Ballard article in SI- cool stuff

[Fat Clemenza]

As if we need another addition to the "In the Ballard We Trust" mindset, now there's this in Sports Illustrated.  https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/12/28/general-manager-candidates-chris-ballard-colts-model

 

It is true, the Colts lucked into being able to draft Manning and Luck.  But getting Ballard to agree to run the Colts after he turned many previous GM positions will go down as equally consequential and a credit to Jim Irsay.  Beyond the fact that he and his guys like Dodds are hitting home runs in drafting and free agency, he is building an amazing culture that already has the Colts over-achieving (and obviously FR has been a huge part of this).  

 

To me the most surprising thing about this year's Colts is quality assistant coaching from top to bottom, and one of the quotes from the article comes from Colts COO Pete Ward:

“To begin with, he knew our roster,” Ward says. “It was almost like he worked here. He knew the players as well as he would have if he’d worked here. He was able to review our roster with us right then and there. He knew coaches around the league, he was able to tell us his ideal candidates, because there were going to be some staff changes. And of course he’d have to collaborate, because Chuck Pagano was at the time our head coach, and we’re talking about assistant coaches now."

 

It sure seems likely there's going to be more Lombardis down the road, but regardless, let's be patient and enjoy the ride! 

What's great is Irsay / Ballard / Reich are committed to doing it the right way and we won't have hold our noses while cheering for the Burficts of the world.    I think the Colts win today but as we saw a month ago, anything can happen.  Take away AV, and the Colts are the youngest team in the league.  Let's just enjoy today and the next 10 years, and not turn into Patriot fans or Cowboy fans.  Let's do this!!!!!!

 

 

 

[Bravo]

The link doesn’t work. Just 10-43.

maybe this one will.

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.si.com/nfl/2018/12/28/general-manager-candidates-chris-ballard-colts-model