Chris Ballard talks with DD

[NannyMcafee]

 

I didnt see this posted. I honestly thought this was an old video for a minute. 

 

"No Andrew won't be back next year"

[EastStreet]

i put this in the other thread...

 

DD was actually on good behavior with Ballard.

I wasn't going to listen, but started it, and didn't stop....

 

Most of the notes

 

-Never asked Luck if he wanted to come back. Luck would tell him.
-Have rights to Luck, don't know if they can trade them.
-QB driven league, but it's not only about the QB. Have faith in Frank....
-Can't talk about specific guys that may be under consideration for trades.
-Is functional good enough for QB? You love to have dynamic more than functional, but those guys don't grown on trees.
-Won't move up just to make folks happy
-It'll work out over time... Won't operate out of desperation
-No sense ever that Luck was going to leave
-What happened between the PB and retirement (how did the injury happen)... wouldn't answer...
-We like TY, we'll work through process. It'll depend on the market. We'll see if it works out.
-Thought they'd get two years from PR. 
-PR figured out he didn't need to be the hero to win
-Don't judge the off season. Judge after the season.
-On coaching mistakes in the Buffalo game. Expected a different look on the 4th down call. 
-Blamed the D a bit... went on and on about odds/analytics. Admitted though it's about feel/gut too. So really just sat on the fence...
-Would rather have fans complain than apathetic.
-Not worried about losing fans while approaching year 5
-A lot of good young players 26 or younger.
-Not in the "window" yet
-He and Frank take the blame.
-DD - Bobby Knight took the blame. Sampson blamed players.
-4 very good OL. Smith is underrated. Will find the "right position" for all 4. We'll find a way to get our best 5 on the field, in the best positions. 
-On Q at LT. He's the best in the league at LG. Are you weakening 2 spots or better overall?
-On nonsense at LT. Moving to another side is like golfing with your opposite hand. Some can do it.
-Wilson is dynamic.
-He likes WRs (general). Like Pittman a lot. Getting PC back will be huge. Tough kid. Pascal is underrated and will be back. Does the dirty work.
-Always want to add weapons.
-Hines, Taylor, and PC do it with speed. Pittman will do it with strength.
-Expectations were unrealistic to start (Taylor). Had to get used to starting out of the gun.
-Nobody is giving out FA deals this early. Got to put a value on every deal and not get caught up in the emotion. 
-DD made fun of CB for coach speak
-We like JB, he'll be in the mix for both starting and backup. Have to let it playout. 
-On the QB market.. there is no middle. It's either 35M or rook. The middle is disappearing.
-Don't know what Eason is, but they like what they've seen so far.. DD made fun of him for not knowing lol.. 
-Don't have the combine figured out yet.
-Need more work on the pass rush. 
-Been with Houston for many years. It's going to come down to market.
-Cap not figured out yet, but everyone will be under restraints.
-Have not won the division yet. Have to beat TN first, but have their eyes on KC.
-Jax is going to get better quickly.
-All QBs get to a point where it's not pretty and they struggle. They need to be able to handle that and rebound.
-The locker room is good and can handle outlier players.

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

Its up on YouTube. I love listening to Ballard. He is a hoot.  

[Nate!]

“We like JB, he'll be in the mix for both starting and backup. Have to let it playout. ”

disheartening to see.  JB starter next year would be a gut punch

[NewColtsFan]

4 minutes ago, Nate! said:

“We like JB, he'll be in the mix for both starting and backup. Have to let it playout. ”

disheartening to see.  JB starter next year would be a gut punch

Disheartening?

 

You expected the General Manager to public ally say Brissett is only being considered for the backup job and not as a starter?   Really?

 

Does Ballard strike you as a GM who would do that?    That’s not his way.  He’d never do that. 

[Superman]

My notes on the Chris Ballard conversation.

 

1) No trade today for Carson Wentz, still exploring all avenues. He's under contract so can't really talk about it anyway.

2) He talks to Luck, but never asks him to come back because if he wanted to come back he'd say so. No response to the Luck for Watson trade idea. Colts retain his rights forever. No meeting between Luck and Irsay. Shut this down.

3) Level of concern about the QB position: Know how important the position is, the league is driven by QB, need a team around him, will "look at every avenue to have a guy who is functional, and can produce at a winning level." Not panicking about the QB position, despite the noise from fans and media.

4) About "functional", how do you beat good teams with good QBs -- would like to have dynamic at the position; knows you have to do whatever it takes to get your guy, but 'you can't move up for the wrong guy, and the miss rate is a lot higher than the hit rate, so not moving up to take one to make everybody happy in the moment, has to have conviction and belief that it will work out over time; fine line between aggressive and desperate, not going to operation in a desperation world'

5) Are they desperate? The greats (Jackson/Mahomes) are rare, but you can win with good/not special QB play. 

6) In 2018, they had Luck, no sense he was leaving, QB wasn't in play when they were at #3/#6. Dakich pushing on the Luck injury. Ballard laughs it off. (annoying)

7) Working through Hilton, like him, think he can still play a significant role, praises him on/off field, market dependent, no answer.

8) "Is Andrew Luck going to be the QB next year?" "No." (again, shut this down.)

9) How is this a SB roster? There's work to do, a lot of good players under 26 -- AC retired, Rivers retired (they hoped for two years, but proud of him; I said after Ballard's last interview that it sounded like they would have him back), have a lot of talent, not a SB team bc too many questions, but there's time between now and the start of the season; pushes back about judging things before the season is done because no one knows until they play, evaluate at the end of the season, the rest doesn't matter and doesn't influence their thinking; he's trolling draft pundits about draft grades

10) Mistakes in the Buffalo game/coaching? No different than making a mistake in the draft, game wasn't perfect, responding to the criticism on the 3rd/4th down calls, they feel good about sticking to the numbers, they know they need to score, not a believer in momentum; 'if we stop them and don't let them go 95 yards, are we looking at it differently? end of the day we didn't execute'

11) How much does odds/analytics override gut/feel? Depends on the game, Reich doesn't always go for it based on the card; nobody griped about the TN game when they were 5/6 on 4th down; missed on the 4th down but it worked out -- wasn't about momentum -- every game is different, when you make it you're a hero, not shying away or making excuses (Reich)

12) Criticism doesn't bother him because he would rather have a fan base that cares and wants to win, he's embarrassingly intense in the box during games; apathy means nobody cares

13) Doesn't worry about potential apathy for the team now, because they have good players -- lists a lot of them, including the young ones -- 'not in our window,' it might be cracking, still have work to do but have a good young team, confident; accepts responsibility for the mistakes but proud of what they've done well, hard league to win in

14) What to do at LT -- four good OL, by camp they'll find the right position for all of them to play (with a wink), Smith/Nelson in play at LT? they'll get the best five on the field in the right positions; both tackle positions are critical, interior guys have to be able to pass pro; Nelson at LT -- do it make your team better to move him from LG, and can he play good enough at LT to make it worth it -- DD "are you weakening two spots?"; Smith going to LT is tough, can be done, but who are you playing at RT? "It's all on the table." 

15) Good QB draft/free agent market? "Good QB draft, yup." "Wilson is pretty dynamic. He's pretty dynamic." "Anytime a QB hits FA, its for a reason. Anytime a QB gets traded, it's for a reason." Doesn't mean they can't play, but the great ones don't move. (Can't talk about Deshaun Watson, but it would be nice to get him out of the division.) Praised Ryan Tannehill.

16) FA/draft market is good for WR, draft as good as last year; wants weapons who can score TDs, but likes our young guys, praises Pittman, and his momentum as the season closed; talks up Parris Campbell, still believes in him, mental toughness to overcome the injuries/bad luck/tough situations; Pascal underappreciated, does the dirty work; always want to add weapons

17) Consciously wants to get faster, never fast enough; has some speed on the team (again includes Campbell); talks about big plays from Taylor, huge eyerolls from Ballard, gets testy about the response to Taylor -- no camp, rookie, coming from the gun, etc., he played good early, unique at the end of the season; anticipates re-signing Pascal

18) What's the position priority list? DD mentions QB/LT, Ballard says yes (why not let him answer the question???), DD just keeps talking; always talking to GMs about players; put a value on a player, don't get caught up in the moment, reality hits when he has to play football, if the deal works great

19) Jacoby Brissett -- like him, he'll be in the mix to sign/play, let it play out; no QB competition; (called JB $15m/year), no mid level QB pay anymore, either rookie contract or $35m/year; JB deserved it and they don't regret it, but Rivers was a unique opportunity for a HOF player, they still like JB and he's not gone

20) Eason -- don't know what he is (DD cuts him off to talk and ask a marathon question...) 'he's a big talented kid who can throw, he works,' is he tough? don't know without seeing him play, thought he was tough in college but can't tell yet; questions to be answered, but like what they see so far; he'll be in the mix

21) Interesting to see what they do as a league about preseason

22) Justin Houston, comes down to market, would love to have everybody back, doesn't know the cap, will put restraints on everybody in the league

23) Where are they? Haven't won a division title yet, gotta catch TN, but they have their eye on KC also, building accordingly, beliefs about how to build, but knows who they have to match up against; mentions Meyer/Jax and being highly competitive

24) More about Tannehill, every QB struggles, gotta have something internally that allows them to handle failure; why they scout every player so hard so they can make decisions about who they might want to acquire; "Draft Day" outlier situation, but the point of finding out about a player is a real thing

25) Locker room can handle anybody who comes in, 'it's freakin good,' praises Buckner, his addition was big; great to see a vet come in and the impact it had on others (more and more players started coming in early); they're looking at Ballard also to see how they handle the QB situation because they want to win, the players know if a guy deserved the money or not, and when you go against that they'll call you out; Quenton Nelson will speak up; at the core of the locker room they still have to be together, play for one another, hold one another accountable

26) "ANDREW LUCK IS RETIRED. HE'S RETIRED." 

 

 

@stitches@NewColtsFan

[NewColtsFan]

12 minutes ago, Superman said:

My notes on the Chris Ballard conversation.

 

1) No trade today for Carson Wentz, still exploring all avenues. He's under contract so can't really talk about it anyway.

2) He talks to Luck, but never asks him to come back because if he wanted to come back he'd say so. No response to the Luck for Watson trade idea. Colts retain his rights forever. No meeting between Luck and Irsay. Shut this down.

3) Level of concern about the QB position: Know how important the position is, the league is driven by QB, need a team around him, will "look at every avenue to have a guy who is functional, and can produce at a winning level." Not panicking about the QB position, despite the noise from fans and media.

4) About "functional", how do you beat good teams with good QBs -- would like to have dynamic at the position; knows you have to do whatever it takes to get your guy, but 'you can't move up for the wrong guy, and the miss rate is a lot higher than the hit rate, so not moving up to take one to make everybody happy in the moment, has to have conviction and belief that it will work out over time; fine line between aggressive and desperate, not going to operation in a desperation world'

5) Are they desperate? The greats (Jackson/Mahomes) are rare, but you can win with good/not special QB play. 

6) In 2018, they had Luck, no sense he was leaving, QB wasn't in play when they were at #3/#6. Dakich pushing on the Luck injury. Ballard laughs it off. (annoying)

7) Working through Hilton, like him, think he can still play a significant role, praises him on/off field, market dependent, no answer.

8) "Is Andrew Luck going to be the QB next year?" "No." (again, shut this down.)

9) How is this a SB roster? There's work to do, a lot of good players under 26 -- AC retired, Rivers retired (they hoped for two years, but proud of him; I said after Ballard's last interview that it sounded like they would have him back), have a lot of talent, not a SB team bc too many questions, but there's time between now and the start of the season; pushes back about judging things before the season is done because no one knows until they play, evaluate at the end of the season, the rest doesn't matter and doesn't influence their thinking; he's trolling draft pundits about draft grades

10) Mistakes in the Buffalo game/coaching? No different than making a mistake in the draft, game wasn't perfect, responding to the criticism on the 3rd/4th down calls, they feel good about sticking to the numbers, they know they need to score, not a believer in momentum; 'if we stop them and don't let them go 95 yards, are we looking at it differently? end of the day we didn't execute'

11) How much does odds/analytics override gut/feel? Depends on the game, Reich doesn't always go for it based on the card; nobody griped about the TN game when they were 5/6 on 4th down; missed on the 4th down but it worked out -- wasn't about momentum -- every game is different, when you make it you're a hero, not shying away or making excuses (Reich)

12) Criticism doesn't bother him because he would rather have a fan base that cares and wants to win, he's embarrassingly intense in the box during games; apathy means nobody cares

13) Doesn't worry about potential apathy for the team now, because they have good players -- lists a lot of them, including the young ones -- 'not in our window,' it might be cracking, still have work to do but have a good young team, confident; accepts responsibility for the mistakes but proud of what they've done well, hard league to win in

14) What to do at LT -- four good OL, by camp they'll find the right position for all of them to play (with a wink), Smith/Nelson in play at LT? they'll get the best five on the field in the right positions; both tackle positions are critical, interior guys have to be able to pass pro; Nelson at LT -- do it make your team better to move him from LG, and can he play good enough at LT to make it worth it -- DD "are you weakening two spots?"; Smith going to LT is tough, can be done, but who are you playing at RT? "It's all on the table." 

15) Good QB draft/free agent market? "Good QB draft, yup." "Wilson is pretty dynamic. He's pretty dynamic." "Anytime a QB hits FA, its for a reason. Anytime a QB gets traded, it's for a reason." Doesn't mean they can't play, but the great ones don't move. (Can't talk about Deshaun Watson, but it would be nice to get him out of the division.) Praised Ryan Tannehill.

16) FA/draft market is good for WR, draft as good as last year; wants weapons who can score TDs, but likes our young guys, praises Pittman, and his momentum as the season closed; talks up Parris Campbell, still believes in him, mental toughness to overcome the injuries/bad luck/tough situations; Pascal underappreciated, does the dirty work; always want to add weapons

17) Consciously wants to get faster, never fast enough; has some speed on the team (again includes Campbell); talks about big plays from Taylor, huge eyerolls from Ballard, gets testy about the response to Taylor -- no camp, rookie, coming from the gun, etc., he played good early, unique at the end of the season; anticipates re-signing Pascal

18) What's the position priority list? DD mentions QB/LT, Ballard says yes (why not let him answer the question???), DD just keeps talking; always talking to GMs about players; put a value on a player, don't get caught up in the moment, reality hits when he has to play football, if the deal works great

19) Jacoby Brissett -- like him, he'll be in the mix to sign/play, let it play out; no QB competition; (called JB $15m/year), no mid level QB pay anymore, either rookie contract or $35m/year; JB deserved it and they don't regret it, but Rivers was a unique opportunity for a HOF player, they still like JB and he's not gone

20) Eason -- don't know what he is (DD cuts him off to talk and ask a marathon question...) 'he's a big talented kid who can throw, he works,' is he tough? don't know without seeing him play, thought he was tough in college but can't tell yet; questions to be answered, but like what they see so far; he'll be in the mix

21) Interesting to see what they do as a league about preseason

22) Justin Houston, comes down to market, would love to have everybody back, doesn't know the cap, will put restraints on everybody in the league

23) Where are they? Haven't won a division title yet, gotta catch TN, but they have their eye on KC also, building accordingly, beliefs about how to build, but knows who they have to match up against; mentions Meyer/Jax and being highly competitive

24) More about Tannehill, every QB struggles, gotta have something internally that allows them to handle failure; why they scout every player so hard so they can make decisions about who they might want to acquire; "Draft Day" outlier situation, but the point of finding out about a player is a real thing

25) Locker room can handle anybody who comes in, 'it's freakin good,' praises Buckner, his addition was big; great to see a vet come in and the impact it had on others (more and more players started coming in early); they're looking at Ballard also to see how they handle the QB situation because they want to win, the players know if a guy deserved the money or not, and when you go against that they'll call you out; Quenton Nelson will speak up; at the core of the locker room they still have to be together, play for one another, hold one another accountable

26) "ANDREW LUCK IS RETIRED. HE'S RETIRED." 

 

 

@stitches@NewColtsFan

Many, many thanks to you and @Eaststreet for doing this. 

[csmopar]

33 minutes ago, Superman said:

 

26) "ANDREW LUCK IS RETIRED. HE'S RETIRED." 

 

 

@stitches@NewColtsFan

Thank God!! Hopefully that puts the final nail in the coffin of any of the luck is coming back talk. Good riddance 

[Smoke317]

Noticed that he did say they'd prefer "dynamic" over just functional.  Later categorized Wilson (Only draft eligible QB Dakich mentioned) as "dynamic".  I'm glad Dakich didn't ask about Fields because I'm now hoping he falls to a range that we can go up and get him.  I did look to study his reaction when Dakich asked him about Justin... Houston.  I wish Dakich had paused a little after the first name.  Great poker face from Ballard.  I couldn't pick up any tells or clues.  .  

[coltsfeva]

  Ballard is impressive. I don’t think there’s many teams (there are some), that have the collaborative effort and prudence that the Colts have.

  The bright spot for me was when he said there’s no trades today (eliminating a Wentz deal, at least for now).
 I don’t want Wentz; he does have talent and the team Howie Roseman put around him is crap but I’m not sure he is mentally tough enough. 
   He also emphasized that there is time to get some things done. But there’s a good core here: the names he rambled off were all good young players .

 

[Smoke317]

I wouldn’t be shocked to see Ballard sit back and let all the other QB needy teams chase the early retreads while he waits until closer to draft time.  Darnold (I’m not a fan) is probably the cheapest and least risky option out of the retreads.  Why rush in and give up significant draft capital for guys who have pretty much reached their ceilings and are declining or have flaws that limit how far they can realistically carry us?  Better to wait until draft day or until the Jets definitively put out what they intend to do with Darnold and the #2 pick?  
 

Worst case scenario you trade for a guy like Foles or bring back Jacoby and let Eason play the backup.  If Eason can’t beat out Foles or Brisset then he isn’t the answer yet.  Regardless, he’d probably have a good chance of seeing the field with either ahead of him on the depth chart because either would eventually struggle.  
 

Plus, even if we draft a QB like Fields, Wilson, Lance, or Jones; a veteran like Brisset or Foles could be a great mentor (or bridge if you wanted to go the Smith-Mahomes route).  They have a head start on the playbook and would both probably be great helpers in the QB room.  You could also go the Lamar Jackson route.  Start the old vet and let the rookie watch & learn.  But if you see an opening to bring in the rookie to spark a playoff run you can insert them mid season.  
 

I hope to hear that the Bears signed Wentz this weekend. And then the Texans trade Watson to the NFC (49ers would be my guess for Jimmy G because of his past Patriot ties) not long after the Super Bowl.  That would start to get some of our draft competition for QB out of the way.  Part of me thinks Wentz’s team is leaking info “like the Bears are close to signing him” trying to get the Colts to jump in and trade for him.  Please Bears trade for Wentz before Frank convinces Ballard to get him.  We need to wait it out. We’ve got time.

[superrep1967]

4 hours ago, Nate! said:

“We like JB, he'll be in the mix for both starting and backup. Have to let it playout. ”

disheartening to see.  JB starter next year would be a gut punch

Yeah I caught that to we need to move on from Brissett I mean he has been the starter on this team for two different seasons and both have losing seasons so let's move on. 

[EastStreet]

2 hours ago, Smoke317 said:

I wouldn’t be shocked to see Ballard sit back and let all the other QB needy teams chase the early retreads while he waits until closer to draft time.  Darnold (I’m not a fan) is probably the cheapest and least risky option out of the retreads.  Why rush in and give up significant draft capital for guys who have pretty much reached their ceilings and are declining or have flaws that limit how far they can realistically carry us?  Better to wait until draft day or until the Jets definitively put out what they intend to do with Darnold and the #2 pick?  

That would flow with some of the comments he made. He said that at this time (early) no teams are giving blue light specials out, you have to set your value limit, can't be desperate or act out of emotion... 

 

I just hope his value on Wentz is lower than some think Reich's might be.

2 hours ago, Smoke317 said:

Worst case scenario you trade for a guy like Foles or bring back Jacoby and let Eason play the backup.  If Eason can’t beat out Foles or Brisset then he isn’t the answer yet.  Regardless, he’d probably have a good chance of seeing the field with either ahead of him on the depth chart because either would eventually struggle.  

I know CB said Brissett would be in the mix, but I really hope he was just spitting coach speak. He knows exactly what JB brings, and we've seen it twice. No need for part 3. 

 

I don't mind a sink or swim year (letting Eason start and letting him excel or tank), but I just don't see that happening. I think either a FA, trade, or draft move will happen. Might not be a slam dunk FA or trade, but someone who they see as a good, but value reclamation gamble that might turn out to be long term (like Darnold), or later FA or trade when teams get more pliable to deal (like Carr).

2 hours ago, Smoke317 said:

Plus, even if we draft a QB like Fields, Wilson, Lance, or Jones; a veteran like Brisset or Foles could be a great mentor (or bridge if you wanted to go the Smith-Mahomes route).  They have a head start on the playbook and would both probably be great helpers in the QB room.  You could also go the Lamar Jackson route.  Start the old vet and let the rookie watch & learn.  But if you see an opening to bring in the rookie to spark a playoff run you can insert them mid season.

You want a mentor that models polished aspects. Neither Brissett or Foles really does that. Smith was a more experienced guy. Foles and Brissett have clear gaps and blind spots that are critical to mentorship. 

2 hours ago, Smoke317 said:

I hope to hear that the Bears signed Wentz this weekend. And then the Texans trade Watson to the NFC (49ers would be my guess for Jimmy G because of his past Patriot ties) not long after the Super Bowl.  That would start to get some of our draft competition for QB out of the way.  Part of me thinks Wentz’s team is leaking info “like the Bears are close to signing him” trying to get the Colts to jump in and trade for him.  Please Bears trade for Wentz before Frank convinces Ballard to get him.  We need to wait it out. We’ve got time.

I want Watson to go to a bad franchise like NYJ... SF is a good franchise that would immediately be contenders, if not favs for the SB. Jets haven't been able to get out of their way for a long, long time. 

 

I doubt Sirianni would play the misinformation game with Reich and Ballard. That burns a bridge and is not a play that a new HC uses on his mentors. If that happened, the story would matriculate around the league and Sirianni would get his first bad rep before he even coached a game.

[Smoke317]

So who would you view as better potential mentors for a Fields or Wilson if we drafted one?  I said Brisset or Foles because they both know the playbook and could easily be supplanted mid season.  I think both could teach the youngsters how to be great professionals and teammates. I expect the majority of educational growth would come from Reich & Brady.  Still I would like to hear some potential others?  Fitzpatrick?  He’s definitely smart enough. 
 

Also I don’t want Watson going to the Jets (or Dolphins) at all.  If that happens, Lawrence & either Fields or Wilson will be coming to the AFC South.  That’s a scary thought.  If 2 of the drafts top prospects are coming to the division, I hope 1 of them is coming to the Colts.  Let Watson go to the NFC and have to battle with Seattle, Arizona, & the Rams 6 times a year. We’d only have to see him once every 4 years and potentially in the Super Bowl. 
 

And when I said Wentz’ team I wasn’t referring to Sirianni & the Eagles (though I wouldn’t put it past Roseman to try to get the most he can for Wentz via misinformation or any other means necessary).  I was referring to Wentz’ agent.  They had no problem coming out towards the end of the season saying he wanted out of there.  As soon as Sirianni comes in and doesn’t declare that it’s Wentz’ team, another report immediately came out reiterating that he no longer wants to be there.  I can see his agent and the Eagles leaking things independent of each other in an effort to each get what they want.

[Smonroe]

Great summary @EastStreet and @Superman!  Much appreciated.  
 

The more I think about it, the more I think Jameis could work with Reich coaching him.  

[NewColtsFan]

9 hours ago, csmopar said:

Thank God!! Hopefully that puts the final nail in the coffin of any of the luck is coming back talk. Good riddance 

I was with you right up to Good Riddance.  I don’t know why posters think that kind of comment is necessary or appropriate?   But you do.   Go figure? 

[indykmj]

Worst thing that ever happened to CB is being in CHIC when they went to the SB with 

Grossman at QB. It skewed his perspective on what it takes to get there and win it.

 

I still don't think he quite gets the level of importance that dynamic QB plays in

getting to that level.

 

STRICTLY my opinion. But one I've held ever since he made the initial statement when 

hired that (essentially, I forget the exact wording) 'the QB is just one position', etc. 

 

And yes CB, we get that you don't just trade up and get one to do it and make fans 

happy. Enough with the nonsense straw man arguement....  

[Nickster]

11 hours ago, Nate! said:

“We like JB, he'll be in the mix for both starting and backup. Have to let it playout. ”

disheartening to see.  JB starter next year would be a gut punch

I pledge not to watch that.

[Rally5]

11 hours ago, Superman said:

My notes on the Chris Ballard conversation.

 

1) No trade today for Carson Wentz, still exploring all avenues. He's under contract so can't really talk about it anyway.

2) He talks to Luck, but never asks him to come back because if he wanted to come back he'd say so. No response to the Luck for Watson trade idea. Colts retain his rights forever. No meeting between Luck and Irsay. Shut this down.

3) Level of concern about the QB position: Know how important the position is, the league is driven by QB, need a team around him, will "look at every avenue to have a guy who is functional, and can produce at a winning level." Not panicking about the QB position, despite the noise from fans and media.

4) About "functional", how do you beat good teams with good QBs -- would like to have dynamic at the position; knows you have to do whatever it takes to get your guy, but 'you can't move up for the wrong guy, and the miss rate is a lot higher than the hit rate, so not moving up to take one to make everybody happy in the moment, has to have conviction and belief that it will work out over time; fine line between aggressive and desperate, not going to operation in a desperation world'

5) Are they desperate? The greats (Jackson/Mahomes) are rare, but you can win with good/not special QB play. 

6) In 2018, they had Luck, no sense he was leaving, QB wasn't in play when they were at #3/#6. Dakich pushing on the Luck injury. Ballard laughs it off. (annoying)

7) Working through Hilton, like him, think he can still play a significant role, praises him on/off field, market dependent, no answer.

8) "Is Andrew Luck going to be the QB next year?" "No." (again, shut this down.)

9) How is this a SB roster? There's work to do, a lot of good players under 26 -- AC retired, Rivers retired (they hoped for two years, but proud of him; I said after Ballard's last interview that it sounded like they would have him back), have a lot of talent, not a SB team bc too many questions, but there's time between now and the start of the season; pushes back about judging things before the season is done because no one knows until they play, evaluate at the end of the season, the rest doesn't matter and doesn't influence their thinking; he's trolling draft pundits about draft grades

10) Mistakes in the Buffalo game/coaching? No different than making a mistake in the draft, game wasn't perfect, responding to the criticism on the 3rd/4th down calls, they feel good about sticking to the numbers, they know they need to score, not a believer in momentum; 'if we stop them and don't let them go 95 yards, are we looking at it differently? end of the day we didn't execute'

11) How much does odds/analytics override gut/feel? Depends on the game, Reich doesn't always go for it based on the card; nobody griped about the TN game when they were 5/6 on 4th down; missed on the 4th down but it worked out -- wasn't about momentum -- every game is different, when you make it you're a hero, not shying away or making excuses (Reich)

12) Criticism doesn't bother him because he would rather have a fan base that cares and wants to win, he's embarrassingly intense in the box during games; apathy means nobody cares

13) Doesn't worry about potential apathy for the team now, because they have good players -- lists a lot of them, including the young ones -- 'not in our window,' it might be cracking, still have work to do but have a good young team, confident; accepts responsibility for the mistakes but proud of what they've done well, hard league to win in

14) What to do at LT -- four good OL, by camp they'll find the right position for all of them to play (with a wink), Smith/Nelson in play at LT? they'll get the best five on the field in the right positions; both tackle positions are critical, interior guys have to be able to pass pro; Nelson at LT -- do it make your team better to move him from LG, and can he play good enough at LT to make it worth it -- DD "are you weakening two spots?"; Smith going to LT is tough, can be done, but who are you playing at RT? "It's all on the table." 

15) Good QB draft/free agent market? "Good QB draft, yup." "Wilson is pretty dynamic. He's pretty dynamic." "Anytime a QB hits FA, its for a reason. Anytime a QB gets traded, it's for a reason." Doesn't mean they can't play, but the great ones don't move. (Can't talk about Deshaun Watson, but it would be nice to get him out of the division.) Praised Ryan Tannehill.

16) FA/draft market is good for WR, draft as good as last year; wants weapons who can score TDs, but likes our young guys, praises Pittman, and his momentum as the season closed; talks up Parris Campbell, still believes in him, mental toughness to overcome the injuries/bad luck/tough situations; Pascal underappreciated, does the dirty work; always want to add weapons

17) Consciously wants to get faster, never fast enough; has some speed on the team (again includes Campbell); talks about big plays from Taylor, huge eyerolls from Ballard, gets testy about the response to Taylor -- no camp, rookie, coming from the gun, etc., he played good early, unique at the end of the season; anticipates re-signing Pascal

18) What's the position priority list? DD mentions QB/LT, Ballard says yes (why not let him answer the question???), DD just keeps talking; always talking to GMs about players; put a value on a player, don't get caught up in the moment, reality hits when he has to play football, if the deal works great

19) Jacoby Brissett -- like him, he'll be in the mix to sign/play, let it play out; no QB competition; (called JB $15m/year), no mid level QB pay anymore, either rookie contract or $35m/year; JB deserved it and they don't regret it, but Rivers was a unique opportunity for a HOF player, they still like JB and he's not gone

20) Eason -- don't know what he is (DD cuts him off to talk and ask a marathon question...) 'he's a big talented kid who can throw, he works,' is he tough? don't know without seeing him play, thought he was tough in college but can't tell yet; questions to be answered, but like what they see so far; he'll be in the mix

21) Interesting to see what they do as a league about preseason

22) Justin Houston, comes down to market, would love to have everybody back, doesn't know the cap, will put restraints on everybody in the league

23) Where are they? Haven't won a division title yet, gotta catch TN, but they have their eye on KC also, building accordingly, beliefs about how to build, but knows who they have to match up against; mentions Meyer/Jax and being highly competitive

24) More about Tannehill, every QB struggles, gotta have something internally that allows them to handle failure; why they scout every player so hard so they can make decisions about who they might want to acquire; "Draft Day" outlier situation, but the point of finding out about a player is a real thing

25) Locker room can handle anybody who comes in, 'it's freakin good,' praises Buckner, his addition was big; great to see a vet come in and the impact it had on others (more and more players started coming in early); they're looking at Ballard also to see how they handle the QB situation because they want to win, the players know if a guy deserved the money or not, and when you go against that they'll call you out; Quenton Nelson will speak up; at the core of the locker room they still have to be together, play for one another, hold one another accountable

26) "ANDREW LUCK IS RETIRED. HE'S RETIRED." 

 

 

@stitches@NewColtsFan

Here's what I heard, reading into the nuance of what he said.  They are 100% in the mix for Wentz.  Every option explored, can't discuss it, solving the QB opening is job #1.  Players are watching, the guys have a taste and want to win now.  They know we need a QB and I'm expected to handle it mentality.  He doesn't know if Eason has it between the ears, he has all the physical traits but isn't willing to bet the season it.  Watson isn't coming to Indy, the price tag is too high, every player has a value and Texans wouldn't do that deal anyway.  Darnold is in the mental abyss.  Our QB option for 2021 based on that interview are Wentz and Brissett at the moment. Eason can only get into the conversation if and when he proves it on the field of play.   Pascal will be a Colt, Nelson likely your LT and I expect Justin Houston to be resigned based on their time together but he needs to see a QB who can win in Indy, dude wants to win at this point in his career.  Fingers crossed on a reasonable deal for TY.  Fantastic interview, Dan is a tool, bit of a dope, but has balls to ask tough but fair questions.

[jskinnz]

56 minutes ago, indykmj said:

Worst thing that ever happened to CB is being in CHIC when they went to the SB with 

Grossman at QB. It skewed his perspective on what it takes to get there and win it.

 

I still don't think he quite gets the level of importance that dynamic QB plays in

getting to that level.

 

STRICTLY my opinion. But one I've held ever since he made the initial statement when 

hired that (essentially, I forget the exact wording) 'the QB is just one position', etc. 

 

And yes CB, we get that you don't just trade up and get one to do it and make fans 

happy. Enough with the nonsense straw man arguement....  

 

Dear God. What nonsense. 
 

[The Peytonator]

His point about there not being a middle when it comes to QB play leads me to believe JB is less ‘in the mix’ for being a starter than he’s saying. JB’s market has surely gone down from the $21M he made this year but he is the textbook definition of ‘middling’, and honestly I’d prefer to swing for the fences rather than drawing a walk with the QB position. Totally cool with him coming back in a backup role if the pay is closer to a Mariota/Dalton level salary. 
 

Also please don’t trade for Wentz for the love of God. 

[NannyMcafee]

20 minutes ago, The Peytonator said:

His point about there not being a middle when it comes to QB play leads me to believe JB is less ‘in the mix’ for being a starter than he’s saying. JB’s market has surely gone down from the $21M he made this year but he is the textbook definition of ‘middling’, and honestly I’d prefer to swing for the fences rather than drawing a walk with the QB position. Totally cool with him coming back in a backup role if the pay is closer to a Mariota/Dalton level salary. 
 

Also please don’t trade for Wentz for the love of God. 

 

I found it interesting that he said the players know when a guy deserves to be here and if they deserve the money being paid. 

 

Does Wentz deserve those things?

[AKB]

12 hours ago, Nate! said:

“We like JB, he'll be in the mix for both starting and backup. Have to let it playout. ”

disheartening to see.  JB starter next year would be a gut punch

told ya. 

[csmopar]

2 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:

I was with you right up to Good Riddance.  I don’t know why posters think that kind of comment is necessary or appropriate?   But you do.   Go figure? 

What? How is saying Good Riddance to a bunch of unsubstantiated, false hope driving rumors inappropriate?

[DougDew]

If CB doesn't think our window is open yet, only cracked, then he is not going to trade a lot of capital for a QB, and will lose out to any team who is looking at their window being open now.  Like maybe the Bears.   

 

[DougDew]

4 hours ago, Smoke317 said:

And when I said Wentz’ team I wasn’t referring to Sirianni & the Eagles (though I wouldn’t put it past Roseman to try to get the most he can for Wentz via misinformation or any other means necessary).  I was referring to Wentz’ agent.  They had no problem coming out towards the end of the season saying he wanted out of there.  As soon as Sirianni comes in and doesn’t declare that it’s Wentz’ team, another report immediately came out reiterating that he no longer wants to be there.  I can see his agent and the Eagles leaking things independent of each other in an effort to each get what they want.

No, that has nothing to do with it.  If he has been saying that he wants out, he has been saying it despite who the coach is.  He knows that the coach did not make the unprecedented decision to draft a QB in the second round after coming back from a knee and playing a 93 QBR season.  And the organization/area appears dysfunctional and fraught with perpetual controversy, not all of it rooted in sincerity.  Pretty smart kid with high fortitude to consistently see through all of the smoke and wants to get out.  

[jvan1973]

13 minutes ago, DougDew said:

No, that has nothing to do with it.  If he has been saying that he wants out, he has been saying it despite who the coach is.  He knows that the coach did not make the unprecedented decision to draft a QB in the second round after coming back from a knee and playing a 93 QBR season.  And the organization/area appears dysfunctional and fraught with perpetual controversy, not all of it rooted in sincerity.  Pretty smart kid with high fortitude to consistently see through all of the smoke and wants to get out.  

How was drafting a qb in the 2nd round unprecedented?

[jvan1973]

2 hours ago, indykmj said:

Worst thing that ever happened to CB is being in CHIC when they went to the SB with 

Grossman at QB. It skewed his perspective on what it takes to get there and win it.

 

I still don't think he quite gets the level of importance that dynamic QB plays in

getting to that level.

 

STRICTLY my opinion. But one I've held ever since he made the initial statement when 

hired that (essentially, I forget the exact wording) 'the QB is just one position', etc. 

 

And yes CB, we get that you don't just trade up and get one to do it and make fans 

happy. Enough with the nonsense straw man arguement....  

You started an argument with someone you have never met then accused him of making a straw man without him ever speaking.    That was truly remarkable 

[DougDew]

3 minutes ago, jvan1973 said:

How was drafting a qb in the 2nd round unprecedented?

There is this theory trying to be launched to sway readers that Wentz is a cry baby, not mentally tough, because he appears to be running away from competition from Hurts. 

 

I have been pointing out that in the NFL, I do not recall a QB who has averaged over 100 QBR and received a contract extension having a QB drafted in the second round as competition for the starting job.  The QBs in that situation with that resume and status usually have draft capital devoted to making the surrounding team better, which Philly certainly needed a positional player with that capital.  Its simply unprecedented to draft a QB in the second round in that situation.

 

Something is going on in Philly.  The FO is either looking at the QB position with a lens they maybe should not, or at best, are sending missed signals about their commitment to Wentz.  His 2020 season hasn't helped his cause, but this has been brewing for some time.  The dramatic fan reaction to Pedersen replacing Hurts with Sudfeld late in a meaningless game also was weird, since many folks actually like the idea of a team tanking a meaningless game for a better pick.  Now you have reports that Sirianni was hired to "fix" Wentz, but who seems noncommittal to the QB who is under contract for 4 more years at $30m per.  Wentz wanting out of the dysfunctional Philly atmosphere seems anything but mentally weak.   If it were me, I would not play the role of the dutiful lap dog, at age 28, playing out my contract during my prime when I'm really just acting as a place holder until management decides if the chosen-one can lead the team.

 

That's my explanation.  And I won't comment on it further here.  If you want further discussion I suggest you take it to the two Wentz threads because this one should be about Ballard's comments and Wentz wasn't a part of that. 

[The Fish]

Ballard has a genuine gift for gab. He can say sweet nothings that you'd figure out all by your lonesome, and make it seem like he's really giving out some scoops. "Hey the Colts aren't a Super Bowl team yet"... looks at the TV schedule.. can confirm...

lol

[Thebrashandthebold]

15 hours ago, Nate! said:

“We like JB, he'll be in the mix for both starting and backup. Have to let it playout. ”

disheartening to see.  JB starter next year would be a gut punch

I think it is very possible and I think he would do well. Look at it as a bridge to a great QB while the team is not ready to compete for a Super Bowl. 

[NannyMcafee]

2 hours ago, csmopar said:

What? How is saying Good Riddance to a bunch of unsubstantiated, false hope driving rumors inappropriate?

 

 

I think he thought you were saying good riddance to Andrew Luck

[Superman]

1 hour ago, NannyMcafee said:

 

 

I think he thought you were saying good riddance to Andrew Luck

 

That's what I thought. After that clarification I see that I was wrong, so my bad.

[Superman]

4 hours ago, jvan1973 said:

How was drafting a qb in the 2nd round unprecedented?

 

Nothing about the Eagles drafting Hurts was unprecedented, or even remotely shocking. Aaron Rodgers responded to the Packers drafting Love in the first round with an MVP caliber season. Wentz had a terrible year, got benched, and in some ways the team played better without him. That there's a QB controversy in Philly has a great deal to do with Wentz and his performance in 2020.

[indykmj]

9 hours ago, jvan1973 said:

You started an argument with someone you have never met then accused him of making a straw man without him ever speaking.    That was truly remarkable 

 

   Not sure that it matters, but yes, I've met him.

[jvan1973]

16 minutes ago, indykmj said:

 

   Not sure that it matters, but yes, I've met him.

Sure thing

[pgt_rob]

Got the vibe that he plans to re-sign Brissett and that he’s eyeing a QB in the draft. Sounds like it’s only 1 particular player, could be Wilson? But if we don’t draft him, could be the Brissett show again. Ballard is patient with finding a franchise QB. My only nag on that is, we’re going to have to start paying some of our great players eventually. I just don’t want to see any of them go before we have a franchise QB. 

[NewColtsFan]

23 hours ago, coltsfeva said:

  Ballard is impressive. I don’t think there’s many teams (there are some), that have the collaborative effort and prudence that the Colts have.

  The bright spot for me was when he said there’s no trades today (eliminating a Wentz deal, at least for now).
 I don’t want Wentz; he does have talent and the team Howie Roseman put around him is crap but I’m not sure he is mentally tough enough. 
   He also emphasized that there is time to get some things done. But there’s a good core here: the names he rambled off were all good young players .

 

 

The reason Ballard said "no trade today" is because all 32 NFL teams are on lock down orders from the NFL.

 

No big news to report during the biggest weekend of the NFL calendar.   Nothing to upstage or distract from the Hall of Fame announcements and the Super Bowl.

 

A violation of that order could result in a $$$ fine or even a loss of draft picks.    The NFL takes this week as seriously as can be.    They'd punish any team who put their franchise above the good of the league.

 

[NewColtsFan]

11 hours ago, csmopar said:

What? How is saying Good Riddance to a bunch of unsubstantiated, false hope driving rumors inappropriate?

 

I thought you were saying Good Riddance to Andrew Luck.    Sorry for the misunderstanding.   Glad to know I was wrong.

 

[csmopar]

56 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

 

I thought you were saying Good Riddance to Andrew Luck.    Sorry for the misunderstanding.   Glad to know I was wrong.

 

No need to apologize. I was just confused as to why saying that about rumors would be bad. I wouldn’t say that about Luck at this point.