Remaining available free agent OTs

[IndyNorm]

Originally Posted by rm1369

I’m afraid Ballard will always be so focused on the future and his method that the team will never have a “now” year where Ballard really pushes to field a great team. They’ll instead focus on being a good team for a much longer period. Of course it’s too early to say that for sure because they are still rebuilding and the team still isn’t where they want it to be......

The problem isn't so much that Ballard doesn't want to go all in. The problem is that after investing in a QB in the offseason he's refusing to do any more than bottom feed off of other teams' scrap heaps for the most important position in protecting that QB. And it's not like us not having a LT is a huge surprise since AC was considering retiring after 2019.

Ballard for the most part has done a very good job, but if we don't have at least a decent LT signed by training camp then he has royally fucked this offseason up.

[Oldcolt]

I guess I agree. I look every day at least twice to see if we have signed one of the LTs. I think it is premature to crucify Ballard because it hasn’t happened yet. Ballard obviously values offensive line. These last few years have been the best line play we have had in as far back as I can remember. The Manning era could pass block with the best but we’re nowhere as physical in the run game. It’s not like Grigson is running things. I believe Ballard will put together an offensive line that I’ll be happy with

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by IndyNorm

The problem isn't so much that Ballard doesn't want to go all in. The problem is that after investing in a QB in the offseason he's refusing to do any more than bottom feed off of other teams' scrap heaps for the most important position in protecting that QB. And it's not like us not having a LT is a huge surprise since AC was considering retiring after 2019.

Ballard for the most part has done a very good job, but if we don't have at least a decent LT signed by training camp then he has royally fucked this offseason up.

I don’t like the term “all in”. That makes it sound like it’s this year or nothing, which just isn’t the case. There is a cost in free agency but it is almost never that drastic and never that immediate. They could have signed Trent Williams and it’s not like they would have been cutting guys next year to get under the cap. I’m not advocating Williams by the way - just saying even the extreme wouldn’t have led to a real “all in” situation.

And I get the importance of the LT position, but this has been consistent with Ballard’s MO. He’ll sign someone if he can get them relatively cheap and low risk. Otherwise he’ll be fine rolling into the season with a weakness, preach about the process, and deal with it in the draft next offseason. I don’t think Wentz will be at a huge risk though - Reich will use scheme to help cover the deficiency. The cost probably won’t be Wentz’s health, it will be wins. Same as it was when he did it with WR and DE. But that’s fine because they are still building...

[IndyNorm]

Originally Posted by rm1369

I don’t like the term “all in”. That makes it sound like it’s this year or nothing, which just isn’t the case. There is a cost in free agency but it is almost never that drastic and never that immediate. They could have signed Trent Williams and it’s not like they would have been cutting guys next year to get under the cap. I’m not advocating Williams by the way - just saying even the extreme wouldn’t have led to a real “all in” situation.

And I get the importance of the LT position, but this has been consistent with Ballard’s MO. He’ll sign someone if he can get them relatively cheap and low risk. Otherwise he’ll be fine rolling into the season with a weakness, preach about the process, and deal with it in the draft next offseason. I don’t think Wentz will be at a huge risk though - Reich will use scheme to help cover the deficiency. The cost probably won’t be Wentz’s health, it will be wins. Same as it was when he did it with WR and DE. But that’s fine because they are still building...

Unfortunately you're probably right

[Spike]

Originally Posted by rm1369

I don’t like the term “all in”. That makes it sound like it’s this year or nothing, which just isn’t the case. There is a cost in free agency but it is almost never that drastic and never that immediate. They could have signed Trent Williams and it’s not like they would have been cutting guys next year to get under the cap. I’m not advocating Williams by the way - just saying even the extreme wouldn’t have led to a real “all in” situation.

And I get the importance of the LT position, but this has been consistent with Ballard’s MO. He’ll sign someone if he can get them relatively cheap and low risk. Otherwise he’ll be fine rolling into the season with a weakness, preach about the process, and deal with it in the draft next offseason. I don’t think Wentz will be at a huge risk though - Reich will use scheme to help cover the deficiency. The cost probably won’t be Wentz’s health, it will be wins. Same as it was when he did it with WR and DE. But that’s fine because they are still building...

Wentz needs a good LT. You can't just scheme it away. Wentz went through hell in Philly, don't want to see a repeat of that in Indy. QB and LT are two of the most important offensive positions in the NFL. Look at what KC went through when both of their tackles weren't in the game, even Mahomes couldn't do crap.

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by Spike

Wentz needs a good LT. You can't just scheme it away. Wentz went through hell in Philly, don't want to see a repeat of that in Indy. QB and LT are two of the most important offensive positions in the NFL. Look at what KC went through when both of their tackles weren't in the game, even Mahomes couldn't do crap.

I’m not at all advocating for it. I’ve been complaining about this aspect of Ballard’s method for awhile. But at this point it seems pretty consistent. However, I also think the Colts will field a better overall line next year than KC had in SB even if Ballard does nothing else. It will cost wins though - on that we agree.