Thoughts from the Wild Card Round

[sherck]

- Watching the SEA / DAL game, I appreciate the brilliance of Luck more and more. These offenses don't make any sense and don't seem to build on itself like ours did in the first half. They guys (the BEST young QBs in the league) cannot hit the broad side of a barn.

- I became a believer in Mack this game. I think he can lead our RB Committee in 2019 and beyond. Still need to draft another young stud with a later pick to fill out the stable but we can ride these horses.

- Good golly, is it fun to watch this Offensive Line work? That is an excellent defense front seven and our O-Line just whipped them in the first half. HOU remembered how to play defensive ball in the second half but we just took it too them in the first half.

- Inman? Need to re-sign him to a moderate contract. I want him competing for WR2 / WR3 next season.

- Desir? Need to re-sign him to a starter contract. The man needs to get paid.

- Glowinski? Yeah, same.

- I hope it is not serious but I fear that may be the last we see of Mitchell. He gave us some great games this season but at 32 years old, I will be shocked if Ballard re-signs him.

- Loved the play design early. Lots of misdirection that really moved the HOU defense. The first half is how our offense can click.

- The defense? I keep waiting for him to poop the bed and they keep me waiting. They are for real. Sure, they could use some more horses like a J.J. Watt or stud 3-tech or LB. Every position group could use a young stud but, man, these guys can hang.

- Props to Kenny Moore II. UDFA to 2nd year full time starter. Between Moore, Desir and WIlson, we have the core group of a good CB roster.

- The single Houston TD was a gift; the ball was out of his control before crossing the plane of the goal line, IMO. I understand why they ruled that way but that was a touchback.

- A game like this reminds me how YOUNG Watson is. He is physically gifted and can do some things many other QBs cannot but he looked very unsure and untested today when it counted. Easily rattled. He will mature and develop but this game reminded me how young he is.

- The KC offense is a much different beast without Hunt powering it. I don't think we should be favored but I think we have a punchers chance of beating them next week in Arrowhead.

Go Colts!


Walk Worthy,

[Hoopsdoc]

Was Hines hurt? Seems like I saw Wilkins in on 3rd down several times.

DeShaun Watson is SOOOO overrated. He’s like a faster, shiftier Mariota.

The offense was hugely disappointing in the 2nd half. Seems like they took their foot off the gas, if not physically then at least mentally. One score on a 2nd half drive and that games a laugher.

Hilton dominated the 1st quarter and then largely disappeared until late.

I thought Moore and Desir were the stars of the game.

[daedge]

Was Hines hurt? Seems like I saw Wilkins in on 3rd down several times.

DeShaun Watson is SOOOO overrated. He’s like a faster, shiftier Mariota.

The offense was hugely disappointing in the 2nd half. Seems like they took their foot off the gas, if not physically then at least mentally. One score on a 2nd half drive and that games a laugher.

Hilton dominated the 1st quarter and then largely disappeared until late.

I thought Moore and Desir were the stars of the game.

The 21 point lead meant TY, who already has a managed snap count, spent more time resting his ankle on the sideline. We also ran the rock a ton.

For me, outside of our O not putting this game away early in the second half, the most frustrating thing was not giving AV a shot at making it 24-0 at the split.

The Colts were expecting a lot of Rogers to get out on that final pass play. Need to be better in that situation.

[Dewey 5]

Was Hines hurt? Seems like I saw Wilkins in on 3rd down several times.

DeShaun Watson is SOOOO overrated. He’s like a faster, shiftier Mariota.

The offense was hugely disappointing in the 2nd half. Seems like they took their foot off the gas, if not physically then at least mentally. One score on a 2nd half drive and that games a laugher.

Hilton dominated the 1st quarter and then largely disappeared until late.

I thought Moore and Desir were the stars of the game.

I was wondering the same thing about Hines.

[Butter]

DeShaun Watson is SOOOO overrated. He’s like a faster, shiftier Mariota. .

He is ridiculously overrated. Not a bad QB, but just barely over the Dalton Line.

[daedge]

Also, discipline was much improved from last week's win against the Titans.

There were just two penalties for 10 yards v the Texans. One was for 12 men on the field, the other was a false start by Nelson.

[Thorgrim]

Also, discipline was much improved from last week's win against the Titans.

There were just two penalties for 10 yards v the Texans. One was for 12 men on the field, the other was a false start by Nelson.

One of the most promising details of the game imho.

[Maniac]

Also, discipline was much improved from last week's win against the Titans.

There were just two penalties for 10 yards v the Texans. One was for 12 men on the field, the other was a false start by Nelson.

VERY glad to see that.

[GoBigBlue88]

Good stuff! Just got home from watching today's games at a buddy's so late with mine and just attaching a few quick ones here.

1. Kenny Moore isn't just a good Cover-2 corner. He's a legit baller. I was actually talking Colts with my dad last week (catching him up; he hasn't watched them for a while with my mom's health being what it is) and told him I thought this defense had 3 legit ballers who would be fantastic players in any system: Denico Autry, Darius Leonard ... and Kenny Moore.

I'm telling you: Moore can do everything. Can stick in coverage. Challenge point of reception. Close. Read QB's eyes. Good hands. Fantastic slot blitzer. Probably best pound-for-pound tackler in the league at the position. He was my MVP today. Honestly think it's time to start calling this guy a terrific corner without the Cover-2 caveat.

2. Pierre Desir was the second best player on the field for Colts today. DeAndre Hopkins doesn't want any of Desir. Desir is patient and doesn't let Hopkins play his OPI Game all day like he does with most other corners. He uses his length well, but most importantly, is just SMART. How many times do you ever see Desir called for DPI or holding? So rarely, because he is just a fantastic technician at the position. Hopkins earned every yard against Desir ... and there weren't many.

3. The Colts still very much need a pass-rusher. I kinda wonder, too, how NFL teams will counter their double-A gap alignment over time. Eberflus shows a variety of things, but that's the constant. If you're gonna beat the Colts, it's probably going to be in taking advantage of that. I guess the solution is to run wide ... but Colts have too much speed for that. Misdirection? Hmm...

4. I thought Clayton Geathers looked a step slow today ... in other words, like a guy whose knee isn't 100 percent. I think he probably toughed out a game he'd be encouraged to sit in the regular season. Played fine. But Travis Kelce is going to be a nightmare matchup next week.

5. Almost getting boring to sing this OL's praises, but I want to single out Braden Smith in particular. In the first half of the Colts' run, I thought he was doing a solid job holding his own, which was more than good enough. Now, over the past 4 or so games ... I'm not sure if he's not becoming dominant himself, guys. Like, this kid isn't just a nice find at RT. I think he can really, really play.

6. I say it every week, but TY Hilton deserves a statue after all is said and done. What he continues to do on an IR-caliber ankle is unreal. As so many other WRs in the league have shown, he could sit or look out for himself. He gives his all for the team instead. I respect Hilton more than I can articulate. What a leader.

7. I still maintain that this WR corps, though, limits Colts' possibilities vs a KC. Love what Hilton is doing, but he's only healthy enough to turn it on 2-3 drives a game. Love what Inman is doing. Beyond that, though, as today reminded: you just cannot trust Rogers or Pascal at all.

8. Obviously best game by Marlon Mack. That double-juke run he had was a serious We Don't Need Le'Veon run. Look, I still think you add as many playmakers as you can who fit the culture of this team, and trust Ballard to do so. But Mack made a statement today. Have no doubt about it.

Part of that statement too, though, is that OL health and continuity = run success. When in doubt, favor paying and deepening your run blockers (OL+TE).

9. The Colts' coaching staff is so much better than any coaching staff in the AFC South, it's not even funny.

10. Just think about what Ballard has done...

QB - Luck was here, but traded Dorsett for Brissett, who may prove a draft pick trade asset himself

RB - Drafted Mack, Hines and Wilkins

WR - Probably his most unaddressed area, but did sign Inman (to be fair: Grant kinda cancels that out)

TE - Signed Ebron to a bargain deal, found Mo Alie-Cox

LT - Inherited Castonzo, so nothing

LG - Drafted Nelson out of trade that also netted several others

C - Inherited Kelly, so nothing

RG - Signed Glowinski, and an effective Slauson prior to

RT - Drafted Smith

DE - Inherited Sheard and Hunt, found AQM on the waiver wire, drafted Lewis and Turay

DT - Signed Autry to bargain deal, drafted Stewart

OLB - Drafted Lewis and Adams, signed at the very least vet presence Goode

MLB - Drafted Anthony Walker (assumedly envisioning eventual transition to 4-3)

CB - Signed Kenny Moorer and Pierre Desir off scrap heap, drafted Quincy Wilson

S - Inherited Clayton Geathers, drafted Malik Hooker, signed Mike Mitchell

[Butter]

Great post GBB as always. The key point is how important the line play is.

[VeveJones007]

@GBB, Ballard signed both Sheard and Hunt, so those are pluses as well.

[VeveJones007]

Saw some pretty amazing stats and wanted to pass along. Since Week 6, the Colts are:

1st in point differential
1st in scoring defense
1st in fewest sacks allowed

That pretty much confirms that the Colts are one of the best teams in football.

[natagu23]

Forgive me for mentioning this, but we're seeing glimpses of the "monster" that we all wished for during the Grigson era.

Great team win.

[Pez]

Good stuff! Just got home from watching today's games at a buddy's so late with mine and just attaching a few quick ones here.

1. Kenny Moore isn't just a good Cover-2 corner. He's a legit baller. I was actually talking Colts with my dad last week (catching him up; he hasn't watched them for a while with my mom's health being what it is) and told him I thought this defense had 3 legit ballers who would be fantastic players in any system: Denico Autry, Darius Leonard ... and Kenny Moore.



Moore was fantastic. I have this embarrassing habit of saying in me best darius Leonard voice "get off me Kenny!" every time #23 is on the screen.


Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[albany ed]

Leonard?

[dwilli57]

[QUOTE=GoBigBlue88;104135]

8. Obviously best game by Marlon Mack. That double-juke run he had was a serious We Don't Need Le'Veon run. Look, I still think you add as many playmakers as you can who fit the culture of this team, and trust Ballard to do so. But Mack made a statement today. Have no doubt about it.

Love this point. I'm no GM/coach but I'm not entirely sure Le'Veon fits the culture of this team either.

[Pez]

Leonard?Leonard had a game micd up and was in a pile with moore... hilariously yelled, "get off me Kenny!" Somehow that stuck in my head.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Pez]

[QUOTE=GoBigBlue88;104135]



8. Obviously best game by Marlon Mack. That double-juke run he had was a serious We Don't Need Le'Veon run. Look, I still think you add as many playmakers as you can who fit the culture of this team, and trust Ballard to do so. But Mack made a statement today. Have no doubt about it.



Love this point. I'm no GM/coach but I'm not entirely sure Le'Veon fits the culture of this team either.Agree, we need pass rush and wr before we fix the rb position that isn't broken.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

[Hoopsdoc]

The Luck bomb to a triple covered TY to set up 1st and goal on the first drive was just a thing of beauty.

[JAFF]

Was Hines hurt? Seems like I saw Wilkins in on 3rd down several times.

DeShaun Watson is SOOOO overrated. He’s like a faster, shiftier Mariota.

The offense was hugely disappointing in the 2nd half. Seems like they took their foot off the gas, if not physically then at least mentally. One score on a 2nd half drive and that games a laugher.

Hilton dominated the 1st quarter and then largely disappeared until late.

I thought Moore and Desir were the stars of the game.

I think they had Wilkins out there because he will find the gap and put his nose down and go get tough yards. Hines tends to dance. Not a complaint, an observation. That's a tough front four and the gaps close fast.

[smitty46953]

Great post GBB as always. The key point is how important the line play is.

Baldinger back singing praise for Nelson ... :cool:

https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1081894675596931072

[Phelanka7]

Baldinger back singing praise for Nelson ... :cool:

https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1081894675596931072

Could you possibly imagine the electricity of a game called by Baldy and Mcafee? I don't care if it was the Toledo Mud Hens versus the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. It would be riveting.

[smitty46953]

Could you possibly imagine the electricity of a game called by Baldy and Mcafee? I don't care if it was the Toledo Mud Hens versus the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. It would be riveting.

Yes that be fun to listen to :cool:

[Dewey 5]

Good stuff! Just got home from watching today's games at a buddy's so late with mine and just attaching a few quick ones here.

1. Kenny Moore isn't just a good Cover-2 corner. He's a legit baller. I was actually talking Colts with my dad last week (catching him up; he hasn't watched them for a while with my mom's health being what it is) and told him I thought this defense had 3 legit ballers who would be fantastic players in any system: Denico Autry, Darius Leonard ... and Kenny Moore.

I'm telling you: Moore can do everything. Can stick in coverage. Challenge point of reception. Close. Read QB's eyes. Good hands. Fantastic slot blitzer. Probably best pound-for-pound tackler in the league at the position. He was my MVP today. Honestly think it's time to start calling this guy a terrific corner without the Cover-2 caveat.

2. Pierre Desir was the second best player on the field for Colts today. DeAndre Hopkins doesn't want any of Desir. Desir is patient and doesn't let Hopkins play his OPI Game all day like he does with most other corners. He uses his length well, but most importantly, is just SMART. How many times do you ever see Desir called for DPI or holding? So rarely, because he is just a fantastic technician at the position. Hopkins earned every yard against Desir ... and there weren't many.

3. The Colts still very much need a pass-rusher. I kinda wonder, too, how NFL teams will counter their double-A gap alignment over time. Eberflus shows a variety of things, but that's the constant. If you're gonna beat the Colts, it's probably going to be in taking advantage of that. I guess the solution is to run wide ... but Colts have too much speed for that. Misdirection? Hmm...

4. I thought Clayton Geathers looked a step slow today ... in other words, like a guy whose knee isn't 100 percent. I think he probably toughed out a game he'd be encouraged to sit in the regular season. Played fine. But Travis Kelce is going to be a nightmare matchup next week.

5. Almost getting boring to sing this OL's praises, but I want to single out Braden Smith in particular. In the first half of the Colts' run, I thought he was doing a solid job holding his own, which was more than good enough. Now, over the past 4 or so games ... I'm not sure if he's not becoming dominant himself, guys. Like, this kid isn't just a nice find at RT. I think he can really, really play.

6. I say it every week, but TY Hilton deserves a statue after all is said and done. What he continues to do on an IR-caliber ankle is unreal. As so many other WRs in the league have shown, he could sit or look out for himself. He gives his all for the team instead. I respect Hilton more than I can articulate. What a leader.

7. I still maintain that this WR corps, though, limits Colts' possibilities vs a KC. Love what Hilton is doing, but he's only healthy enough to turn it on 2-3 drives a game. Love what Inman is doing. Beyond that, though, as today reminded: you just cannot trust Rogers or Pascal at all.

8. Obviously best game by Marlon Mack. That double-juke run he had was a serious We Don't Need Le'Veon run. Look, I still think you add as many playmakers as you can who fit the culture of this team, and trust Ballard to do so. But Mack made a statement today. Have no doubt about it.

Part of that statement too, though, is that OL health and continuity = run success. When in doubt, favor paying and deepening your run blockers (OL+TE).

9. The Colts' coaching staff is so much better than any coaching staff in the AFC South, it's not even funny.

10. Just think about what Ballard has done...

QB - Luck was here, but traded Dorsett for Brissett, who may prove a draft pick trade asset himself

RB - Drafted Mack, Hines and Wilkins

WR - Probably his most unaddressed area, but did sign Inman (to be fair: Grant kinda cancels that out)

TE - Signed Ebron to a bargain deal, found Mo Alie-Cox

LT - Inherited Castonzo, so nothing

LG - Drafted Nelson out of trade that also netted several others

C - Inherited Kelly, so nothing

RG - Signed Glowinski, and an effective Slauson prior to

RT - Drafted Smith

DE - Inherited Sheard and Hunt, found AQM on the waiver wire, drafted Lewis and Turay

DT - Signed Autry to bargain deal, drafted Stewart

OLB - Drafted Lewis and Adams, signed at the very least vet presence Goode

MLB - Drafted Anthony Walker (assumedly envisioning eventual transition to 4-3)

CB - Signed Kenny Moorer and Pierre Desir off scrap heap, drafted Quincy Wilson

S - Inherited Clayton Geathers, drafted Malik Hooker, signed Mike Mitchell

First off, all the best to your Mom. I hope she overcomes her health issues.

Outstanding game breakdown as always. You are very much appreciated.

[Oldcolt]

Baldinger back singing praise for Nelson ... :cool:

https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1081894675596931072

I didn't even know I've been waiting my whole life to root for an offensive lineman like this guy. We can beat any team in football with this offensive line. Offensive line play travels well, dominates more in shitty weather and provides a swagger I've never seen on a Colts team. If you can't enjoy this you gotta be dead (even then maybe)

[rcubed]

I didn't even know I've been waiting my whole life to root for an offensive lineman like this guy. We can beat any team in football with this offensive line. Offensive line play travels well, dominates more in shitty weather and provides a swagger I've never seen on a Colts team. If you can't enjoy this you gotta be dead (even then maybe)
seriously! dude brings it and its awesome.

the plumber! that is good stuff.

[TheMugwump]

Baldinger back singing praise for Nelson ... :cool:

https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1081894675596931072

This is outstanding.

My favorite might have actually been a Kelly block on one of the runs. Big Q pushes Clowney off the bottom of the page while Kelly pulls and has a running start at one of the Texans DBs. That DB wanted NONE of it, and he just threw himself onto the ground in terror.

Funny, funny stuff. I LOVE having a mean O-line.

[JAFF]

I guess he knew what he was doing when he released Jon Simon

[DrSpaceman]

Whole team played well start to finish, very little to complain about this game

The offense seem to let off the gas in the second half, but I think that was by design and not a bad thing. As gutsy as Reich is, he also isn't stupid and knows how to change the tempo when you have a big league, unlike some idiot teams in the playoffs (Falcons in the SB, dumbasses). Its been a LONG time since the Colts could build a lead and then basically sit on it, running the ball and playing solid D, daring the other team to change things up to come back and beat them And the Texans played right into that. Even the TD drive, it was all underneath stuff, short, ate up a bunch of time, which the Colts were willing to give up when ahead by 3 scores.

I think this was Mack's best game as a pro. The one long run where he cut back two or three times, weaving his way down the field, was probably his best run as a pro. He is making me think more and more Bell can look elsewhere for a team next year.

Missed a few chances at INTs.

Not sure I can blame that INT on Luck, good play by Watt.

[1965southpaw]

Call me crazy but as creative as Frank has been on offense, I get the sense he still has one or two surprises up his sleeve to pull out if we were to make it to the championship game. He just doesn't rest on his laurels and seems to always be tinkering with his scheme. Such a breath of fresh air from the "we just do what we do" mentality.

[Maniac]

I guess he knew what he was doing when he released Jon Simon

Yeah, I bitched about that quite a bit, but Ballard is smart and I'm dumb. :D

[1965southpaw]

The excise machine continues. I doubt his bum shoulder caused his QB passes to be so wildly inaccurate. And strangely no mention of the Colts WR performing through his own injuries. Oh well, we're on to KC and they are not.

https://sports.yahoo.com/deandre-hopkins-quiet-reason-played-severe-shoulder-sprain-011514166.html

[Dam8610]

The excise machine continues. I doubt his bum shoulder caused his QB passes to be so wildly inaccurate. And strangely no mention of the Colts WR performing through his own injuries. Oh well, we're on to KC and they are not.

https://sports.yahoo.com/deandre-hopkins-quiet-reason-played-severe-shoulder-sprain-011514166.html

Actually that could be the exact reason for his inaccuracy. Not that it matters, as you said, the Colts are on to KC while the Texans are on to the golf course.

[DrSpaceman]

Call me crazy but as creative as Frank has been on offense, I get the sense he still has one or two surprises up his sleeve to pull out if we were to make it to the championship game. He just doesn't rest on his laurels and seems to always be tinkering with his scheme. Such a breath of fresh air from the "we just do what we do" mentality.

I am sure that is true.

The second half of this game in particular, he showed nothing, seemed to be saving it all for when needed.

I'd prefer it not be Andrew Luck again on a WR screen though

[HoosierinFL]

Here's Baldy with his seemingly weekly admiration for Big Q

https://twitter.com/BaldyNFL/status/1081894675596931072?s=19

[JAFF]

Yeah, I bitched about that quite a bit, but Ballard is smart and I'm dumb. :D

We were all being fans. I like simon because he hustled and made plays. But Ballard aparently knows something about players.

Hope he is aa savy with the cap

[bertjones]

I am sure that is true.

The second half of this game in particular, he showed nothing, seemed to be saving it all for when needed.

I'd prefer it not be Andrew Luck again on a WR screen though

That second half was where you really miss Doyle. I could see Luck
throwing a couple of quick hitters to him for a couple of garbage first
downs and really bleeding the clock.

[Puck]

That second half was where you really miss Doyle. I could see Luck
throwing a couple of quick hitters to him for a couple of garbage first
downs and really bleeding the clock.

Do you think they were saving TY after getting the lead? If he were healthy I think the Colts would have been more aggressive

[rcubed]

Do you think they were saving TY after getting the lead? If he were healthy I think the Colts would have been more aggressive
Yes. However Luck said they didn’t execute well in the second half in his press conf.

[GoBigBlue88]

Do you think they were saving TY after getting the lead? If he were healthy I think the Colts would have been more aggressive

They were plenty aggressive. Pascal and Rogers just, like, dropped gimme passes.

[Puck]

They were plenty aggressive. Pascal and Rogers just, like, dropped gimme passes.

fair enough

but was TY the main read? Or a decoy?

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Was Hines hurt?


Sirianni was asked a similar question today about Hines snap count vs the Texans and he responded that it was nothing more than they were riding the hot hand (Mack) and kept feeding him the ball.

https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1082363224123756545

[GoBigBlue88]

fair enough

but was TY the main read? Or a decoy?

He probably has just enough Toradol injections to be a playmaker on like 3-4 drives in a game.

[sherck]

Sirianni was asked a similar question today about Hines snap count vs the Texans and he responded that it was nothing more than they were riding the hot hand (Mack) and kept feeding him the ball.

https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/1082363224123756545
Some interested quotes / stats from Stampede Blue about why Hines was not used much against HOU but may be used huge against KC:

According to Football Outsiders, the Chiefs rank 21st in the league in defending the pass against running backs. Houston, Tennessee, and the Giants all rank in the top ten in that category. Hines hasn’t been used as much over the last few games, and almost none against the Texans, and this may just be why.

If the Colts thought he did not provide an advantage in the running or passing game, the obvious choice was to use Mack and Wilkins more. Hines’ biggest games have come against Oakland, New England, and Miami. Those teams rank 20th, 23rd, and 30th in defending against passes going to running backs. With that information in hand, his absence makes more sense. The Colts have been pretty solid all around at putting their players in favorable matchups, and it seems this was just another case of that.

It also spells the likely possibility of his significant increase in both action and production against the Chiefs on Saturday. His 63 receptions trail just Hilton and Ebron on the year and he represents a tough, reliable, and game-breaking talent that could be huge in the playoffs. Hines will likely be used as a means of misdirection and confusion on nearly every play. What’s more, with his involvement lessened over the past few weeks, he might provide a bit more of a surprise for a defense that may be looking less at the middle of the schedule and more at the recent games.

Walk Worthy,

[1965southpaw]

Some interested quotes / stats from Stampede Blue about why Hines was not used much against HOU but may be used huge against KC:



Walk Worthy,

Frank = chess
Chuckles = checkers

Southpaw = :D:D:D:D: