Getting 3 every time they were in the red zone might have won that game. Every time they came away empty, it took the wind out of their sails.

I'm concerned about the baseball mentality of Home run or strike out. Putting points on the board against the Jags, who had a weak offense, wasn't taking the easy route, it was the smart route. Never turn down points.

[omahacolt]

I'm thinking of the Colts v. Ravens in Baltimore on the trip to the super bowl. 5 field goals. Adam V being money all game long.

In the NFL, you need to get points. Getting 3 every time they were in the red zone might have won that game. Every time they came away empty, it took the wind out of their sails.

I'm concerned about the baseball mentality of Home run or strike out. Putting points on the board against the Jags, who had a weak offense, wasn't taking the easy route, it was the smart route. Never turn down points.

Wrong

[Chromeburn]

Without a doubt, yes.

1. playoff experience, especially if we can win the wildcard and get to the divisional
2. psychological benefit of making the playoffs in general
3. small sample size, but this 'regime' has shown an ability to find value in the draft
4. an extra second rounder from the Jets (negotiated last year)
5. An extra 4th rounder compensatory that we will get for Moncrief

And were already past the point in a way. If we go 2-2 on in the next 4, we:

1. miss the playoffs
2. pick about 16th or 17th

If we win out and make the playoffs, then go one and done, we will

1. get the aforementioned benefits of playoff experience
2. finish 12th and pick 21st

I am confident that with this 'regime' the difference between a 17th pick and a 21st pick is not that significant.

We have some flexibility also. If we want to trade up to draft higher in the first, we have an extra 2nd and an extra 4th to use as capital to trade up.


I always kind of thought playoff experience was overrated. You turn it up a notch, ok.

[JAFF]

I always kind of thought playoff experience was overrated. You turn it up a notch, ok.


The “experiance” is all the other nonsense that goes on, the 24 hr microscope of media, blogging, friends and family wanting tickets, ect and so forth. All that and staying focused

[1965southpaw]

Colts AND ravens both? or colts OR ravens?

Colts or Ravens......in other words none of the others (ie titans, bengals....have a credible chance). Its a two team race for one spot.

[Pez]

I think Corner or DE first round.... use one of our seconds for WR

[omahacolt]

I think Corner or DE first round.... use one of our seconds for WR

I could be ok with cb in the 1st but I hope dline will be addressed there.

[VeveJones007]

While the game against the Jags was god awful, it will tell us what this team is made of. If they come out and get @ss kicked, that won't be good. If they come and out drag the Texans into overtime, I will be happy. They need to play hard and smart. The coach needs to admit that a FG is better than 0 points.

The Texans are a better team, with a good O and a better D. If the Colts can make them fight all game long. That will be the best news, no matter what the final score is.

One other aspect I am going to try to evaluate is how defenses are adjusting to Reich after the first game. It looked like the Jags figured out how to shut him down after the 1st half of game 1. Does Reich have a counterpunch if the Texans make strong adjustments?

That being said, I strongly believe that Reich was limited against the Jags due to personnel. If your receivers can't beat man coverage and your offensive line can't get push for the running game, it's going to be nearly impossible for a coach.

[JAFF]

One other aspect I am going to try to evaluate is how defenses are adjusting to Reich after the first game. It looked like the Jags figured out how to shut him down after the 1st half of game 1. Does Reich have a counterpunch if the Texans make strong adjustments?

That being said, I strongly believe that Reich was limited against the Jags due to personnel. If your receivers can't beat man coverage and your offensive line can't get push for the running game, it's going to be nearly impossible for a coach.

Missing Kelly might have been a bigger problem than coaches (or fans) anticipated? Hope he's back for Sunday.

[1965southpaw]

Missing Kelly might have been a bigger problem than coaches (or fans) anticipated? Hope he's back for Sunday.

Anybody know what's wrong with Ty? I heard he was one of the 9 people today that did not practice.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Anybody know what's wrong with Ty? I heard he was one of the 9 people today that did not practice.


It is a "shoulder" related injury per the Colts twitter account.

https://twitter.com/Colts/status/1070775121089126400


Ebron is sick, too.

[1965southpaw]

It is a "shoulder" related injury per the Colts twitter account.

https://twitter.com/Colts/status/1070775121089126400


Ebron is sick, too.


UGH.....we need them both if we are to have any chance.

[Dewey 5]

The “experiance” is all the other nonsense that goes on, the 24 hr microscope of media, blogging, friends and family wanting tickets, ect and so forth. All that and staying focused

You're confusing a simple wildcard game with the Super Bowl.

[Texanmike02]

So, who supports drafting a WR in the first round?

Mat Millen

[JAFF]

You're confusing a simple wildcard game with the Super Bowl.

No, not really.

Teams start winning, national press increases and interview requests. Any win in the playoffs and the spotlight intensifies. When you are a door mat, it's local press. Start winning and it's ESPN et al all day long

[IndyNorm]

UGH.....we need them both if we are to have any chance.

Not having them won't help of course, but we really don't have a chance anyway. Houston's D is probably better than Jax (still don't understand how we couldn't score on a D that was lit up by the Bills and Titans) and obviously their O is significantly better so we won't be limiting them to a couple of FGs.

This one will probably be ugly :cool:

[rcubed]

UGH.....we need them both if we are to have any chance.
chappell tweets that ebron, swoope, and hunt are back at practice. no kelly. no mention of ty.