Colts 2019 Season: Hard Pills to Swallow

[Defjamz26]

I guess you can call this a season wrap-up if you will. We are eliminated from the playoffs. Not much positives to talk about (aside from Nelson and Leonard). So let’s address some of the elephants in the room regarding this team.

 

1. Jacoby Brissett is an average to below average QB who is not the long term answer, and no amount of healthy receivers or early round draft picks at WR/TE are going to change that.

 

2. Malik Hooker is average at best at FS might not have his 5th year option picked up

 

3. T.Y. Hilton is showing signs of age as his body seems to be breaking down more frequently, and it’s time to start thinking about life after TY once his contract is up

 

4. Overall this defense is bad. They can hang with some bottom tier teams but they’re giving up 30 a game to any team that’s even half way decent.

 

5. The Colts have a bad group of corners as Desir is a one year wonder who got too much credit for “locking up” Hopkins once or twice and Ya-sin (expected rookie struggles aside) looks lost.

 

6. Chris Ballard has dropped the ball on finding WRs for this team and the miss of Campbell when McLauren has played so well should be noted

 

7. Eberflus should be held responsible for some of the defensive shortcomings. Lack of talent is a thing, but the zone d always getting shredded and his inability to adjust is on him.

 

8. Along with Desir who was mentioned earlier, Ballard seems to have a tendency to acquire one year wonder players in FA who regress quickly. Autry, Hunt, Glowinski, Desir. In general it appears Ballard is way better drafting than he is at FA

 

9. Colts should have moved on from Vinateiri early in the season.

 

10. The only position on the team that isn’t a need is LB.

 

Feel free to add your own on debate with me on any points you don’t agree with.

[RollerColt]

We learned a lot of things from this season. 

[IinD]

That sounds like a eulogy.. Lol

[Flash7]

1) I think we have to give credit to Pascal. He's worked hard, made plays, and has been reliable.

 

2) K. Willis has been a pleasant surprise. He's played well and has earned a starting spot.

 

 

[RollerColt]

1 minute ago, Flash7 said:

1) I think we have to give credit to Pascal. He's worked hard, made plays, and has been reliable.

 

2) K. Willis has been a pleasant surprise. He's played well and has earned a starting spot.

 

 

I agree. Pascal has been out there basically by himself trying to make plays, he's for sure earned a spot with us next year. 

[Smonroe]

Don’t forget the STs. Below average, except for our punter.  Not just Vinnie, but execution overall.  
 

But at least we have a ton of cap space. That should sell a lot of tickets next year.  

[Defjamz26]

13 minutes ago, Flash7 said:

1) I think we have to give credit to Pascal. He's worked hard, made plays, and has been reliable.

 

2) K. Willis has been a pleasant surprise. He's played well and has earned a starting spot.

 

 

Agreed about Pascal. He’s definitely a WR3 for this team going over. He was the Colts best receiver this year.

 

Willis I like but not enough that it would stop me from drafting a top SS prospect if the opportunity presents itself.

[Moosejawcolt]

50 minutes ago, Defjamz26 said:

I guess you can call this a season wrap-up if you will. We are eliminated from the playoffs. Not much positives to talk about (aside from Nelson and Leonard). So let’s address some of the elephants in the room regarding this team.

 

1. Jacoby Brissett is an average to below average QB who is not the long term answer, and no amount of healthy receivers or early round draft picks at WR/TE are going to change that.

 

2. Malik Hooker is average at best at FS might not have his 5th year option picked up

 

3. T.Y. Hilton is showing signs of age as his body seems to be breaking down more frequently, and it’s time to start thinking about life after TY once his contract is up

 

4. Overall this defense is bad. They can hang with some bottom tier teams but they’re giving up 30 a game to any team that’s even half way decent.

 

5. The Colts have a bad group of corners as Desir is a one year wonder who got too much credit for “locking up” Hopkins once or twice and Ya-sin (expected rookie struggles aside) looks lost.

 

6. Chris Ballard has dropped the ball on finding WRs for this team and the miss of Campbell when McLauren has played so well should be noted

 

7. Eberflus should be held responsible for some of the defensive shortcomings. Lack of talent is a thing, but the zone d always getting shredded and his inability to adjust is on him.

 

8. Along with Desir who was mentioned earlier, Ballard seems to have a tendency to acquire one year wonder players in FA who regress quickly. Autry, Hunt, Glowinski, Desir. In general it appears Ballard is way better drafting than he is at FA

 

9. Colts should have moved on from Vinateiri early in the season.

 

10. The only position on the team that isn’t a need is LB.

 

Feel free to add your own on debate with me on any points you don’t agree with.

Wowowowow........u have been critical of Ballard how dare u. I will one up u.  U mentioned his failure in free agency.  I extend that to his inability to draft talent.  I bet Irsay is thinking the same thing.

[Myles]

This season made it clear where Ballard needs to address.  

QB should be #1.   D-line #2.  

[csmopar]

Ugh, it is gonna be a LONG offseason on here. 

[Defjamz26]

10 minutes ago, Moosejawcolt said:

Wowowowow........u have been critical of Ballard how dare u. I will one up u.  U mentioned his failure in free agency.  I extend that to his inability to draft talent.  I bet Irsay is thinking the same thing.

He’s been solid in the draft. Leonard And Nelson In the same Draft is still incredible. Nelson already a 2x pro bowler and likely 2x All-pro. Leonard all pro and now Pro Bowl. Marlon Mack was a great find in the 4th round. Braden Smith doesn’t get enough love either. He never gets called for a hold or false start and his play is great. Okereke looks like a great find too.

[jameszeigler834]

1 hour ago, Flash7 said:

1) I think we have to give credit to Pascal. He's worked hard, made plays, and has been reliable.

 

2) K. Willis has been a pleasant surprise. He's played well and has earned a starting spot.

 

 

We should have sent a first for Fitzpatrick not doing that was a mistake.

[bhougland]

4 minutes ago, jameszeigler834 said:

We should have sent a first for Fitzpatrick not doing that was a mistake.

 

No way, we need that pick for a QB.

[The Fish]

With Luck the team was building towards a Championship, sans him they're just rebuilding. It's night and day. 

 

[boo2202]

58 minutes ago, csmopar said:

Ugh, it is gonna be a LONG offseason on here. 

As it should be. 

[Defjamz26]

1 minute ago, The Fish said:

With Luck the team was building towards a Championship, sans him they're just rebuilding. It's night and day. 

 

I’d add that to the list but that should be obvious now. Luck covered up all of this team’s flaws.

[EastStreet]

2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

I guess you can call this a season wrap-up if you will. We are eliminated from the playoffs. Not much positives to talk about (aside from Nelson and Leonard). So let’s address some of the elephants in the room regarding this team.

 

1. Jacoby Brissett is an average to below average QB who is not the long term answer, and no amount of healthy receivers or early round draft picks at WR/TE are going to change that.

Agree, anyone beyond read #1 is going to be a bit of a waste. And young/new guys will have issues developing in this O with JB.

2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

2. Malik Hooker is average at best at FS might not have his 5th year option picked up

I blame Eberflus / play calling more than Hooker. I don't think he's a god, but I do think he's above average. The soft zone added to our O that struggles with TOP makes it harder on the whole D.

 

2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

3. T.Y. Hilton is showing signs of age as his body seems to be breaking down more frequently, and it’s time to start thinking about life after TY once his contract is up

Agreed. I was hoping he could move to slot and extend his career when he slowed, but now his body is a bigger concern than his speed.

 

2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

 

4. Overall this defense is bad. They can hang with some bottom tier teams but they’re giving up 30 a game to any team that’s even half way decent.

I think this is an over reaction. I think a rush threat at DT would make the machine run a lot better up front and in back. I also think Eberflus simply needs to be more creative in coverage and decrease all the soft zone stuff. We also aren't going to scare anyone with current personnel when we are one of the least blitzing teams in the league. And when we do blitz, it's almost always on 3rd.

2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

 

5. The Colts have a bad group of corners as Desir is a one year wonder who got too much credit for “locking up” Hopkins once or twice and Ya-sin (expected rookie struggles aside) looks lost.

Desir has been banged up to much this year.

Ya-sin was asked to do too much. Not only has he been asked to play more snaps than anyone, he's often defending the #1 option. IMO he doesn't look lost, he's just learning scheme and adjusting to NFL speed. Those are the things that can click in year 2. He's physical and fast, and IMO just needs to refine and learn from this past season.

2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

6. Chris Ballard has dropped the ball on finding WRs for this team and the miss of Campbell when McLauren has played so well should be noted

Nobody can predict injuries like Campbell suffered all year. It's been different things one after the other, and to a guy that wasn't know for injuries. It's not dropping the ball, just bad luck.

 

Campbell was more productive than McLauren two years in a row at OSU, and McLauren is a deep threat specialist too. JB doesn't do deep very well. Everybody would have likely gave McLauren the Cain treatment had we drafted him.

2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

7. Eberflus should be held responsible for some of the defensive shortcomings. Lack of talent is a thing, but the zone d always getting shredded and his inability to adjust is on him.

Yup. 

2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

8. Along with Desir who was mentioned earlier, Ballard seems to have a tendency to acquire one year wonder players in FA who regress quickly. Autry, Hunt, Glowinski, Desir. In general it appears Ballard is way better drafting than he is at FA

Autry hasn't been all that bad. He's second on the team in QB hits/pressures IIRC. 

Hunt has been a bit of a disappointment but honestly didn't expect a lot from him.

Glow.... All teams have a weak link. If Glow is our weak link, I can't complain too much. I'd love to push Smith inside and draft or FA another T, but Glow is one of the better "worst OL on a team" guards.

2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

9. Colts should have moved on from Vinateiri early in the season.

I'd love to know the real story around injuries with AV.

2 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

10. The only position on the team that isn’t a need is LB.

I'm betting you'll see us add another MLB with Oke taking over at SAM. I'd prefer to do that via FA since the position is devalued, but not opposed to a later pick either. IMO the position that needs to least amount of attention is RB. Out of the 5 phases, running O has been the best all year. 

 

 

[Moosejawcolt]

4 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

He’s been solid in the draft. Leonard And Nelson In the same Draft is still incredible. Nelson already a 2x pro bowler and likely 2x All-pro. Leonard all pro and now Pro Bowl. Marlon Mack was a great find in the 4th round. Braden Smith doesn’t get enough love either. He never gets called for a hold or false start and his play is great. Okereke looks like a great find too.

Did u not watch the Saints game?  Or the playoff game against KC when we had Luck?!?!  When we have gone up against a very good team, we look below average. Even the guys u single out underwhelm against very good competition.  I judge a teams progress and talent on how play against very good teams, not the Jags and other bottom feeders.  Next year will b Ballard's 4th year of free agency and the draft.  

 

[hoosierhawk]

25 minutes ago, Moosejawcolt said:

Did u not watch the Saints game?  Or the playoff game against KC when we had Luck?!?!  When we have gone up against a very good team, we look below average. Even the guys u single out underwhelm against very good competition.  I judge a teams progress and talent on how play against very good teams, not the Jags and other bottom feeders.  Next year will b Ballard's 4th year of free agency and the draft.  

 

you picked 2 games out of 32in the last 2 years. Of those 2 games can you point out how Nelson underwhelmed in those 2 games? He plays just one position on the LOS.

[jameszeigler834]

39 minutes ago, hoosierhawk said:

you picked 2 games out of 32in the last 2 years. Of those 2 games can you point out how Nelson underwhelmed in those 2 games? He plays just one position on the LOS.

Nelson is one player just cause the rest of the line sucked means nothing the rest of the line playing bad would make any good to great player look like a waste of space.

[hoosierhawk]

16 minutes ago, jameszeigler834 said:

Nelson is one player just cause the rest of the line sucked means nothing the rest of the line playing bad would make any good to great player look like a waste of space.

Not what he said. He said even the players that were mentioned (Nelson included) are underwhelming against good teams.

Edit: think I may have missed you point. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

When Luck retired it derailed the season in reality. You can't lose a top 5 QB in the league, go from that to a guy in JB who many had rated 20-25. That is a big drop off. I had us 8-8 before the season with JB at the helm so I am not too disappointed in this season (without Luck .500 was expected) as I am close to being right. When we got to 5-2 I got a little excited thinking JB was more like 15th or so in ranking. Just above average because his TD to INT ratio was great in those 7 but because of injuries and our SP teams, this season took a turn for the worse. 

 

Moving forward I am concerned about the team and think we should take a QB + a WR, and I would say 2 DT's to be on the safe side as maybe 1 will plan out.

[2006Coltsbestever]

16 minutes ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

When Luck retired it derailed the season in reality. You can't lose a top 5 QB in the league, go from that to a guy in JB who many had rated 20-25. That is a big drop off. I had us 8-8 before the season with JB at the helm so I am not too disappointed in this season (without Luck .500 was expected) as I am close to being right. When we got to 5-2 I got a little excited thinking JB was more like 15th or so in ranking. Just above average because his TD to INT ratio was great in those 7 but because of injuries and our SP teams, this season took a turn for the worse. 

 

Moving forward I am concerned about the team and think we should take a QB + a WR, and I would say 2 DT's to be on the safe side as maybe 1 will plan out.

To follow this up, I had 11-5 with Luck before the season started and had us in the AFC Title Game.

[DEColtsLover36]

7 hours ago, Defjamz26 said:

3. T.Y. Hilton is showing signs of age as his body seems to be breaking down more frequently, and it’s time to start thinking about life after TY once his contract is up

 

9. Colts should have moved on from Vinateiri early in the season.

These two things...

[DEColtsLover36]

20 minutes ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

When Luck retired it derailed the season in reality. You can't lose a top 5 QB in the league, go from that to a guy in JB who many had rated 20-25. That is a big drop off.

This ^^^^

[Two_pound]

I think that as the year went on the defense got fed up with Brissett's ridiculous qb play. Those 3 easy throws he missed on the first 3 possessions Monday night were killers. That saint secondary is not that good, that's why we had open receivers all over the field. I laugh at people who say this team is so devoid of talent, whether it is some national jacka or some disgruntled fan on a forum. Just average reliable qb play makes a huge difference. To criticize the oline that has been facing stacked defensive fronts all year(especially the last 8 games) is ridiculous. Right now even with Brissett we are way ahead of the steelers roster. The Bills are in the playoffs this year but their offense is putrid. The most interesting thing about this offseason will be what will be done at qb. If Brissett returns next season I don't think it matters who else in on the roster there will be no playoffs again next year. There are 2 qb's who could become available as free agents that I would take either one (Dalton or Foles) humongous upgrades over Brissett. But then again so would Chad Kelly and he is still on the 53.

[TDewar1987]

The season went down hill after Luck retired. Between Jacoby %ting the bed after the 5-2 start and Vinny missing kicks costing us games, it's not a huge surprise we are where we are. 

[aReggie7]

 

Needless to say this season has been a disappointment. I think most felt the Colts would make the playoffs and had a real shot to make a Super Bowl run this year and the next few years. Of course that changed when Luck retired.

 

Despite Luck retiring there was still hope/reason for optimism. As we have seen there is a considerable amount of work that needs done to improve the roster further.

 

I think it’s important to look back for some perspective though. From 2014-2016 one NFL team went 7-9, 7-9, and 7-9. As recently in June of 2017 Foxsports.com had an article saying that the coach of this team was on the hot seat.

 

In 2017, 2018, and now 2019 this same NFL team has won 11, 13, and currently at 11 wins.

 

What team is this?

 

 

 

The New Orleans Saints.

 

If you listen to 1070 you might have heard Rick Venturi talk this week about how great of a coach Sean Payton is and mention that Drew Brees should be in the conversation for the GOAT.

 

I don’t disagree with Venturi on either of those particular points. BUT it should be noted that nobody would dare say such things prior to 2017. Not after the three year run that team had from 2014-2016.

 

You know who else has played a key role in their recent success in New Orleans? Jeff Ireland. The former Dolphins GM. I think Dolphin fans hold Ireland in a similar regard that most Colts fans hold Ryan Grigson.

 

The Saints didn’t go out and sign all these great free agents that some think the Colts should sign every year. They have drafted really well though.

 

I look at the New Orleans situation and think back to a Bruce Arians quote which I have below.

 

“It’s a short elevator ride back to the s—house … all of a sudden, I’m the greatest damned coach in the world. I’ve been a sorry son of a + for 17, 18 years now. I mean, I ain’t changed just because we won a couple games.”

 

There is a lot of frustration with Ballard/Reich this season. This season has been a disappointment and with that will come heat on the decision makers. I don’t think all is doom and gloom with the Colts though. It might take a little more time than some expect though. 

 

When Ballard arrived this team needed major talent upgrade. There were probably 6 players that were locks to keep (Luck, Hilton, Doyle, Costanzo, Kelly, and Vinatieri) and that was about it. That’s not to say the 47 other players on the roster were trash but there really wasn’t many that were locks to start and keep around. Even if the Colts were keeping Pagano as coach the entire defense needed rebuilt.

 

Upgrading the talent remains a work-in-progress, imo. I think Ballard and his team have made progress but more work remains.

 

The task is even tougher since Luck retired and Jacoby has had the season he has. I’ll put it this way…if this was 2018 again they draft Sam Darnold and don’t trade back a spot. They are not going to force it though…they will draft someone at another position and continue to roll with JB if they don’t believe in the available QBs.

 

Even with such a disappointing year I’ve seen enough from the young players, particularly some of the guys the Colts drafted in 2018 and 2019, to believe in Chris Ballard and I still think that Frank Reich is the right coach for this team,

 

There are thing both Ballard and Reich can do better and there is no doubt 2020 is going to be an important spring for this team. I must say as a fan I have complete confidence in Ballard  and Reich despite the fact that I don’t think the Colts have a franchise QB. Which is really the opposite of just a few years ago where the Colts had a franchise QB in Luck but I didn’t have complete confidence in Grigson and Pagano.

 

 

[sb2001]

9 hours ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

When Luck retired it derailed the season in reality. You can't lose a top 5 QB in the league, go from that to a guy in JB who many had rated 20-25. That is a big drop off. I had us 8-8 before the season with JB at the helm so I am not too disappointed in this season (without Luck .500 was expected) as I am close to being right. When we got to 5-2 I got a little excited thinking JB was more like 15th or so in ranking. Just above average because his TD to INT ratio was great in those 7 but because of injuries and our SP teams, this season took a turn for the worse. 

 

Moving forward I am concerned about the team and think we should take a QB + a WR, and I would say 2 DT's to be on the safe side as maybe 1 will plan out.

I was shocked we were even in contention for the playoffs without Luck. I was very happy with how the season transpired. Though, it was a tough ending. 

[pacolts56]

Colts        41

Panthers 13
 

[Defjamz26]

20 hours ago, EastStreet said:

Nobody can predict injuries like Campbell suffered all year. It's been different things one after the other, and to a guy that wasn't know for injuries. It's not dropping the ball, just bad luck.

 

Campbell was more productive than McLauren two years in a row at OSU, and McLauren is a deep threat specialist too. JB doesn't do deep very well. Everybody would have likely gave McLauren the Cain treatment had we drafted him.

Injuries aside I still don’t think enough was done. They openly said that they thought Campbell was Raw and needed time, so who knows how much of an impact he would have had healthy. Funchess got hurt which isn’t on them. They still should have added another receiver at some point I feel.

 

20 hours ago, EastStreet said:

I think this is an over reaction. I think a rush threat at DT would make the machine run a lot better up front and in back. I also think Eberflus simply needs to be more creative in coverage and decrease all the soft zone stuff. We also aren't going to scare anyone with current personnel when we are one of the least blitzing teams in the league. And when we do blitz, it's almost always on 3rd.

 

I think in general we still lack talent on defense. The only high end players we have there are the LBs and Houston. Maybe Turray when healthy. Eberflus definitely gets some blame as far as it goes with the coverage aspect. But in general this isn’t a defense built to stop any team with a decent offense. Tannehill and Carr even dropped 30 on them. The offense (Jacoby) has put them in some bad spots at time but they still can’t seem to stop anyone. If Hill is healthy against us that score is different.

[EastStreet]

1 hour ago, Defjamz26 said:

Injuries aside I still don’t think enough was done. They openly said that they thought Campbell was Raw and needed time, so who knows how much of an impact he would have had healthy. Funchess got hurt which isn’t on them. They still should have added another receiver at some point I feel.

All OSU WRs are under developed due to the scheme they are in. McLauren was a little more advanced in route running, but lets be honest, he's a deep threat guy (was at OSU, and is now). 

 

The injuries to both big additions (Funch and Campbell) were just bad luck. I don't think they saw Campbell as an immediate impact, or really needed him to be with what they had. Honestly coming into the season, we looked great at WR. We had almost all of the #6 rated pass catching unit returning (minus Inman), plus two new upgrades at X and Slot.

 

To me, it comes down to JB struggles more than deficiencies at WR. Sure having a healthy Funch and Campbell would have been better, but we returned a lot of production even without those two. And all that production regressed (when healthy) with the exception of Pascal. And IMO, the only reason Pascal improved production, is simply because he became the first read on many plays. All the open pass catchers that don't get a look now, don't all of sudden get targets just because we bring in other WRs or TEs. Open is open regardless of who you are. And we've seen even our "stars" (Doyle, Ebron, Campbell) run wide open and get missed. 

 

1 hour ago, Defjamz26 said:

I think in general we still lack talent on defense. The only high end players we have there are the LBs and Houston. Maybe Turray when healthy. Eberflus definitely gets some blame as far as it goes with the coverage aspect. But in general this isn’t a defense built to stop any team with a decent offense. Tannehill and Carr even dropped 30 on them. The offense (Jacoby) has put them in some bad spots at time but they still can’t seem to stop anyone. If Hill is healthy against us that score is different.

I think Ballard wanted to upgrade as much as he could the first couple years, instead of just key areas, and he has. The roster (D) is much more solid than it was 3 years ago. That said, it's needs a few other key impact players to become formidable. IMO, a legit pass rush (DT preferably) can make the entire machine run better. Soft zones simply don't work well without a good rush. If we can grab a legit guy, I think that A) will open up our other DLs to be more successful (you can't double multiple threats), and B) the added pressure translates into quicker and lower quality passes from opponent QBs making it easier on our DBs. In addition, our O can't suck so bad that our D is constantly on the field. 

[shasta519]

1. Agree. I was fine with the transition strategy of grooming a rookie QB next year...but now...part of me doesn't even want JB to be here next year.

 

2. Hooker is solid overall...and I love the idea of him (a ball-hawking FS that makes huge plays). But he hasn't quited lived up to what I had hoped...and between injuries and inconsistent play...I don't know if I am good with him getting a big contract extension. I actually think Tell could take that spot in that defense...if they wanted to go that route. He has incredible range and athleticism...and good ball skills.

 

3. I wanted a Day Two WR in 2018...and I wanted a Day Two WR double-dip in last year's draft. This class is loaded with WR talent...so that's good. But going forward...this team needs to draft 2-3 more legit WRs...or draft 1-2 and acquire a good proven WR with other means. The discount approach to the position just hasn't worked (nor should it typically).

 

4.  I don't know if the defense is bad...but it's not great. They are currently #18 in DVOA. There are some very good/promising pieces on defense...but a lot of work to be done. My hope is that a good portion of this work is done in FA/trades...because I want to use draft assets to fix the offense.

 

5. I hope Rock takes some big leaps forward next year. But this is a position that I want to see addressed with proven talent. 

 

6. See #3. Ballard's approach to the WR position has not been good...and (predictably) has not yielded great results. If not for Hilton already being on this team...the collective group of WRs over the past three seasons would be in the running for the worst in the NFL over that time frame. Campbell was a step in the right direction...but I hope they are serious about investing in the position (after they invest in QB of course).

 

7. Eberflus gets a lot of the credit for the defense's success and failures. I think he would look much better if this team could get consistent pressure on the QB. But the young DL talent has been a mixed bag at best.

 

8. I don't mind giving one-year pillow contracts to players...however I do agree that Ballard needs to be more selective in who he re-signs. They can't re-sign everyone...and buying high on guys coming off their first good season is risky.

 

9. Yes...probably should have kept Badgley. I am fine with seeing what McLaughlin can do next year.

 

10. I actually think MLB is a need...unless they have designs on Okereke playing there. Giving a big contract extension to Anthony Walker is one of those examples where Ballard should be selective.

[The Oopty Oop]

I dont think there were many who truly believed we were a playoff team once Luck retired besides when we were wearing our colt fan blinders. We're chasing .500 which would be pretty accurate predictions to start the year. The thing I believe that has caused such panic around here is the fall from the top and the way everything collapsed in on us in such a short amount of time. I mean from #2 seed in AFC to out of the playoffs and being not even close. I mean wow it happened so fast.

[Four2itus]

23 hours ago, ar7 said:

 

Needless to say this season has been a disappointment. I think most felt the Colts would make the playoffs and had a real shot to make a Super Bowl run this year and the next few years. Of course that changed when Luck retired.

 

Despite Luck retiring there was still hope/reason for optimism. As we have seen there is a considerable amount of work that needs done to improve the roster further.

 

I think it’s important to look back for some perspective though. From 2014-2016 one NFL team went 7-9, 7-9, and 7-9. As recently in June of 2017 Foxsports.com had an article saying that the coach of this team was on the hot seat.

 

In 2017, 2018, and now 2019 this same NFL team has won 11, 13, and currently at 11 wins.

 

What team is this?

 

 

 

The New Orleans Saints.

 

If you listen to 1070 you might have heard Rick Venturi talk this week about how great of a coach Sean Payton is and mention that Drew Brees should be in the conversation for the GOAT.

 

I don’t disagree with Venturi on either of those particular points. BUT it should be noted that nobody would dare say such things prior to 2017. Not after the three year run that team had from 2014-2016.

 

You know who else has played a key role in their recent success in New Orleans? Jeff Ireland. The former Dolphins GM. I think Dolphin fans hold Ireland in a similar regard that most Colts fans hold Ryan Grigson.

 

The Saints didn’t go out and sign all these great free agents that some think the Colts should sign every year. They have drafted really well though.

 

I look at the New Orleans situation and think back to a Bruce Arians quote which I have below.

 

“It’s a short elevator ride back to the s—house … all of a sudden, I’m the greatest damned coach in the world. I’ve been a sorry son of a + for 17, 18 years now. I mean, I ain’t changed just because we won a couple games.”

 

There is a lot of frustration with Ballard/Reich this season. This season has been a disappointment and with that will come heat on the decision makers. I don’t think all is doom and gloom with the Colts though. It might take a little more time than some expect though. 

 

When Ballard arrived this team needed major talent upgrade. There were probably 6 players that were locks to keep (Luck, Hilton, Doyle, Costanzo, Kelly, and Vinatieri) and that was about it. That’s not to say the 47 other players on the roster were trash but there really wasn’t many that were locks to start and keep around. Even if the Colts were keeping Pagano as coach the entire defense needed rebuilt.

 

Upgrading the talent remains a work-in-progress, imo. I think Ballard and his team have made progress but more work remains.

 

The task is even tougher since Luck retired and Jacoby has had the season he has. I’ll put it this way…if this was 2018 again they draft Sam Darnold and don’t trade back a spot. They are not going to force it though…they will draft someone at another position and continue to roll with JB if they don’t believe in the available QBs.

 

Even with such a disappointing year I’ve seen enough from the young players, particularly some of the guys the Colts drafted in 2018 and 2019, to believe in Chris Ballard and I still think that Frank Reich is the right coach for this team,

 

There are thing both Ballard and Reich can do better and there is no doubt 2020 is going to be an important spring for this team. I must say as a fan I have complete confidence in Ballard  and Reich despite the fact that I don’t think the Colts have a franchise QB. Which is really the opposite of just a few years ago where the Colts had a franchise QB in Luck but I didn’t have complete confidence in Grigson and Pagano.

 

 

Post of the week. 

[Freenyfan102]

This season is felt like the incoming presentation of Rise of Skywalker. In the beginning a lot of hype and cant wait to see it since it looked so good. Then leaks started happening and hoping they weren't true. Then the movies come out and all that fears of hoping the leaks were a lie ends up being right all along.  Making one big disappointment and wishing you didn't waste you money on it. Like tickets to the Dolphins game this year.