Quote:
Originally Posted by Chaka
I disagree. I don't think Ballard intends to tank any seasons. In my view, he's trying to do three things: (1) reshape the roster that better fits the planned offensive and defenses schemes the Colts intend to employ, (2) utilize contract structures that incentivize the players to maximize their on-field performance, and (3) manage the Colts' cap situation to maximize the team's flexibility.
Implementing this strategy (particularly the first part) may necessarily cause some temporary weaknesses at certain positions - such as releasing Hankins - but I think he believes the Colts will be stronger and leaner (from a cap perspective) when this is complete. It also may cause the Colts to lose out on some of the big name free agents, since they aren't necessarily interested in the type of contract the Colts will want to use and will have better options elsewhere, but I'm guessing that in most instances Ballard believes the second or third best option is a better value for his strategy anyways. Presumably, he's keeping the Colt's ammo dry for when a truly great free agent option presents itself, and in those circumstances maybe he'd be willing to stray from the his normal approach. But paying Moncrief $9-11M or Melvin $10M+ a year (I know he only got $6.5M, but reports are that he wanted this from the Colts) probably isn't smart and certainly not consistent with this approach.
It takes some guts to do this, because he's being roundly criticized in the media and by fans, but I think he's shown he's a strong leader and believes in what he's trying to accomplish. And I really think its premature to criticize this offseason until it's over.
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Personally I agree that this is largely Ballard’s intentions. I just don’t believe it necessary nor the ideal path to follow. And I think it’s a very blurry line as to whether or not it is tanking. I don’t think Ballard is actively attempting to lose games so I’d stop short of calling in that. But he is actively and knowingly throwing away multiple seasons and the draft capital that results from those losses figure heavily in his plans. I’d say he’s on the safe side of that description but just barely.
As far as him having the guts to do it I don’t really care. IMO he’s unnecessarily wasting seasons with a franchise QB. He’s decided on a 3-4 yr rebuild and if Luck gets killed or pissed in the process so be it. I don’t see it as guts, I see it as arrogance. He better kill the draft. He needs an even better showing than last year. We are in yr two of his rebuild and the holes on the roster have only expanded. Especially after he just cut his big free agent signing from last year.
Cap flexibility is great, but it doesn’t win football games or protect franchise QBs from Jacksonville’s pass rush. When Luck and his surgically repaired shoulder is getting killed next year hopefully he will be comforted in knowing Ballard maintained flexibility.