[Thorgrim]

While the criticism of Richardson is valid I see Ballard's comments as deflection from an egregious failure that rests squarely on his shoulders, that is, his misguided approach to the secondary last year. The back four was an absolute disgrace last year. Ballard steadfastly refused to utilize free agency, trades, or draft capital to improve the secondary both in starting talent and depth, instead proudly insisting that the growth of the players would be sufficient.

How did 2024 stack up against 2023 in some valuable metrics? Yards per attempt: 2023/7.32 2024/7.60 Completion percentage: 2023/65.1. 2024/69.4 Touchdowns: 2023/21 2024/27 Interceptions: 2023/15 2024/16 (woo-hoo)
Passer rating: 2023/88.2 2024/95.8

While one must take into account the job the front 7 are doing these figures are a damning indictment of Ballard's failure as a GM. It was, without question, one of the biggest topics of conversation last offseason. Not just on this forum but in the media as well. This was the hill Ballard chose to die on. And die he did. So much of what comes out of his mouth is nothing more than subterfuge to secure yet another inexplicable year of employment at perhaps the most impactful job in the NFL. I'll bet the sheer number of people that Ballard has been willing to throw under the bus requires them to run on a schedule around Lucas Oil Stadium.