I come to praise Chris Ballard, not to bury him.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


The Colts' Most Stunning Redemption Story Is Already Breaking Franchise Records

(By Lee Vowell)

https://horseshoeheroes.com/indianap...nchise-records


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The Indianapolis Colts were right ...... general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen clearly knew what they were doing this off-season, even when others around the NFL doubted them. After six games, Indy sits atop the AFC South at 5-1.

Obviously, there are several reasons for this. Some of the players fans already knew were great, or likely to be so, have been just that. Running back Jonathan Taylor, for instance, has long been one of the best backs in the league. This year, he has been the best so far.

But very few expected quarterback Daniel Jones to be as terrific as he is. He likely can continue his elite run, as he appears to be a perfect fit in Shane Steichen's system. The quarterback tends not to make careless mistakes, and is the excellent point guard QB Steichen needs.


Daniel Jones Is the Latest Redemption Story for the Indianapolis Colts


Jones, in fact, isn't simply a fantastic redemption story; but he is playing like a Pro Bowl quarterback. He just needed to rid himself of being a part of the awful New York Giants organization, spend some time with the Minnesota Vikings, and join Indy, a team that has a wonderful core of offensive weapons.

The Colts' QB1 is completing 71.7 percent of his passes (third in the NFL), has a quarterback rating of a career-high 104.4 (10th in the league), and has augmented his 8 touchdown throws with 4 rushing touchdowns. He's made the argument of Anthony Richardson ever starting again moot.

But Jones has also done something that not even Peyton Manning could do. Through 6 games, Indianapolis has scored 194 points. That is the most in franchise history. Daniel Jones isn't the only reason Indy is scoring so much, but without him, the team doesn't reach the same level.

Clearly, the quarterback deserves a lot of credit for his play. He doesn't just make smart throws, but he prepares exceedingly well. He is a smart guy on and off the field, and it shows in the way that he runs the offense. That isn't going to change, barring an injury.

But Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen deserve credit, too. They took a chance on Jones being the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts when maybe no other team would have. Those teams have a right to be jealous now. The only drawback for Indy is that next off-season, Jones is going to want to be signed to a huge new contract ...... and he's earned it.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


(vs. SEAHAWKS, 12/14)


Even though the Colts lost the game today, I am no longer afraid of the thought of facing the 49ers, the Jaguars, or the Texans to finish out the season ...... in addition to the way that they started the season before Daniel Jones broke his left fibula, I believe that this game is further evidence that Ballard has put together a complete team ...... they came within a hair of beating what may be the best team in the NFL on their homefield with a 44 year-old quarterback who hasn't played in 5 years.

o

[Oldcolt]

Ballard has put together another mediocre team. It will never be a 'complete' team until he finds the ability to scout and sign the most important positions in football, pass rush and QB. Every year we have this 'great' team that somehow always misses the playoffs. Always. Maybe, just maybe, this is ,has been and will continue to be an average NFL team. Or maybe our record just lies. I'm sick of this, as are most of us and have no idea of where to go from here. I can only hope Carlie does.

[Oldcolt]

I would also like to point out that since Luck retired there are a total of 5 starting QBs that were then on their current team that are starting for that current team: Mahomes, Allen, Jackson, Prescott, and Murray. Everyone else had a player starting that was not on the team at that time.

[Kray007]

Originally Posted by Oldcolt

Ballard has put together another mediocre team. It will never be a 'complete' team until he finds the ability to scout and sign the most important positions in football, pass rush and QB. Every year we have this 'great' team that somehow always misses the playoffs. Always. Maybe, just maybe, this is ,has been and will continue to be an average NFL team. Or maybe our record just lies. I'm sick of this, as are most of us and have no idea of where to go from here. I can only hope Carlie does.

What sheer and utter nonsense.

By the time the whistle blew to end the game in Seattle, the Colts had 6 pro bowlers out of action. Their starting Quarterback had undergone season ending surgery on Tuesday and plan B at the position was nursing a bizarre eye injury. That left a 44 year old grandfather who had, charitably, 3 days of practice with the team.

If you want to complain that Ballard has a hard time finding high quality pass rushers, okay. That’s valid. But Quarterback? Sometime in the next 4 months, Daniel Jones is going to sign a blockbuster contract. He’s generally considered to be one of the top 3 players available, and only God knows how much it’s going to cost to bring him back.

Were they as good as they seemed over their first 10 games? Maybe not. But, playing through more injuries than I’d wish on anyone…except perhaps the New England Patriots…they lost to Pittsburgh, in Pittsburgh, in a game in which they held the steelers to 224 yards. They lost to the defending AFC champions by 4 after a trademark Patrick Mahomes comeback. By 4 to Houston, and by 2 to Seattle.

The bottom line is that they were good enough to win every game they played, and there are damned few teams in this, or any other league, who can say the same.

[Oldcolt]

If this was one season I might agree. The record never changes. year after year. Always middle of the pack. Glad you think this .500 team is fabulous.