2026 Off-Season Thread

[Thorgrim]

Originally Posted by Racehorse

To say that those who don't have torches and pitchforks out are happy with the records of the past few years. We are not. However, we do not see it as much of a doom and gloom situation like some do on here and other fan sites.

Fair enough. I didn’t mean to imply that they are happy. I was referring to those who every year refuse to acknowledge that things are going wrong. I don’t think you can paint the fans here with a wide brush. I was referring to a segment of our participants. Should’ve made that clear. In some years past I’d go whistling past the graveyard. I’m sure that’s true of many now. Im just past that. Others genuinely see the glass more full. We all have our own perspectives. I can respect that. I’ll be cheering for them.

[Puck]

Originally Posted by rm1369

Honest question - you don’t see it as doom and gloom because you believe in what they have done and are doing? Or because you just always have a “this is our year” mentality and rarely criticize the team? I’m not saying that as a knock to that style of fandom. I’m just honestly trying to understand the continued Ballard support by some.

This is a great question and I will answer after Race. Since you directed it to him

[Racehorse]

Originally Posted by rm1369

Honest question - you don’t see it as doom and gloom because you believe in what they have done and are doing? Or because you just always have a “this is our year” mentality and rarely criticize the team? I’m not saying that as a knock to that style of fandom. I’m just honestly trying to understand the continued Ballard support by some.

I am a generally positive person. I think the best of most people and situations. However, I knew that Polian turning the reigns over to his son was a bad idea. I figured out Grigson was not a good GM. I knew when it was time for Pagano and Reich to go. I think Caldwell got a raw deal. I had high hopes for Wentz, until he started playing like Will Levis. I had high hopes for Matt Ryan. I was rooting for Jeff Saturday, but it became very obvious that he was brought in to tank the season.

As for Ballard, I like a lot of his draft picks. I even think the AR pick was a good idea, but the execution of his development was where they went wrong. The guy needed reps, but he also needed to learn how to be a pro QB by sitting behind a guy like Rivers, Manning, Luck, Brady.