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The Colts’ longtime and embattled general manager, Chris Ballard, finally met the media to wrap up the season. Not only did he discuss this season, but, as expected, they pounded him on other issues. Those issues were a wide variety of topics, from his failure as a GM to his overall arrogance and inability to adapt to necessary changes.

What we did see in Ballard was some accountability and, almost, guilt from what has gone on. The typically arrogant and plush Ballard portrayed a different tone. He was disappointed, frustrated, and really appeared to be apologetic towards the fan base and himself. Without a doubt, he has failed. We know the record (62-69-1) along with zero division titles and only one playoff win. Above all, it has been his negligence to change that has been his greatest weakness.

 

Chris Ballard; Indianapolis Colts. Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Photo: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The Colts Are Not Close

 

The major statement that Chris Ballard made to all of us was frank and honest. He said “We are not close. Close is losing on the last play of the Super Bowl.” While we can disagree about what a team being close vs a team not being close means, we can all agree that this team is not close to a Super Bowl. Let alone being close to a contender in their own weak division.

Even more reassuring is he disagrees with Shane Steichen on the franchise “being close.” At the end of the season, Steichen said he thinks they are close and getting to where they need to be. Shane Steichen is the ultimate optimist and always looks at the glass as half full. He is adamant about keeping things in-house. Is it the best way to go about it? Sometimes, yes, I think that is correct, but ultimately, this team is not where it needs to be.

While the current AFC South champions, the Houston Texans, did win their playoff game, it was not the most dominant performance. After a slow start, they did capitalize on the Chargers mistakes and turnovers. With the rebuilding happening in both Jacksonville and Tennessee, they need to start by getting wins over Houston. The team is an 8-win team, plain and simple. Sure, the amount of one-possession games could have turned that into a playoff team, but it could have gone the other way as well.

 

How To Get Over The Hump

 

You will hear this fan base grovel over the next steps to achieve this. It’s simple to say, just do the opposite of what Ballard has done all career long. Ballard MUST change and truly change his approach, even if minimally. His philosophy has been to trust the guys in the room and build with the draft. A fine plan if you can draft well in the later rounds and create competition. However, he has not done any of those things as of late.

We saw the cracks this season on the competition side of things. There were minimal camp battles because all these players suspected they would just get their spots back for the most part. This was implied because Ballard had another year of minimal free agency involvement. In fact, the Colts did not bring in a single free agent this past offseason that either started or challenged for a starting position. The complacency of the defense this year was one of their worst traits as the season progressed.

Along with a change in the approach to free agency, this team must figure out if Anthony Richardson is the starting quarterback. His injuries have contributed to his inconsistency and confidence. With an impending contract decision looming for Richardson, his growth and evaluation will be the priority. The front office must change its approach to free agency and be more active to find not only competition but also players that can improve the culture in the locker room. Finally, Ballard and Steichen must get on the same page and be a more cohesive unit. With Steichen saying they “are close” and Ballard saying they are not, it shows there is work to be done in the way the franchise presents itself through its messaging.

NFL Free Agency “begins” on March 10th and this will be the beginning of shaping this hopefully new football team. Ballard has rarely strayed from his plan but his margin for error is as thin as ever. The “parting of ways” with Gus Bradley, made him the scapegoat but if there is no action from this franchise in free agency, both Ballard and Steichen could be out before the season is over.

 

More from The Blue Stable:

Colts’ Gus Bradley out, DC Candidates in

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