Colts GM Chris Ballard remains confident despite playoff drought: "Still strong belief"

Alex Parker

u/alex

Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard expresses confidence in the team's direction despite a playoff drought.

Why it matters: The Colts have struggled to find postseason success in recent years, but Ballard remains steadfast in his belief in the team's approach and their ability to reach their goals.

What's new: Ballard defended his record and emphasized his commitment to developing young talent rather than making splashy moves in free agency.

Yes, but: The Colts' lack of playoff success and their overall record under Ballard's tenure raise questions about the effectiveness of his roster-building approach.

  • Since Ballard became GM in 2017, the Colts have a record of 54-60-1 and haven't won a playoff game since 2018.
  • Ballard acknowledges the disappointment of missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons but maintains a strong belief in the team's trajectory.

What to watch: The development of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson will play a significant role in the team's performance and Ballard's long-term success as a GM.

  • Richardson's growth and performance will be closely monitored as he navigates the ups and downs of being a young QB in the NFL.
  • Ballard emphasizes patience with Richardson, acknowledging that young quarterbacks often experience challenges and need time to progress.

What's next: Ballard's vision for the team hinges on the continued development of young players, including Richardson, and the cultivation of a strong roster through his preferred method of drafting and developing talent.

  • The Colts have focused on building a young secondary that Ballard believes will improve with playing time.
  • Ballard's confidence in the team's direction suggests that he doesn't anticipate significant changes to his roster-building philosophy.

The bottom line: While the Colts' recent lack of playoff success is a concern, Ballard remains committed to his approach and optimistic about the team's future. Only time will tell if his trust in young talent and patience with Richardson will pay off in the form of sustained success.