Indianapolis Colts Football

[Irishnuke]

Yikes!

Five Colts Ruled Out Sunday Against Chiefs; Five Others Questionable

Out - Wide receiver Parris Campbell, safety Clayton Geathers, safety Malik Hooker, linebacker Darius Leonard and defensive tackle/end Tyquan Lewis

Questionable - T.Y. Hilton, Marlon Mack, Rolan Milligan, Anthony Walker and Rock Ya-Sin are ALL listed as questionable.

Justin Houston returns to Arrowhead and will get a warm welcome.

Ouch. It’s hard enough playing the Chiefs at Arrowhead with a healthy roster.

 

[Irish#1]

This team is quietly becoming one of the better teams in the NFL and Brissett is quietly becoming one of the better QB's in the NFL.

Defense did a great job of handling Watson and had three great stops in the EZ in the first half. O-line didn't fair as well in the run game as the Texans were trying to stop the run and let Brissett beat them, but O-line gave Brissett all day to throw the ball and he made them pay.

 

[Irish#1]

Wasn't the greatest offensive display Sunday, but the Broncos still have a good D. Brissett's play the final drive showed how good QB's find a way to win, even when they aren't having a great day. They escape from Von Miller followed by the laser to Hilton was as good as it gets.

Brissett finished 15-of-25 passes for 202 yards, no INT's for an 85.8 passer rating. Six carries for 34 yards.

 

[Irish2155]

Oh Vinatieri!!! Another PAT miss and the game winner was God awful. Game should have been tied up if it wasn’t for the low PAT kick. Colts could be 7-1 with a competent FG kicker.

On a good note - Pascal seems to be coming into his own.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Oh Vinatieri!!! Another PAT miss and the game winner was God awful. Game should have been tied up if it wasn’t for the low PAT kick. Colts could be 7-1 with a competent FG kicker.

On a good note - Pascal seems to be coming into his own.

Yeah, it's time for Vinny to hang em up. I'm pretty sure he was gonna step down earlier in the season when he said "I'll talk to you guys tomorrow" then I'm thinking they talked him out of it. He's cooked.

 

[drayer54]

I only watch the Colts for Quenton Nelson. He wasn’t as dominate as usual today.

 

[Irish2155]

Yeah, it's time for Vinny to hang em up. I'm pretty sure he was gonna step down earlier in the season when he said "I'll talk to you guys tomorrow" then I'm thinking they talked him out of it. He's cooked.

Another missed PAT. They just showed a stat - 18 missed kicks in the last year and a half. 9 FGs and 9 extra points.

 

[BeauBenken]

Team is dead in the water without a competent QB.

 

[Irish2155]

Playing OT right now with any other kicker besides Vinascary. Wonder if Coach Reich still isn’t worried yet? 8-1 sure is better than 5-4.

 

[Irish2155]

Team is dead in the water without a competent QB.

Should have won the last two games with Hoyer. No worries however, Jacoby will be back next week.

 

[Irish#1]

Should have won the last two games with Hoyer. No worries however, Jacoby will be back next week.

I can’t remember the last time I was this pissed after a game. Reich got out coached by Miami’s DC. Hoyer didn’t come close on the 2 or 3 fades he tried earlier. Then On third down with the game on the line Reich calls the fade with max protection because he thinks Miami will blitz and their DC fools him and has both of our receivers blanketed.

What’s bad is Brissett practiced this week and both he and Hoyer thought Brissett was starting. Reich figured he could rest Brissett another week against the lowly Dolphins.

And unfortunately the only one in Indy that still has faith in AV is Reich. If he doesn’t miss the Xpt the Colts are kicking a FG for the tie instead of going for a 4th and 10.

 

[Irish YJ]

I can’t remember the last time I was this pissed after a game. Reich got out coached by Miami’s DC. Hoyer didn’t come close on the 2 or 3 fades he tried earlier. Then On third down with the game on the line Reich calls the fade with max protection because he thinks Miami will blitz and their DC fools him and has both of our receivers blanketed.

What’s bad is Brissett practiced this week and both he and Hoyer thought Brissett was starting. Reich figured he could rest Brissett another week against the lowly Dolphins.

And unfortunately the only one in Indy that still has faith in AV is Reich. If he doesn’t miss the Xpt the Colts are kicking a FG for the tie instead of going for a 4th and 10.

Yup. I'm more unhappy with coaching than anything. So many bone headed decisions by Reich and Co this week. Why do you go pass happy in the 1st vs one of the worst rush Ds in the league. And why all the deep first reads when you have lost or waived all your deep threats. WTF are you doing calling TOs to get the ball back, potentially helping the opponent, then when your D is successful, you do nothing. Why didn't Hoyer get more 1st team reps in practice. Why not give Hoyer the same pass plays as JB like clear out drags, hitches, etc..

Total bumble by Reich. And I love AV, but time to move on.

If we lose 2 out of the 3 next games, we're out of the playoff race (not that we'd go far). If we are out, give me some Swag Kelly to see what the potential is there.

 

[Irish2155]

I actually really like Reich as a coach. Sunday however wasn’t his best day.

Nobody’s cutting Vinny mid-season because his contributions over the years have earned him better than that. He needs to be the one to do the right thing and step away.

Wonder what Yoon’s up to these days?

 

[Irish#1]

Overall, I've been happy with Reich, but his forte is supposed to be play calling. Hoyer has a noodle arm and when you lack a WR that can get space, it makes it so much easier for the D.

I said early in the year this would be an up and down year because of all of the youth on the team, but the play calling isn't on the players. D played well again.

 

[Legacy]

If you were GM for the draft and Tua and Burrow were gone, would you draft a QB in the first round? Trade up?

 

[Irish2155]

If you were GM for the draft and Tua and Burrow were gone, would you draft a QB in the first round? Trade up?

No, Jacoby is better than anyone the Colts could trade up for. He'll be back next week. Someone(s) previously noted that many Colts fans were surprised he didn't suit up yesterday.

 

[Irish#1]

If you were GM for the draft and Tua and Burrow were gone, would you draft a QB in the first round? Trade up?

No, Jacoby is better than anyone the Colts could trade up for. He'll be back next week. Someone(s) previously noted that many Colts fans were surprised he didn't suit up yesterday.

I'm very happy with Brissett. He's still a young QB, but he's shown he can win you some games and he's getting better. Not that many QB's in the league can make the play (start of the final drive) he did against Denver.

 

[Irish2155]

I think there are more important needs at the other skilled positions and on the D front that need to be addressed. Colts are just fine at QB with Jacoby.

Full disclosure however - I love my Colts but deep down am really a Dolphins fan. Yesterday's loss was a double whammy for me as Tua would look good sporting teal and orange.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

I don't see any reason why they shouldn't take a shot on a guy like Herbert or Eason, assuming they can land him with one of their 2nd rd picks. Let them sit behind Jacoby next year, then see what you've got ala Pat Mahomes. Worst case, you resign Jacoby Brissett to a longterm deal or take another shot in 21. The team is pretty well built, although it's hard to tell when you're down to your backups backup and down your 3 primary playmakers (TY, Funchess, and Campbell). This would allow for a much smoother transition into the NFL than say what Josh Rosen has experienced, or what Dwayne Haskins is currently experiencing.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Highly doubt Herbert lasts that long

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Highly doubt Herbert lasts that long

Eason, Love, Hurts, Fromm...somebody will make it to the Redskins pick (probably around 34th). Ballard has to know that hovering at 9-7 or 10-6 for the next 5 years isn't the prudent option here. It's basically what they had in KC with Alex Smith, who was an above average game manager but not elite (imo like Jacoby Brissett). They didn't get where they are now until they made their move and drafted Mahomes. Bottomline, you basically have to have an elite QB to be a legit contender, while there are outliers they are few and far between.

 

[Irish#1]

Eason, Love, Hurts, Fromm...somebody will make it to the Redskins pick (probably around 34th). Ballard has to know that hovering at 9-7 or 10-6 for the next 5 years isn't the prudent option here. It's basically what they had in KC with Alex Smith, who was an above average game manager but not elite (imo like Jacoby Brissett). They didn't get where they are now until they made their move and drafted Mahomes. Bottomline, you basically have to have an elite QB to be a legit contender, while there are outliers they are few and far between.

Brissett isn't a game manager by any stretch of the imagination. Game managers don't have an arm like Brissett and can't make that play against Denver that I referenced. He will use his legs where game managers don't. He's has all the physical tools and still learning, but I seem him taking more chances than game managers.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Brissett isn't a game manager by any stretch of the imagination. Game managers don't have an arm like Brissett and can't make that play against Denver that I referenced. He will use his legs where game managers don't. He's has all the physical tools and still learning, but I seem him taking more chances than game managers.

What are your thoughts on them taking a QB in the draft and letting them have a competition of sorts, Brissett and say Eason/Herbert? Chris Ballard always promotes competition.

 

[Irish2155]

What are your thoughts on them taking a QB in the draft and letting them have a competition of sorts, Brissett and say Eason/Herbert? Chris Ballard always promotes competition.

I'm all for it as long as they get their QB in the second round. I wouldn't trade up for it. Both Herbert and Fromm I think would be a steal in round 2 and I don't really know too much about Eason.

 

[Irish#1]

What are your thoughts on them taking a QB in the draft and letting them have a competition of sorts, Brissett and say Eason/Herbert? Chris Ballard always promotes competition.

Haven’t really thought about it, but I wouldn’t unless I knew the guy was going to be pretty good and I’m not sure how you do that. Lol

Ballard has shown that he is better than average when it comes to evaluating talent and need. I guess if he drafts a QB it means he may not be sold on Brissett.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

Haven’t really thought about it, but I wouldn’t unless I knew the guy was going to be pretty good and I’m not sure how you do that. Lol

Ballard has shown that he is better than average when it comes to evaluating talent and need. I guess if he drafts a QB it means he may not be sold on Brissett.

While I may be biased, I think he's among the best in the business in this department. I'm not alone in this sentiment, my buddy that's a Seahawks fan says that Ballard/Reich are the best GM/HC tandem in the league.

As far as QB goes, I think Ballard's philosophy of keeping a steady influx of talent at all positions, and inherently promoting competition, will force his hand in the QB department. Whether that's taking a stab at a short term option like Cam Newton (which I'm opposed to, but I've heard it kicked around), or taking a semi-developmental guy like Herbert, Love, or Eason to groom behind JB for next year, then making the decision on who to keep when the time comes.

 

[Irish#1]

[/B]

While I may be biased, I think he's among the best in the business in this department. I'm not alone in this sentiment, my buddy that's a Seahawks fan says that Ballard/Reich are the best GM/HC tandem in the league.

As far as QB goes, I think Ballard's philosophy of keeping a steady influx of talent at all positions, and inherently promoting competition, will force his hand in the QB department. Whether that's taking a stab at a short term option like Cam Newton (which I'm opposed to, but I've heard it kicked around), or taking a semi-developmental guy like Herbert, Love, or Eason to groom behind JB for next year, then making the decision on who to keep when the time comes.

I'm all in on Ballard. Reich is definitely an upgrade from Pagano, but I'm not sure he's in the upper echelon just yet. I've really questioned some of his decisions last year and this year. I don't mind him going on fourth down, but he goes for it more than most. The decision against Houston last year cost the game. If you know you're going for it on fourth down and it's 3rd and 5, why not run it on third down? If you don't get it on 3rd, you're probably looking at 4th and 3 or less which is a lot easier than 4th and 5.

He gives Brissett all the practice reps then decides to play Hoyer? He got burned big time. Reich is something of a gambler. Fans love that, until it doesn't work then it's WTF was he thinking? I'm hoping he's like a kid playing with matches and learns when he gets burned.

 

[SouthernIndianaNDFan]

I'm all in on Ballard. Reich is definitely an upgrade from Pagano, but I'm not sure he's in the upper echelon just yet. I've really questioned some of his decisions last year and this year. I don't mind him going on fourth down, but he goes for it more than most. The decision against Houston last year cost the game. If you know you're going for it on fourth down and it's 3rd and 5, why not run it on third down? If you don't get it on 3rd, you're probably looking at 4th and 3 or less which is a lot easier than 4th and 5.

He gives Brissett all the practice reps then decides to play Hoyer? He got burned big time. Reich is something of a gambler. Fans love that, until it doesn't work then it's WTF was he thinking? I'm hoping he's like a kid playing with matches and learns when he gets burned.

Yeah, personally I'd rather a coach be willing to take risk, rather than be risk-averse, but like you said there can't just be wanton recklessness and he needs to learn as he goes. Make prudent decisions within that riskiness, if that makes any sense. I like Reich a lot, I feel he and Ballard together can achieve quite a bit. I give them a pass this year, you can't really plan to have a guy like Andrew Luck retire weeks before the season. Then you add that TY, Funch, and Campbell are all down with injury, and you're on your backup QBs backup...really have to limit your expectations. I think with all of the available cap room and the 3 picks they will have, probably within the Top 50, they should really be able to make some noise in 2020.

 

[Irish#1]

Yeah, personally I'd rather a coach be willing to take risk, rather than be risk-averse, but like you said there can't just be wanton recklessness and he needs to learn as he goes. Make prudent decisions within that riskiness, if that makes any sense. I like Reich a lot, I feel he and Ballard together can achieve quite a bit. I give them a pass this year, you can't really plan to have a guy like Andrew Luck retire weeks before the season. Then you add that TY, Funch, and Campbell are all down with injury, and you're on your backup QBs backup...really have to limit your expectations. I think with all of the available cap room and the 3 picks they will have, probably within the Top 50, they should really be able to make some noise in 2020.

I don't hold injuries or Luck retiring against Reich. He's done well managing the transition to JB. Interesting to note that local radio guy and former Colt Joe Stayzniak said there were a number of players in the locker room that couldn't care less about Luck's decision. Ballard needs to draft a couple of receivers, because outside of TY there aren't any you can count on. Funchess is getting up there and once he returns he may not be what he used to be. Campbell didn't have the greatest hands coming out of OSU (hence his draft slot) and he's shown he has trouble hanging onto the ball, so WR is draft option #1 IMO. If you go on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the best, what do you give Brissett?

 

[Irish2155]

I don't hold injuries or Luck retiring against Reich. He's done well managing the transition to JB. Interesting to note that local radio guy and former Colt Joe Stayzniak said there were a number of players in the locker room that couldn't care less about Luck's decision. Ballard needs to draft a couple of receivers, because outside of TY there aren't any you can count on. Funchess is getting up there and once he returns he may not be what he used to be. Campbell didn't have the greatest hands coming out of OSU (hence his draft slot) and he's shown he has trouble hanging onto the ball, so WR is draft option #1 IMO. If you go on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the best, what do you give Brissett?

To further your point...and the Colts can't count on TY staying healthy. He's starting to become as reliable as Will Fuller.