Colts Ballard alerts modifications, however will he be completely different?

The overall supervisor for the Indianapolis Colts took the rostrum for his finish of yr presser. Following one other disappointing yr through which the crew he constructed missed the playoffs and gave the impression to be in disarray, Ballard was gifted one other yr by proprietor Jim Irsay. The leash has been lengthy for Ballard, coming into his ninth yr, as he has been unable to supply on the sphere. No division championships and solely two playoff appearances have him sounding like a modified man. Two questions linger: has he modified and if that’s the case, will it’s too little too late.

This can be a make or break season for Ballard. As a lot as I’m in shock that he made it this far, I really really feel that until he exhibits seen enchancment, there shall be no yr ten. He is aware of it too. He has seemed within the mirror and kicked himself for being so cussed, as his strategy has not labored. It appears like extra free brokers shall be introduced on this yr. His “run it again” 2024 didn’t work. (I might have informed you it wouldn’t, however…). He’s going to herald exterior expertise. Does that imply high tier gamers? I doubt it, however he is aware of he wants to extend the competitors within the room, even maybe with Anthony Richardson.

These are issues followers have been screaming about for years. Why impulsively is Ballard listening? Desperation? Sees the writing on the wall? One final shot? Almost certainly a mixture of all of these. It’s laborious to really feel he has modified although, and he admits he has to show it. Discuss is reasonable. Discuss hasn’t finished something besides create shedding over his tenure. Will it’s sufficient to save lots of his job with the Colts? I feel a authentic shot on the division on the again of a profitable season is about all that might. Duking it out at 9-8 to win a weak AFC South wouldn’t reduce it in my ebook.

At this level, I actually don’t have any expectations of Chris Ballard going into yr 9. I feel he’ll herald some extra names within the offseason, however it should all be decrease tier gamers for “roster constructing” functions. If, in a yr which could possibly be Ballard’s final, he doesn’t swing for the fences, he by no means will. I count on extra of the identical as he isn’t a person of change. I suppose we are going to see if he proves me improper. In any other case, there shall be a special kind of change for the Colts.