AR is improving BUT….

[Patrick Miller]

…..do you think he is our franchise qb? Are you so confident that you Would  pass up a first round talent qb next year? I think he’s made improvements but I need to see more. What say you?

[Solon]

I'm unsure if he's our franchise QB, but I'd certainly pass on a QB in the 1st next year. I like Shadeur and Cam, but I don't see them being available for us. His strides the past couple of weeks are promising. Throwing the ball on time and most importantly, getting up after taking big hits. Next year will be the deciding year. If he continues to play like this, he's going to be a special player.

[Tsarquise]

Nothing to suggest he is the guy yet. They should take a 1st round QB talent if presented with the opportunity. 

 

With that said, I hope AR pans out. 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

Just now, Tsarquise said:

Nothing to suggest he is the guy yet. They should take a 1st round QB talent if presented with the opportunity. 

 

With that said, I hope AR pans out. 

No 

[John Hammonds]

14 minutes ago, Patrick Miller said:

…..do you think he is our franchise qb? Are you so confident that you Would  pass up a first round talent qb next year? I think he’s made improvements but I need to see more. What say you?

It depends on who the first round QB is.  Right now, we're probably going to be picking in the mid first round.  12 to 17.  Something like that.

 

1st QB - Shedeur Sanders, Colorado.  Will probably be picked in the top 3 or 4 players.  I personally expect the Browns to trade up as high as they can to get him.  He seems like a Browns-type pick.  There's a ton of hype around him, mostly generated by his father.  But just how good is he really?  And how mature?  And will the father's enormous ego shadow accompany him to your team?  What will that do to your team?  Personally, I'll pass.  I doubt the Browns would.

 

2nd QB - Cameron Ward, Miami.  He's the lightning bolt of this year, no doubt.  If I were to pick a QB this year, he would be it.  But, buyer beware.  He wasn't supposed to be this hot.  He kinda came out of nowhere.  Instantly hot QB's can also become instantly cold QB's.  And, more to our point, he'll probably go before pick 10.  If we want him, we'll have to trade up to get him.  Are we willing to do that?

 

3rd QB - Quinn Ewers, Texas.  Definitely solid.  And good enough to win the starting job over Manning the Youngest.  And keep it.  But just how good is he?  He's barely projected to the end of Round One.  Does that mean he's necessarily better than what we already have in Richardson?

 

4th QB - Garrett Nussmeier, LSU.  Pretty good production, but nothing compared to the top QB's.  Projects as a capable guy in the pros, but not necessarily a guy you're going to win a superbowl with.  Could drop into the 2nd round.

 

Answer - Based upon a combination of where we're drafting and what QB's are available, I say either we tank for Ward or double-down on Richardson.  Right now, I lean towards the Richardson option.  For now.  We'll see what he looks like by the end of the season.

[Rolltide_gocolts]

Yea!!.. and I’m speaking objectively… he’s elite potential and he’s progressing.  I watched the game yesterday and I noticed that Detroit lions defense want no parts of him… they didn’t stop AR our oline and TEs stopped him… We got in our own way and the Lions just sat back and let us beat ourselves.. 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

Yes I do. But a lot of things could get in the way of that. Like a GM and coaching change 

[NewColtsFan]

17 minutes ago, Patrick Miller said:

…..do you think he is our franchise qb? Are you so confident that you Would  pass up a first round talent qb next year? I think he’s made improvements but I need to see more. What say you?

The 2025 class of QBs is said NOT to be very good.   So, I want no part of quickly ending the AR plan just so we can over with a new QB.   
 

No.   Thank.    You.   
 

Easy call.  

[richard pallo]

Still early but he is learning and progressing.  An off season where he can really work on his game should produce big dividends.   There are no quarterbacks in this class who I would draft to replace him.

[IinD]

Draft a later round guy (3/4th Rd) just for insurance and let AR have an off-season without rehabbing an injury and it's his last shot then go nuclear and blow it up if he proves not to be the guy and get a top guy in the 26' draft.

 

But we're in a holding pattern next year unfortunately.

[PeterBowman]

If he keeps on improving like he has been, I think they'll be in good shape.

[stitches]

I still don't know if he's our franchise QB. BUT... I think he's showing enough for you to give him another year of development and evaluation... He needs to show improvement in certain areas next year though... and Ballard needs to give him every chance to succeed. I don't want us to have any excuse next year. I don't want to be wondering what would happen if his receivers didn't drop tons of passes... or if his OL didn't allow pressure on 2/3s of the snaps... or the coach was calling a good game. This all needs to be sorted next year. 

[C_Lew]

I think AR has looked great the last two weeks. I feel confident about him and the WR room. The rest of the team? Not so much. 

[Tsarquise]

53 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

No 

If a good QB prospect was available to take, you think the Colts should pass?

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

Just now, Tsarquise said:

If a good QB prospect was available to take, you think the Colts should pass?

AR is not the problem 

[AwesomeAustin]

I’ve been on record saying I don’t think AR is an NFL QB and I don’t he ever will reach enough of his potential to be a franchise guy. Still, if the staff and front office believe he is still worth developing then it’s too early to move on. Growing pains are expected and there have been a lot but that was the plan. Gotta trust the organization to do what’s best. If we see change come down from the top then that will signal what’s about to happen. Until then I believe in the plan and wait and see if it works out. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

AR is part of the problem but he is young and learning. He played well the last 2 weeks. We played the best team in football yesterday so everyone knew he wouldn't play great, and against the Jets who have a good defense, AR torched them. Penalties, the O.Line, and dude's dropping passes was a big problem yesterday. Also, we keep giving up 3rd and long's on defense. We were doing that last season. Hard to believe an NFL coach can't correct this and the average Joe like me calls it out every week. 

 

Flacco won't be back next season, I would draft Kurtis Rourke for a backup plan. He is 6'5 230 pounds, accurate too, with a fast release. He will be there probably late 2nd round or maybe 3rd round because he plays for IU and is under the radar. I have been on his band wagon all season. I have watched every IU game and he reminds me of Kirk (Captain) Cousins.

[jemack]

1 hour ago, Patrick Miller said:

…..do you think he is our franchise qb? Are you so confident that you Would  pass up a first round talent qb next year? I think he’s made improvements but I need to see more. What say you?

I think he's improving. He just needs more time in the pocket. I want them to invest in TE and interior Linemen.

Polian gave Manning everything he needed to be successful. Next year's GM needs to do the same. I know the D needs help, as well, but we have to score more points  to win on any consistent level.

[ProblChld32]

1 hour ago, Patrick Miller said:

…..do you think he is our franchise qb? Are you so confident that you Would  pass up a first round talent qb next year? I think he’s made improvements but I need to see more. What say you?

This isn’t a great QB class tbh not really any guys that scream “WE NEED HIM IN THE BUILDING“. So pass, we have many other needs to address tbh. AR is still under contract you might as well wait and see what you have with him by year 3-4 before you decide to move on. 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

AR had his best grade of the season yesterday 

 

 

[colts89]

He should have actual competition next year for the starting spot, but I wouldn't spend a high pick on that competition.

 

I rather invest in the OL/LB/DT/TE spots

[Hawkeyecolt]

I’m not drafting a QB next year period.  AR has shown me enough that I want him to get every snap next year so they can make an evaluation on his 5th year option.  
 

The Colts need to spend their top two picks on a TE and LB then fill out the draft with RB, S, DT, CB, OL in no particular order.  I hope they sign a FS.  The Colts were willing to spend money on McKinney and Hunter last year.  Ballard is going to have to up the ante to get players to come to Indy.  I think Blackmon is a better SS than Cross but they can’t trust Cross at FS and they protect Blackmon’s shoulder at FS. If he brought in a FS this offseason I would be content. The other big positions of need are weak in the FA class. I’m sure I will be disappointed.  

[indyagent17]

It’s hard to say because Shane handicaps him with his crazy playcalling. I don’t know how more people are not more outraged. The fact that the short passing game it’s so hard for Shane to grasp every other team exploits our weak defense with it every week even the Jets I just wouldn’t be unhappy at all if we get a new general manager that just cleans house. The culture has been and continues to be absolute crap and the reason Ballard probably couldn’t get any free agents to come here because the culture is putrid

[Hawkeyecolt]

2 minutes ago, indyagent17 said:

It’s hard to say because Shane handicaps him with his crazy playcalling. I don’t know how more people are not more outraged. The fact that the short passing game it’s so hard for Shane to grasp every other team exploits our weak defense with it every week even the Jets I just wouldn’t be unhappy at all if we get a new general manager that just cleans house. The culture has been and continues to be absolute crap and the reason Ballard probably couldn’t get any free agents to come here because the culture is putrid

Money talks as well as having a QB that’s capable of winning.  I know some would prefer to have a higher draft pick but I would like to see him play well and win these final games. 

[lester]

2 hours ago, Tsarquise said:

Nothing to suggest he is the guy yet. They should take a 1st round QB talent if presented with the opportunity. 

 

With that said, I hope AR pans out. 

 

There is a significant opportunity cost with your stated course of action.

 

IF they use this coming years 1st on a QB to maybe replace a guy we kinda like who maybe will workout or maybe won't; we won't have that 1st to give that guy something that will help him be the guy. Then, everyone will be able to say, "See, told ya he wasn't the guy, but check out this new guy."

 

Taking anything other than a polished supporting player (tight end, anyone?) in the 1st round this year is a self fulfilling prophecy that all but guarantees another 3 years of trial-and-error.

 

Either move on from AR, or don't move on from AR, but don't choose the squishy middle by hedging your bet with another highly drafted QB. And its not time to move on from AR. He is just starting to flash. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

23 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

AR had his best grade of the season yesterday 

 

 

Not bad for someone that was 11-28. I guess PFF doesn't care at all about %  

[JMichael557]

i would say that the entire league is hoping an praying that the Colts give up on AR so that they get a shot at him.

[lester]

11 minutes ago, Hawkeyecolt said:

I know some would prefer to have a higher draft pick but I would like to see him play well and win these final games. 

 

This. Only THIS!

 

Nothing else matters this year. We've been saying that all year. Playoffs don't matter. Draft order does not matter.

 

The ONLY thing that matters is to be able to answer these questions: Did AR grow? Did AR Grow enough? Will AR Grow more? Will AR Grow enough?

 

Nothing else matters.

[jimmy g]

1 hour ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

Flacco won't be back next season, I would draft Kurtis Rourke for a backup plan. He is 6'5 230 pounds, accurate too, with a fast release. He will be there probably late 2nd round or maybe 3rd round because he plays for IU and is under the radar. I have been on his band wagon all season. I have watched every IU game and he reminds me of Kirk (Captain) Cousins.

I’m 100% with you on Rourke.  I think 3rd round?  (I actually was hoping he’d slide to 4th, but I doubt it.) Rourke is a 6th year experienced player.. Quick decisions , quick release, accurate big arm. I think he was MAC Player of the Year last year?  His Brother is a Toronto Argonaut …

 

Flacco gone, Rourke backup. Maybe Sam as assistant or intern qb coach, the kind of way Reggie Wayne spent a year????  Then, AR has next year to make it or not.  AR still has issues, but he’s much, much better than early on this year….

[stitches]

2 minutes ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

Not bad for someone that was 11-28. I guess PFF doesn't care at all about %  

There can be a lot of reasons for incomplete passes(drops, amazing plays by a defender, WRs stepping out of bounds when they had to step inside on a perfect pass 40 yards downfield, etc) or unrealized gains(penalties by other players). AR lost about 100 yards of passing off of penalties alone and about 60 yards and a TD on drops. PFF is giving him good grades for good plays he made despite them resulting in incompletions or penalties.

[IndySouthsider]

1 hour ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

AR is not the problem 

Maybe not, but he is definitely A problem.

[2006Coltsbestever]

4 minutes ago, stitches said:

There can be a lot of reasons for incomplete passes(drops, amazing plays by a defender, WRs stepping out of bounds when they had to step inside on a perfect pass 40 yards downfield, etc) or unrealized gains(penalties by other players). AR lost about 100 yards of passing off of penalties alone and about 60 yards and a TD on drops. PFF is giving him good grades for good plays he made despite them resulting in incompletions or penalties.

Ogletree dropping a TD is just one of many.

[jimmy g]

26 minutes ago, indyagent17 said:

It’s hard to say because Shane handicaps him with his crazy playcalling. I don’t know how more people are not more outraged.

Watching the Eagles last night, i commented to my Wife- Steichen is trying to copy every offensive play the Eagles are running, but the Eagles have the players to do it, and we don’t..  at least not yet.

[csmopar]

2 hours ago, Patrick Miller said:

…..do you think he is our franchise qb? Are you so confident that you Would  pass up a first round talent qb next year? I think he’s made improvements but I need to see more. What say you?

Obviously we need to see more and see it consistently. But I think the flashes are there and I’ve seen a huge improvement in the last two weeks. That benching was a wake up call he seems to be answering. 
 

but yes, too early to call right now and given how weak the qb class is this offseason, I think you take the best TE or Corner you can and roll with AR next year

[GoColts8818]

He’s responded well to being benched but we don’t know if he’s a franchise QB yet or not.  Until you know the answer you keep giving him tools as if he is.  I really hope the Colts go tightend in round one of this draft.

[Hark]

Don't know yet if AR is the guy, but he has shown progress. At this point, that is enough to earn him another year.

[C_Lew]

27 minutes ago, IndySouthsider said:

Maybe not, but he is definitely A problem.

He certainly was not a problem yesterday. TE's dropping the ball were a problem. Dulin not getting his second foot down in bounds with ample opportunity was a problem. The OL failing to protect him in pass pro and get a push in the run game was a problem. The OL and WRs committing penalties, not only taking away great plays, but continuously putting us in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and 20 situations was a problem. Richardson was very accurate with the ball yesterday and avoided many sack opportunities. Richardson made plays, the team around him just failed him, as they have several times this year (including the game in Houston). Those of you who just keep looking at the box score after the game and point to the completion % number as validation for hate of this guy are not seeing the bigger picture. There's a lot of blame that can be placed on a lot of different people connected with this team, but to keep placing it on one of the few bright spots of this team is just flat out the wrong move. Has he been perfect? No, but Anthony Richardson has absolutely looked like a potential franchise QB for this team. 

[ADnum1]

2 hours ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

AR is part of the problem but he is young and learning. He played well the last 2 weeks. We played the best team in football yesterday so everyone knew he wouldn't play great, and against the Jets who have a good defense, AR torched them. Penalties, the O.Line, and dude's dropping passes was a big problem yesterday. Also, we keep giving up 3rd and long's on defense. We were doing that last season. Hard to believe an NFL coach can't correct this and the average Joe like me calls it out every week. 

 

Flacco won't be back next season, I would draft Kurtis Rourke for a backup plan. He is 6'5 230 pounds, accurate too, with a fast release. He will be there probably late 2nd round or maybe 3rd round because he plays for IU and is under the radar. I have been on his band wagon all season. I have watched every IU game and he reminds me of Kirk (Captain) Cousins.

I wouldn't draft a qb in the first because Colts have too many needs especially pass rush.

 

Go DE again in the first. You want to know how you get off the field on 3rd and long ? You sack or hurry the QB into a bad throw.

 

If Rourke, Carson Beck or Jalen Milroe are available in the 3rd or 4th, I would pull the trigger and bring in competition for AR.

 

AR is the starter but competition is a good thing and you need insurance incase he gets hurt again.

 

What if AR gets hurt and Rourke comes in and looks great ?

 

It's true AR played great in the first half and was the victim of bad drops and penalties. 

 

But he still has weaknesses in that there were only 2 first downs in the second half. The defense played heroically to keep the game close.

 

Falling behind in the second half AR was forced to pass and win the game from the pocket which he could not do.

 

He had several series where he threw the ball 3 straight times and could not get a single completion. 

 

When your behind like that you have to win the game from the pocket

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

If there is a DT it would be wise to prepare for buckners eventual retirement or trade.

[IndySouthsider]

31 minutes ago, ADnum1 said:

I wouldn't draft a qb in the first because Colts have too many needs especially pass rush.

 

Go DE again in the first. You want to know how you get off the field on 3rd and long ? You sack or hurry the QB into a bad throw.

 

If Rourke, Carson Beck or Jalen Milroe are available in the 3rd or 4th, I would pull the trigger and bring in competition for AR.

 

AR is the starter but competition is a good thing and you need insurance incase he gets hurt again.

 

What if AR gets hurt and Rourke comes in and looks great ?

 

It's true AR played great in the first half and was the victim of bad drops and penalties. 

 

But he still has weaknesses in that there were only 2 first downs in the second half. The defense played heroically to keep the game close.

 

Falling behind in the second half AR was forced to pass and win the game from the pocket which he could not do.

 

He had several series where he threw the ball 3 straight times and could not get a single completion. 

 

When your behind like that you have to win the game from the pocket

Drew Allar is better than all those options