Stampede Blue
We’re number one! We’re number one!
Hey, we are… The Indianapolis Colts rank dead last in an Athletic article ranking fans’ optimism heading into the season. That is a place no fan wants to be, but at least based on the people who participated in the poll, that is the reality of the situation. Should Colts fans really be the least optimistic in the league? Not sure, but there are several reasons why that could be the case. So many of you in the comments clamor for positive Colts articles and bemoan the negativity, but when the polling shows a result like this, it’s necessary to focus on where things went sideways.
The Colts have no clear direction. They aren’t actively bottoming out and looking for the next top draft pick that can move them forward. They aren’t rebuilding as there is no offloading of large contracts and major assets to acquire picks or young talent. They aren’t retooling and gearing up for another go. They aren’t in any position to make a serious postseason run or compete for a championship. The Colts are doggie paddling right now and are in no man’s land. They might make the playoffs, and they might not. They might be 6-10 or 9-8. There is no quarterback on the roster of the future, and there aren’t enough young budding players to see a way out. The Colts are simply passing time.
The “directionless” aspects falls under here directly, as many fans are tired of seeing the same approach year in and year out with no results. The lack of results have been well documented and are now boarding on insanity as the Colts roll out the same approach and tired lines as to why that approach didn’t work. Chris Ballard has been around nearly a decade. That is old in the world of spots. That is ancient when one considers his resume. Fans get itchy when things aren’t going well, and they start to look for people to blame. The GM, coach, quarterback, and owner lead that list. Two out of the four are brand new, so currently, they get a pass. Ballard sticks out like a sore thumb on this list and has been responsible for the roster construction and fruitless results. Seeing what we have and knowing what we know, how can it be expected for fans to be optimistic about more of the same?
Many Colts fans have been spoiled. Not our fault, but it’s true. Yes, there were lean years, but when Peyton Manning ushered in a golden age of football only to be followed by Andrew Luck, it seemed the good times would never end. AFC South championships were unappreciated as the only acceptable prize was a Super Bowl. That was it for a solid decade. Super Bowl or bust. While Luck didn’t have that same type of expectation necessarily, dragging the team to the playoffs his first year and reaching the AFC...
