Ballard season end press conference

[Oldcolt]

I believe in his plan. We tried it the 'modern' way with great QBs and not putting resources into the lines. We had a good run but got one championship in 20 or so years with Manning/Luck. I agree with everyone that QB and pass rush are what is really holding us back (I don't like our wr group much but think they are third on this list and the easiest to fix). Being in QB hell is a bitch. We need to find a way out and none of us has any idea whatsoever as to what to do. There are no sure things at QB available. We need to get lucky.

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by Oldcolt

I believe in his plan. We tried it the 'modern' way with great QBs and not putting resources into the lines. We had a good run but got one championship in 20 or so years with Manning/Luck. I agree with everyone that QB and pass rush are what is really holding us back (I don't like our wr group much but think they are third on this list and the easiest to fix). Being in QB hell is a bitch. We need to find a way out and none of us has any idea whatsoever as to what to do. There are no sure things at QB available. We need to get lucky.

I believe in his idea of investment in the lines - that’s not the issue. The issue is his constant focus on the future. The modern NFL, in my opinion, is about maximizing 2-3 years windows. Not being pretty good for 10-12. I find your complaint about the past ironic because that’s exactly what I compare Ballard’s methods too - Bill Polian. And I’ll add Ted Thompson. Teams that have had the most important part (QB) in place and under achieved.

The methods are slightly different but the goals are the same - long term consistency. Long term very goodness. When you are overly concerned about 4 years from now you don’t maximize this year. But you are competing with teams who do. You go in to every season then at a disadvantage for the ultimate goal. Irsay is not going to get his goal of multiple championships in the next decade without taking risks. He didn’t get it with Peyton freaking Manning. He’s sure as hell not going to get it playing it safe every year with Carson Wentz, Jascoby Brisett, or Philip Rivers’ cadaver. Ballard is going to give really good talented teams that always fall short.

[Oldcolt]

Excellent point rm1369. I misunderstood and agree with you on this completely.

[Puck]

Originally Posted by rm1369

I believe in his idea of investment in the lines - that’s not the issue. The issue is his constant focus on the future. The modern NFL, in my opinion, is about maximizing 2-3 years windows. Not being pretty good for 10-12. I find your complaint about the past ironic because that’s exactly what I compare Ballard’s methods too - Bill Polian. And I’ll add Ted Thompson. Teams that have had the most important part (QB) in place and under achieved.

The methods are slightly different but the goals are the same - long term consistency. Long term very goodness. When you are overly concerned about 4 years from now you don’t maximize this year. But you are competing with teams who do. You go in to every season then at a disadvantage for the ultimate goal. Irsay is not going to get his goal of multiple championships in the next decade without taking risks. He didn’t get it with Peyton freaking Manning. He’s sure as hell not going to get it playing it safe every year with Carson Wentz, Jascoby Brisett, or Philip Rivers’ cadaver. Ballard is going to give really good talented teams that always fall short.

What would have you done at QB?

[Luck4Reich]

Originally Posted by Puck

What would have you done at QB?

Oh you know... Pluck one from that big ass Quarterback tree all the other teams are getting their Elite QBs from

Seriously not many teams have good to great QBs... Rarely do teams like the Colts get them back to back.

[Discflinger]

In hindsight maybe we should have gone all in on Stafford.

[Hoopsdoc]

I said it elsewhere and I’ll say it here-literally nothing else matters but solving the quarterback position. If it takes trading Q and Darius to get it done, that’s what has to be done.

[JAFF]

Originally Posted by Discflinger

In hindsight maybe we should have gone all in on Stafford.

In hindsight the cap money may not have worked out.

[CletusPyle]

I think the Colts best option is to build a team that mirrors the 2012 Ravens, strong defense, strong running back, serviceable QB...Flacco was smart, didn't usually beat himself, but he was not elite in my opinion. The Colts are closer to that model than trying to build from the QB down. Colts need a Flacco type and add a stud or two on defense, and they can win it all!

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by JAFF

In hindsight the cap money may not have worked out.

Without a doubt they could make the cap work if they wanted to. There is a lot of flexibility in the cap. They just would have paid for it in later years. A trade off Ballard won’t make. I’m not judging if it would have been worth it or not. I’m just saying it was a choice they made.