masterlock

Yep, Ballard likes to buy in bulk. 😉

That would be great, however, it's all too easy to imagine Ballard saying something to the effect of, "We like our wide receiver room." He just re-signed Pittman, and may feel that Downs and Pierce will breakout in their 2nd and 3rd years respectively. Plus, the Colts have lots of TEs. I'd like to see the Colts trade-up if necessary to get Bowers or one of the 3 top WRs, but I think they'll go defense--CB, most likely.

This is a profoundly true statement.

I understand what you're saying, but if Gus doesn't have the players for his scheme to work, then the scheme is the problem. The scheme needs to fit the capabilities, or it's a liability.

A big reason the Colts were 28th in points allowed, IMO, was Gus Bradley's non-contesting zone scheme. Time and time again, we saw opponents complete critical 3rd and 4th downs, with the nearest Colts defender 10 yards away. It's disappointing to me that they brought him back. IMO, what the Colts' D needs is aggression, not soft, non-contesting zone that keeps opposing offenses on the field.

The Colts scouting under Ballard has yielded a 54-60-1 record, so I'd put them somewhere in the middle of the pack...unfortunately.

1 day. "Very". Gotcha.

It would be the non-exclusive franchise tag.

Money well-spent.

They also had a lot of things that went right, and failed to capitalize. They lost because they didn't make the most of the chances they had.

I'd say it starts with the GM (or de facto GM), since the GM is ultimately responsible for the roster and other staff, including QB, coach, scouts, etc.

I have to agree with Rick Venturi's assessment of Pittman--he compares to the top Slots and TE's in terms of production. Something around $17M/year sounds right.

He's 85th in yards-per-catch. (10.5)

First time I've listened to him, but wow, I don't think I disagree with a single thing he said. Very good football analysis. Right on-point. Kind of Polian-esque in his acumen. For those who missed it, my take-aways: On Pittman: Tough, physical, does the dirty work, battles for the football High-volume catcher due to the way the team is structured He makes his living inside the numbers, needs help getting open Isn't an outside burner, not twitchy, doesn't win outside battles More valuable to the Colts due to lack of receiver corps than he is on the open market A context player - 5th in league in catches, but 85th in yards per catch (10.5) Production-wise, Pittman more closely resembles the really good TE's and Slots of the league, but isn't a Hill, AJ Brown, etc., which puts his salary closer to $17M/year rather than $23M+ Shame creates opportunities for him. He's scheme-dependent On Defense: In 2 games vs Colts, Nico Collins went 16-for-346; 30 percent of his total yardage on the season came in 2 games vs Colts Defense is 79 percent generic predictable, non-challenging area zone (vs matchup zone) Doesn't challenge receivers on the outside or inside On Texans 1st play, Bradley strung out a 4.53 corner against a 4.4 wideout - Bradley's fault/scheme Texans, in 4th quarter, overcame a 2nd-and-20, 1st-and-20, 2nd-and-14 Last year, the Colts had an elite corner and yet played exactly the same (28th in points last year, same this year) Colts are 14 percent in blitzes (last in league) Need to have more of a 'contested' scheme in terms of coverages Every receiver who's come in here over the last 2 years has had a "career day" On Shane: Excelled in player utilization, creativity, motivation, accountability Seems to question Shane's rush to retain Bradley, says best guys (coaches) always have a bit of ruthlessness to them when it comes to hiring/firing. On the 4th down call: Was good call, not executed In crunch time, quotes Tom Moore, "think players not plays"