The Indianapolis Colts won their season finale against the rival Jacksonville Jaguars at home by the final score of 26-23 in overtime. The Colts struggle their way through another one-possession game that should not have been a one-possession game. This team (yet again) found a way to hang around and not put the game away when they had the opportunity to. It has been the foundational argument of the season, and they continued the trend again. Let’s discuss a bit about what happened on Sunday and the unsettling trend that will continue next season.
Pass Game Thrives, Defense Lacks Closer
We knew two things were certain this week offensively. We knew that Anthony Richardson would not be under center, and it would be Joe Flacco returning. Secondly, we knew with Flacco under center, it would be a vertical passing game as Jacksonville is one of the worst secondaries in the league. We saw a healthy dose of Josh Downs and Micheal Pittman Jr. as they accounted for over fifty percent of the targets that Joe Flacco attempted. Alec Pierce only had two catches but was used on the vertical passing game as he caught the lone Joe Flacco 40-yard touchdown pass. On the ground, it was another day at the office for Jonathan Taylor. He was the only back to see rush yards as he compiled 177 on 34 carries with a touchdown.
On defense, it was another overall lackluster performance. It wasn’t their worst showing but it was not impressive by any means. The pass rush was average but did come away with 2 sacks and 5 hits on Mac Jones. They did produce one turnover with a Julian Blackmon interception. They allowed over 100 yards on the ground and saw the linebackers really struggle in pass coverage.
They were unable to close out the game in regulation yet again. Obviously, it’s easier said than done but it continues to haunt this football team. They let this 4-13 Jacksonville team hang around this ball game for too long. A missed Matt Gay field goal did not help the cause, but this Jacksonville team is abysmal, and they never felt in control at any point in this game.
My Thoughts On The Present And Future Of This Football Team
Shane Steichen
The Black Monday decision all this fanbase was hoping for arrived early on Sunday night. Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that he will be retaining both Shane Steichen and the embattled Chris Ballard. While this was not what the fan base was hoping for, it was not unexpected. Steichen will enter his third year of a six-year contract and Ballard’s contract has one more season left. This confirms that the three-headed monster of Richardson, Steichen, and Ballard are all tied to this three-year timeline before the Colts must decide on both Ballard and Richardson for their respective contracts.
The argument to keep Shane Steichen is stronger than the argument to keep Chris Ballard. Steichen preaches continuity and patience with the development of Anthony Richardson. In two seasons, Steichen is now 17-17 and has stood on the doorstep of the playoff hunt but has been unable to enter the doorway. Do I think Steichen can coach a team to the playoffs? Last season I did but after this season the verdict is out.
Every head coach learns and grows, and he has made some noticeable mistakes this season. He has handled the Richardson situation poorly this season. The inconsistency of his words to both the media and fan base has been off-putting. He has also really struggled to juggle wearing the head coach hat this season as the defense has regressed and the overall apparent locker room issues have plagued this football team. His offensive play calling and schemes have been spotty, but he can correct it. Two years is just not enough body of work to make a final decision, especially with the injuries and inconsistency of Anthony Richardson. Would giving up play-calling help him? Maybe but it is what he was brought in to do and I doubt he will give that up.
As for his impending decision on Gus Bradley, it appears it should be an easy decision. It’s time for the coach and not Ballard to make the decision. As nicely as I can say this, if you think Bradley should return then you just don’t know ball. All phases of this football team needed work but it was the defense that could not improve on fundamental points, such as progression and tackling.
Chris Ballard
Where do you begin? Another losing season as the general manager of the football team as his record moves to 62-69-1. He will be coming back for Year 9 and most believe he has overstayed his welcome. It’s hard to disagree with any of those arguments. Since the abrupt retirement of Andrew Luck, his plan and vision have left this team in football purgatory.
Ballard has been given a leash that has been longer than most general managers will ever see. He rarely changes course and his arrogance blinds him. He continues to stick to a losing plan. He wants to build through the draft and have minimal free agency presence. He typically stays away from the headline guys that get overpaid. While building through the draft is a great philosophy, it only works if you can do that properly. As of late, he has struck out on more than he has hit.
The margin for error next season is ZERO. This franchise must not only change its trajectory and win the division, but it must also change its offseason planning and culture. The front office must make free agency a priority and be able to fill these roster holes (there were plenty this year) with a mixture of youth and veteran talent. They must continue to promote competition, and they must change this culture problem. It starts at the top with Ballard and Steichen. If this means eliminating key players under contract that are causing locker room issues, then so be it. Change is never easy but if you want to prevent a mutiny you have to rattle some cages.
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