[Kray007]

The Colts lost, and all the hand wringers and bed wetters are out in force. I get that, when gloom descends, there’s an impulse to look for a scapegoat, a lamb to sacrifice on the altar of the football gods.

But, Ballard’s not that guy.

It isn’t his fault that Richardson wrecked his shoulder.
It isn’t his fault that Gardner Minshew got banged up and turned into a statue.
It isn’t his fault that Braden Smith went down.
It isn’t his fault that Grover Stewart got caught using a PED.
It isn’t his fault that Shaq Leonard is still trying to rediscover his lost super powers
It isn’t his fault that Zaire Franklin got hurt
It isn’t his fault that Isaiah Rogers liked to gamble.
It isn’t his fault that Dallis Flowers ruptured an achilles
It isn’t his fault that Juju Brents banged up his quad.

Not a single one of us complained when he traded away Stephon Gilmore. This was going to be a transition year, not a whole lot was expected, and it didn’t make any sense to hold onto an unhappy 32 year old player who wanted out, especially if you could get something in return.

Are there holes in the roster? Absolutely. We could really use a dynamic deep threat at WR, and Micah Parsons would surely be a welcome addition. But, elite pass rushers don’t exactly grow on trees, and it’s not as iif Ballard passed on drafting one of them in favor of taking a long snapper or a Tight End.

A big part of the problem is that Gardner Minshew has a disturbing knack of making game changing plays…for the other guys. But, again, he’s a backup, and backups are backups because they’re afflicted with fundamental flaws in their skill sets. The number of backup QB’s who lead their teams to the promised land are fewer than few. I can’t blame Ballard because he didn’t find a Tom Brady in the fifth round, andI don’t remember any moaning or gnashing of teeth when he passed over Brock Purdy.

So, let’s all quiet down, ride out the storm, and try to keep our wits about us while others are losing theirs.