The Unprepared Thing..........

[Deano1818]

One of the things that I hope we do better this year is game preparation and mid game adjustments

 

 

I see Pagano as a great motivator and because of his positive approach, players want to come to Indy.

 

This talent is important to help build and keep a good team together.

 

 

However.... the elephant in the room is still there

 

 

We have too many games where we are completely unprepared for another team.

 

Great teams don't lose to other teams, the way we lost to Pittsburgh, NE (2 times), and the Cowboys

 

An "off" game or two per year can be expected from even great teams....... but 4?

 

(We also almost lost some games that should have been easy)

 

In the same manner that we need to keep tweaking the roster, and asking for individuals already on the

team to step up their game..............

 

 

The same should be said of our coaching staff.

 

 

I think that this team HAS the talent to win the next SB - (95% of the teams CANT say that)

 

Remember the 1 to 3 win Colts teams........  No chance at a SB...... Not enough talent

 

 

You can blame Grigs for his mistakes....... (And he has them) But again........ this team (IMHO) has the talent

to play in the SB...... That is the biggest measuring stick of a front office

 

Also, ONE player (either someones "pet" draft pick, or coveted FA) would not have made a big enough difference in these games

 

 

 

The coaching staff needs to game plan better.

 

The coaching staff needs to make in-game adjustments ........ quicker..... and....well......BETTER.

 

 

Just like each of us has strengths and weaknesses, I am starting to think that Pagano, even with his obvious strengths,

may just not be the planner that is needed

 

When someone has a weakness, it CAN be mitigated by having a strong assistant

 

 

Not seeking a change in HC........   but.......

 

The question is.......... Is Chudzinski THAT guy that can help Pagano to fix these issues ????

 

Thoughts?.

[CanuckColt]

If Pagano needs all that help to make up for his shortcomings then Chud should be the Head Coach.

Like Chudzinski said in his last interview about contributing to the team "I'm doing everything I can to help us to win, but I am used to leading from out front".

[Grigs build the lines plz.]

Pags is in an 'end of contract' year so it will all work out in the wash this season. It does

appear he doesn't have a plan B when plan A goes to $h!tsville during the game.

[Smonroe]

I agree with the OP and have complained about the same thing. But we all know it's not that simple. Constant adjustments were made in the Steelers game, but none worked.

Mistakes were made on both sides of the ball in the NE games. No matter the adjustments, they were winning the position battles.

As for the Cowboys game, I really think no one cared. It's probably the best example of lack of preparation IMHO.

[Flash7]

The Colts are an interesting team as far as preparation is concerned.

 

1. They are well above historical averages in games within 7-points in the Luck era. They are also a top-3 offensive team. This shows preparation by the coaches and the whole team (Not just Luck being Luck).

 

2. The Colts have allowed the most 40 point games by opponents compared to any other team in the league. More than the Bucs and more than the Jaguars. This clearly shows a lack of preparation. When we get beaten, we get beaten down. I guess that's what it takes, otherwise the Colts can come back and win.

[Smonroe]

The Colts are an interesting team as far as preparation is concerned.

 

1. They are well above historical averages in games within 7-points in the Luck era. They are also a top-3 offensive team. This shows preparation by the coaches and the whole team (Not just Luck being Luck).

 

2. The Colts have allowed the most 40 point games by opponents compared to any other team in the league. More than the Bucs and more than the Jaguars. This clearly shows a lack of preparation. When we get beaten, we get beaten down. I guess that's what it takes, otherwise the Colts can come back and win.

Interesting. Is that 40 point stat also in the Luck era?

It makes sense. When a team is up three scores on the Jags or Bucs, etc., they go into ball control clock mode. They never feel there's a safe amount of points up on us.

[Flash7]

Interesting. Is that 40 point stat also in the Luck era?

It makes sense. When a team is up three scores on the Jags or Bucs, etc., they go into ball control clock mode. They never feel there's a safe amount of points up on us.

The 40 point stat is in the Luck era. To your point, if you consider the Steeler's game, they had to keep scoring because the Colts kept coming back. In the 4th quarter, it was an 8-point game until, I believe, Luck threw a pick.

[jvan1973]

If Pagano needs all that help to make up for his shortcomings then Chud should be the Head Coach.

Like Chudzinski said in his last interview about contributing to the team "I'm doing everything I can to help us to win, but I am used to leading from out front".

How can he be used to leading from out front when he has spent exactly 1 season as a head coach?

[Warhorse]

I think the elephant in the room is the common fans hummingbird knowledge overrun by the alligator attitude. In game adjustments are commonly more influenced by the coordinator than they are by the head coach. 

[ColtStrong]

 

An "off" game or two per year can be expected from even great teams....... but 4?

 

(We also almost lost some games that should have been easy)

 

 

Besides those 4 we also lost some games that should have been easy? Try one other game besides the 4 against NE, Pit, and Cowboys. 

[NewColtsFan]

Well....

 

We're in year 4 of the re-build....

 

I think we have a Super Bowl level offense....

 

But I still don't think we have a SB level defense.    And that could be the difference between getting to the SB and not.

 

And I could also see the Colts getting to the SB and then getting blown out as Seattle did to Denver just two seasons ago.....

 

We still have a flawed roster,  and I think much of that accounts for the games where we surrendered 40+ points....

 

But, we're getting better,  and I expect better this year....   how much better is the question for me....

 

I hope our defense is not our Achillies heel this year....

[Stephen]

The 40 point stat is in the Luck era. To your point, if you consider the Steeler's game, they had to keep scoring because the Colts kept coming back. In the 4th quarter, it was an 8-point game until, I believe, Luck threw a pick.

yea I saw big Ben getting frustrated because we kept scoring.

[LJpalmbeacher2]

I seriously doubt pagano takes a "smart pill" and be any different this season.

[Deano1818]

Well....

 

We're in year 4 of the re-build....

 

I think we have a Super Bowl level offense....

 

But I still don't think we have a SB level defense.    And that could be the difference between getting to the SB and not.

 

And I could also see the Colts getting to the SB and then getting blown out as Seattle did to Denver just two seasons ago.....

 

We still have a flawed roster,  and I think much of that accounts for the games where we surrendered 40+ points....

 

But, we're getting better,  and I expect better this year....   how much better is the question for me....

 

I hope our defense is not our Achillies heel this year....

I agree, I also do think we will be better

 

I agree with you on the defense, but dont believe that we need a top 5 defense to win the SB

 

Top 10?-- top 15?

 

However, the Offense wasnt ready a few of the games last year

 

 

We seem to be losing the chess game part of this.... more than we should

[Deano1818]

I think the elephant in the room is the common fans hummingbird knowledge overrun by the alligator attitude. In game adjustments are commonly more influenced by the coordinator than they are by the head coach. 

 

Can I get some sweet-and-low, with this cup of smugness?   

 

 

 

Just kidding.......

[Warhorse]

Can I get some sweet-and-low, with this cup of smugness?   

 

 

 

Just kidding.......

I know....I just don't get how a team can be so good, and be questioned so much. Also, the thought that some games should have been easy is absurd. Every game in the NFL is a 60 minute fight. 

[CS Coltsfan]

Well....

 

We're in year 4 of the re-build....

 

I think we have a Super Bowl level offense....

 

But I still don't think we have a SB level defense.    And that could be the difference between getting to the SB and not.

 

And I could also see the Colts getting to the SB and then getting blown out as Seattle did to Denver just two seasons ago.....

 

We still have a flawed roster,  and I think much of that accounts for the games where we surrendered 40+ points....

 

But, we're getting better,  and I expect better this year....   how much better is the question for me....

 

I hope our defense is not our Achillies heel this year....

I agree with what you have said and I have not been a big fan of our draft, but as I have slept on it and researched and studied I've come to this conclusion.

 

If the Oline stay healthy we will have a good Oline.

 

I am wondering if what Grigs did by drafting Anderson and the Parry may come to be a awesome move... they both played together at Standford in the same positions they will be here.. they know how each other plays... they know what each move the other will play... they played ina very familar scheme...

 

I don't think any if us care who we have / draft as long as a D can stand up to top tier teams and defeat them... 10/18 will be a critical show and tell game..

 

I for one can't wait to see our Colts D this year.. I feel we may all be surprised..

 

If we are like we were last 3 years against the run.. then it comes Full Circle on Grigs...

[NewColtsFan]

I agree with what you have said and I have not been a big fan of our draft, but as I have slept on it and researched and studied I've come to this conclusion.

 

If the Oline stay healthy we will have a good Oline.

 

I am wondering if what Grigs did by drafting Anderson and the Parry may come to be a awesome move... they both played together at Standford in the same positions they will be here.. they know how each other plays... they know what each move the other will play... they played ina very familar scheme...

 

I don't think any if us care who we have / draft as long as a D can stand up to top tier teams and defeat them... 10/18 will be a critical show and tell game..

 

I for one can't wait to see our Colts D this year.. I feel we may all be surprised..

 

If we are like we were last 3 years against the run.. then it comes Full Circle on Grigs...

 

I'm basically fine with our draft, though I have repeatedly noted that I personally would've drafted Goldman,  I'm OK with Dorsett and think he'll be a very good player for us.

 

But the thing is,  I'm not expecting any of our defensive guys (rookies) to start this year....  so the guys will play here and there in situational opportunities.    And I'm just not sure how much better we can expect our defense can be with a rookie crop that will only do so much.

 

I think if our defense is improved from last year it will be because of guys like Cole and Langford and Lowery and Irving and the return of Mathis.    I'm also modestly optimistic that we'll get improved play from guys like Freeman and Jackson and Jones, and Chapman and Hughes and Werner,   etc.

 

If that group is better,  then our defense might take a significant jump in improvement.    That's what I'm hoping for....

[Deano1818]

I'm basically fine with our draft, though I have repeatedly noted that I personally would've drafted Goldman,  I'm OK with Dorsett and think he'll be a very good player for us.

 

But the thing is,  I'm not expecting any of our defensive guys (rookies) to start this year....  so the guys will play here and there in situational opportunities.    And I'm just not sure how much better we can expect our defense can be with a rookie crop that will only do so much.

 

I think if our defense is improved from last year it will be because of guys like Cole and Langford and Lowery and Irving and the return of Mathis.    I'm also modestly optimistic that we'll get improved play from guys like Freeman and Jackson and Jones, and Chapman and Hughes and Werner,   etc.

 

If that group is better,  then our defense might take a significant jump in improvement.    That's what I'm hoping for...

 

 

 

A healthy Freeman, Jones, and Mathis, IMHO will help.

 

If you think about going into the year and having these three out, or at 70%...........

 

These 3 were being counted on to be the backbone of the 2014 Colts

 

Now they will all be back for the 2015 season...... along with our other improvements

 

And SOMEONE........ needs to step up and surprise... 

Hughes?

Chapman?

Werner?

Rookies?

 

Hughes has had major personal issues (Loss of child last year) I think he puts it together this year

 

Hughes may be the reason that we didnt draft a new NT this year.

 

 

 

This team CAN be very good

 

We probably wont be hit by the injury bug this year as bad.... But its part of the game

 

 

I look forward to the season.

 

 

Now......... game-planning improvement.... please! (Just a little bit)

[crazycolt1]

I agree, I also do think we will be better

 

I agree with you on the defense, but dont believe that we need a top 5 defense to win the SB

 

Top 10?-- top 15?

 

However, the Offense wasnt ready a few of the games last year

 

 

We seem to be losing the chess game part of this.... more than we should

Chess game? Pagano has only coached what? 2 seasons? His first year he was sick. The Colts lost games against long time veteran coaches. Pagano worked with 12 different starting offensive lines last season. These are not excuses just the facts. I would like for you to list the head coaches that have gone 22-10 their first two seasons, two division titles and 3-2 in playoffs. I just cant get a grip on why some expect the Colts wont have growing pains when they know what this team has done over the last three seasons.

[Deano1818]

Chess game? Pagano has only coached what? 2 seasons? His first year he was sick. The Colts lost games against long time veteran coaches. Pagano worked with 12 different starting offensive lines last season. These are not excuses just the facts. I would like for you to list the head coaches that have gone 22-10 their first two seasons, two division titles and 3-2 in playoffs. I just cant get a grip on why some expect the Colts wont have growing pains when they know what this team has done over the last three seasons.

Whoa Nellie,

 

I like Pagano.....  I will repeat, I am not looking for a replacement.

 

Pagano didnt just show up at the Colts organization after bagging groceries

 

He has been an NFL coach for 12 years in different roles, and had been coaching since 1984

 

If you look through my posts..... you will see I am 95% positive on my Colts

 

 

This is a "5% area" that needs to be addressed 

 

Its more of an area of being consistent

 

 

I don't see the game prep results...... although... I may (I am many times... ask my wife) be wrong on this

[CS Coltsfan]

A healthy Freeman, Jones, and Mathis, IMHO will help.

 

If you think about going into the year and having these three out, or at 70%...........

 

These 3 were being counted on to be the backbone of the 2014 Colts

 

Now they will all be back for the 2015 season...... along with our other improvements

 

And SOMEONE........ needs to step up and surprise... 

Hughes?

Chapman?

Werner?

Rookies?

 

Hughes has had major personal issues (Loss of child last year) I think he puts it together this year

 

Hughes may be the reason that we didnt draft a new NT this year.

 

 

 

This team CAN be very good

 

We probably wont be hit by the injury bug this year as bad.... But its part of the game

 

 

I look forward to the season.

 

 

Now......... game-planning improvement.... please! (Just a little bit)

I definetly believe that our Coaches and FO believe in Hughes and Kerr .. thats why IMO we didn't get Brown or Goldman.. I hope that they were right...

On Werner.. I wasn't happy about the pick for a couple reasons.. I thought he was a better fit for 4-3 and we were having play for lack of better word out of position... kinds a like Jerry Hughes.. but I haven't thrown in the towel yet on him because he hasn't been playing organized football very long... High Price to pay for a #1 pick, ... time will tell

[JPFolks]

I agree with the OP and have complained about the same thing. But we all know it's not that simple. Constant adjustments were made in the Steelers game, but none worked.

Mistakes were made on both sides of the ball in the NE games. No matter the adjustments, they were winning the position battles.

As for the Cowboys game, I really think no one cared. It's probably the best example of lack of preparation IMHO.

 

This! 

 

The Cowboys games was inexcusable.  They had no intention of even trying to win that game.  They didn't bother to prepare.  They had already accepted they wouldn't be a top 2 seed so they simply did not go there ready to win.  Had they done that, even with a close loss, they might have learned a bit and been better prepared NOT to get blown out by the Patriots.  When things get hot, the coaching staff seems to stare blankly ahead and unless Luck plays Superman (as he did against KC in the playoffs) the game just gets out of hand.  They are frontrunners, much like the Colts always were with Manning... but once the heat got turned up enough, unless a stingy D and a couple of nobody running backs play out of their minds, we go down in flames.  

 

The Cowboys game, not the NE Games, is what should have put Pagano and his entire staff on notice.  It was an embarrassment all around.  Heck, Washington with the same back up QB and Defense we DESTROYED in Indy went to Dallas and beat the same Cowboys.  Why couldn't we?  Is it just that we simply can't stop the running game no matter what?  

 

We had other games where we got blown out like against AZ and St. Louis after we beat Seattle and San Fran, the two best NFC teams.  I remember that St. Louis game where our D looked like Pop Warner players against a high school team and their bust of a Wide Receiver running rampage all over us much like a nobody running back from NE ran down our throats and was benched the rest of the season.  

 

Those two Stanford guys better show up big.