#12.

Yes, we just need to learn a little more about Ballard. That's the problem. Once we learn a little more about him, we'll appreciate the great level of success we have enjoyed over the past 7 years. With this in mind, when the Colts and Ballard ultimately break up, I propose we send Ballard a card saying, "It's not you, it's us."

It was interesting that Ballard was commending Steichen for not being stuck in his ways, for rolling with the punches and just doing whatever it takes to win. Maybe a little more of that from the front office would be a good thing. If free agency can help you, do it. If trading up in the draft can help you, do it. Go into every offseason and just say we'll do whatever it takes to win. Stop being so dogmatic. Stop being a slave to the process. Considering that Ballard couldn't remember Herbert's name, I'm guessing that trading up for Herbert was probably never once mentioned in this building.

I've seen nothing to suggest Ed Dodds is a hot commodity in this league. We're going to fire Ballard and hire his yes man, his rubber stamp man? What would be the point of that? After 8 years, we're looking for continuity for what reason? The post-Luck era is so stale. If Richardson doesn’t pan out, from a personnel perspective, it needs to be blown up.

After 3 seasons, people had him in the Hall of Fame. As it stands three years later, he probably won't sniff it.

Imagine if we were good. Can't complain about fan loyalty. That's for sure.

Based on nothing, simply handing Pinter the starting RG job is the most questionable decision Ballard and company have made in 8 years. Pinter was an Indiana high school TE. He looked like a high school TE from north of Indy trying to block NFL interior D-linemen.

Yeah, for one game. Pinter was that bad. Of any O-linenan the Colts actually went into the season with as a starter, Pinter might be the worst Colts O-lineman of the past 15-20 years. Dude was tossed around like a rag doll. The official investigation is still ongoing as to whether Matt Ryan fell off the cliff or was pushed off the cliff by Pinter and Pryor.

After Pinter nearly ended Matt Ryan's life in 4 games, Smith was moved to RG for the 2022 Denver game - the 12-9 game for the ages. Ballard pulled the plug on Smith at RG five minutes later, so I wouldn't expect it again.

The way they lost these games will certainly drain some of the positive feeling out of the offseason, but talent-wise, they're pretty close. They're closer than the Colts are.

Masterclass in closing out games.

All of the good Pacers teams with Reggie, George and now with Haliburton are somewhat similar. At their very best, they're always still just a step below elite, a step below the the Jordan, Kobe/Shaq and Lebron teams. The one time they did have supreme talent they threw it away in Detroit. The good news is there currently is no great team. Boston could get a lifetime achievement award championship - just stick around long enough and you might win one - but the Celtics scare no one. Compared to great teams from the past, Dallas isn't much. The Pacers shouldn't be thinking 3-4 years from now. While the NBA is weak, they should make a push in the next year or two.

As crazy as it sounds considering they're a young team, this might have been the best chance the Pacers have ever had for a title. No Jordan. No Shaq and Kobe. No Lebron. No Curry. They should be up 2-1, possibly headed to the finals to play a very beatable Dallas team. In another year or two, a new dominant player and team might emerge.

By calling him a crybaby, Doyel ruined Steichen interviews for eternity. Listen to Steichen interviews from Philly. He sounds like a perfectly normal dude. Now, because of Doyel, Steichen is guarded, and will do the cheap Belichick impersonation as long as he is here.

The guy has played so little actual football in college and the NFL. Who knows what he is or what he might be... if he can stay healthy.

If his head were right, based on talent, he should be in the NFL.