If the players executed it wouldn’t be an issue.

o



I don't think that those critiques are necessarily mutually inclusive and/or exclusive.

I have made it clear on numerous occasions that I love Reich and the magnificent improvement over the Colts' previous coach (Chuck Pagano) while simultaneously asserting that that specific decision to go for it on 4th down with only 29 seconds left to play in overtime was not prudent, particularly that early in the season when it is (was) not yet clear as to whether or not the team would be vying for a playoff berth.


Being aggressive throughout the first 55 to 59 minutes of a game (and for the first 13 and-a-half-to-14 and-a-half minutes of an overtime period) does not preclude a coach from accepting the reality of a situation in the closing seconds of the 4th quarter (and/or overtime), and making a prudent decision because of that reality.



Overall, I am thrilled with Reich, particularly with the non-predictive nature of the play-calling on offense (which is the antithesis of what we saw during the Pagano regime from 2013 through 2017.)



o

I am equally surprised that you are unable to see that that decision has been crucial in changing what folks refer to as the culture of the team. He showed them who he was and who they will be, a team unafraid of losing. It was huge for the development of the TEAM. I cannot see why you are blind to that. The change in attitude on this team is amazing. It didn't just happen, it was a brilliant move (from the perspective of culture building) by Reich and like everything in life it came with a cost. It is has been well worth it.

If you’re one of the people starting to put W’s next to each week on the remaining schedule, consider that the truth about this team is somewhere between that Titans game and the Jets game. They could win any game...but they could also lose any game. Those kinds of teams very rarely are able to put together a 9-1 or 8-2 run like the Colts would need to make the playoffs.

On a related note, it will be interesting to see what adjustments the divisional opponents make in the second slate of games. I like what Reich has shown so far, but we’ll see if the good defenses in the AFC South can bounce back, especially at home.

Exactly, the game isn’t just stats and fantasy numbers. There is a reason people talk about culture and team building. It isn’t just for sound bytes and quotes in the paper. If anyone has had a good boss and a bad boss, who did you want to work for and why? Did you want to show up for work or show up for a paycheck? You can tell this team is having fun and is confident, believing in themselves. The difference in talent from team to team is not that huge. Guys are of similar weight, speed and strength. A lot of it comes down to discipline, mentality, preparation, and culture.

If they want to make the playoffs they control their destiny, win and things will work themselves out. But it’s not a honeymoon phase, it’s recognizing the coach has a strategy and philosophy and buying into that. Will it always work out? No. They call it the process, but it is simply buying in, working hard and keep working at it and things will turn around. This team bought in, i am fine with sacrificing a tie in order to get there. If their season comes down to one play, they don’t deserve to be in the playoffs yet. And I do t want a team that barely reaches the playoffs, I want a team that reaches the Super Bowl.

6-5. 5 to go..... 10-6 very possible. But I think 11-5 is definitely A possibility


13 Dec 02 IND @ JAX TIAA Bank Field 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

14 Dec 09 IND @ HOU NRG Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets CBS

15 Dec 16 DAL @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets FOX

16 Dec 23 NYG @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets TBD

17 Dec 30 IND @ TEN Nissan Stadium 1:00 PM Tickets

How odd that we've already played all our home games against our division rivals. Going to be tough to win in Jacksonville, Houston, and Tennessee, but knowing Luck has done it before, we have a chance.

Agreed. I predicted 8-8 at the beginning of the year and I still think that's most likely....maybe 9-7. I love this team and what they've accomplished. And most of all, I love that they are fun to watch again. However, opponents now have a lot of colts tape that they didn't have in the first 2/3 of the season and our division games + Cowboys will be tough. I think if we make the playoffs it will be as a wildcard. Regardless of what happens there, I will be satisfied. This is/was a rebuilding year and we are ahead of schedule.

All 3 of those road games may be a challenge, and we could end up anywhere from 8-8 to 11-5.

looks like we will be facing kessler, not bortles, next game.