quick thoughts on the terrible titans game

[Chaka]

I get that everyone needs to vent after a loss like this, but this is getting absurd. We are 3 games into a 17-game season. We have lost to three playoff teams, one of whom (the Rams) just beat the reigning champions. While I could point out that we managed to stay close to all three teams, I don’t really agree since I feel we were hanging by a thread in all three games to some extent.

Three days ago, many of you were singing Wentz’s praises, and those that weren’t were grudgingly admitting that he was playing better than expected. Since then, all the guy does is come out and play on two (TWO!) sprained ankles, and – shockingly – has a bit of a tough day. It was clear he had no mobility and was likely in pain and maybe he WAS seeing ghosts (I don’t know, though, most of those “ghosts” appeared pretty real to me) – but I don’t fault the guy for perhaps being concerned about being hit in the lower leg area given his injuries. You all saw the Donald tackle and the awkward angle Wentz’s ankle took. Sure, you can argue that Wentz shouldn’t have played at all, but the guy’s a competitor and obviously wanted to play in a key division game. The fact that we didn’t have a more reliable backup, to the extent that played into the decision, is on Ballard I’ll agree. Obviously, the Colts staff told Wentz to throw/kill the ball if he got into severe pressure, which explains some of his worst plays. The stats show that Wentz’s passing was significantly different that it was in the last two games, pre-injury.

As far for the line failures, well, I don’t know what to say. Apart from LT, I think the Colts were perfectly entitled to assume the line was in good shape and not a reason for concern. The fact that the OL has played so poorly is very disappointing. LT is on Ballard too, of course. I don’t know that the Colts knew that Fisher wasn’t going to be ready at the beginning of the season, but obviously Tevi and Davenport were the backup plan if he wasn’t. And that hasn’t worked out so well. I think Omaha’s comment about Nelson being out and nobody noticing is very interesting and is worth some significant thought. If the OL can regain any semblance of its former self, I think we'll see a much different team.

The defense has been another big disappointment. Again, apart from DE, I think it was reasonable for the Colts to think they were in good shape here. And the Colts used their 1st and 2nd picks on DEs to address this (yes, I know Odeyingbo isn’t able to play yet), so obviously they recognize the problem and are trying to address it. For those saying they should have done more, what FAs should they have signed? Top end DEs just aren’t available that way. Overall, I have to think coaching is a major issue given that these players have shown they can be effective in the past.

The idea that Ballard’s second round picks have been massive failures is unfair. Leonard, Smith and Taylor were all second round picks. Pittman was too. Yes, they’re have been many underperforming players also, but is his batting average significantly worse than other GMs in this round?

As for those who now think we should have gone a different direction at QB, who should be have brought in? Fields or Jones? Did I miss something and were they available when we picked? They are also only three games into their careers and resting the Colts future on either of their shoulders is anything but a sure thing. Both sucked pretty bad this weekend, and no guarantee they’ll get better. Again, it is very, very rare to get a quality QB in FA, and outside of the top few picks a QB in the draft is going to be a major risk and require time. The Colts were (are?) ready to compete now. Wentz was a good risk with lots of upside, and available at a discount. His contract is great too, and we can even cut bait after two years if he totally bombs, though I don’t think he will. You could argue Darnold would have been a better choice, but I doubt he would have played any better than Wentz under the circumstances as he’s less mobile. Our coaching staff knew Wentz better too.

Anyway, it’s far from the time when we should throw in the towel on the season. There are 14 more games to play. A win or two will help right the ship. And for those calling for the Colts to sit Wentz to preserve their 1st round pick, well, I have no doubt the Colts will do so if the season goes completely down the drain by week 10 or so. If Wentz sucks, they can easily justify bringing in Eason/Hundley or someone else at that point. It doesn’t have to be because of injury. Until then, don’t expect them to let up, nor should they.