Key Takeaways from Colts GM Chris Ballard’s end-of-season press convention

On Friday morning, Indianapolis Colts normal supervisor Chris Ballard held his annual (and league required) end-of-season press convention, after the franchise completed wanting one other playoff berth—following an underwhelming 8-9 report in the course of the 2024 season.

Whereas previously, Ballard has insisted on his continued course of, displaying an air of confidence, bravado, and conviction, this can be the primary time getting into his Ninth-year because the longtime Colts normal supervisor the place he confirmed a a lot higher willingness to vary his longstanding steadfast (and arguably cussed) strategy, with a contact of humility:

Takeaways from Chris Ballard’s season-ending presser:

— The failure of 2024 has pressured him to look within the mirror and admit his strategy was flawed. “I’ve kicked myself for being so daggum stubborn.”

— Search for this spring to be totally different: extra aggression in F.A, extra exterior…

— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 10, 2025

Maybe, that’s as a result of 2025 is shaping as much as be a ‘do-or-die’ 12 months for him with the Colts—together with head coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson, and his realization that it’s now or by no means—with issues clearly having to vary for the workforce to get higher. The established order merely hasn’t been ok with no playoff berth since 2020 and no division titles relationship all the way in which again to the 2014 season for the Colts franchise.

Listed here are a number of key takeaways from Ballard’s newest presser:

Picture by Justin Casterline/Getty Photographs

“We’re Not Close!”

Chris Ballard:

“Right now, we are not close. I want to make this really clear: Close is losing on the last play of the Super Bowl. 8-9? That’s not close.”

— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) January 10, 2025

Picture by Justin Casterline/Getty Photographs

Well being, Consistency, and Competitors at Quarterback

#Colts GM Chris Ballard on Anthony Richardson: “I don’t think we can completely stamp it. … We knew when we took him it was gonna be a rollercoaster.”

Talked about that AR has to remain wholesome. That is the No. 1 precedence. No. 2 is consistency in his play.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 10, 2025

#Colts GM Chris Ballard stated he thinks Anthony Richardson’s again “will be fine.”

Provides that they will look to usher in QB competitors this offseason.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 10, 2025

Picture by Justin Casterline/Getty Photographs

Anthony Richardson Was ‘Drowning’ Earlier than Benching

Chris Ballard on Anthony Richardson’s benching: “He was drowning. I didn’t feel the same poise (in him that he had shown previously). Mentally, it was really going really fast for him.”

Ballard admits a part of him needs the benching lasted longer — AR wanted an extended reset.

— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 10, 2025

Picture by Michael Owens/Getty Photographs

No Again Surgical procedure Mandatory for Famous ‘Dawg’ Michael Pittman Jr.

Ballard on Michael Pittman Jr’s fractured again subject: no surgical procedure, ‘One robust dude. Instance of what you need.’

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 10, 2025

Picture by Cooper Neill/Getty Photographs

RT Braden Smith Going By way of ‘Personal Issue’

On Braden Smith: going via a private scenario. No elaboration.

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 10, 2025

Picture by Michael Hickey/Getty Photographs

Different Members of Gus Bradley’s Defensive Workers Not Retained

DBs coach Ron Milus and LBs coach Richard Smith weren’t retained for the 2025 season, per the #Colts.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 10, 2025

Colts defensive assistants Richard Smith (LBs) and Ron Milus (DBs) is not going to be coming again, per the workforce.

Each are Gus Bradley disciples.

The brand new defensive coordinator will resolve on the remainder of the employees.

— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) January 10, 2025

Picture by Kathryn Riley/Getty Photographs

‘Can’t Win with Distractions’ Relating to All-Professional LB Zaire Franklin

Ballard on Zaire Franklin (and podcast); Would not elaborate on non-public discussions. ‘However you may’t win with distractions.’ Do not create distractions.

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 10, 2025

Picture by Justin Casterline/Getty Photographs

Colts Going to Get Extra Aggressive Defensively?

Small however key element from Chris Ballard:

I requested him straight if he noticed worth in contemplating a extra aggressive fashion of protection.

He stated: “I definitely think there is value. You’ve got to be able to affect the quarterback.”

This could inform the present coordinator search.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) January 10, 2025