You can tell that things with the Indianapolis Colts are looking up, when you see multiple comments about not caring about a loss this week with the caveat, “as long as we look good.” That’s much better than “I hope we lose to get a better draft pick.” There have been some changes, but a lot is still the same as far as players, coaches, and executives, although there has been some movement in all three areas. So, ahead of a potentially negative outcome this week, I want to get your thoughts on the most deserving entity for our hot start.
For the purpose the end poll, I am not going to include anything that we currently have that is the same as last year. So, while we think Steichen may be improving, he was still here last year. The same is true with JT, the wide receivers, the offensive line and the front seven-ish defenders. Yes, even though some say Ballard had a better offseason, to the point of claiming that, “He changed his stripes”. He is still in the role that he had last year.
Your Candidates:
Daniel Jones is getting a lot of the credit, as we are seeing better QB play than we have seen in some time. The unexpected nature of his early season awesomeness has taken many surprise, to the level that no one seems to mind saying that they didn’t see this coming. He’s been a game manager on steroids, by being able to go to deeper routes than expected. We usually just see the pocket on the broadcast and I am now not surprised to see a semi to wide open receiver, when the camera follows the ball. Steichen preached consistency, so if DJ can be consistently this good, our search may be over. Yea, he’s going to get some votes.
Carly has been with the team for some time, but this is a new role for her. In the past, she may have been involved in decisions, but I don’t think Jim had given up final say until he had given his final breath. Is it possible that the fact that she is stoic to the point of not being able to read her, keeping everyone on their toes? The Boss was a loyal man, but his eldest looks like she could send you packing without batting an eye. I doubt that anyone is overly comfortable. It is plausible that she ends up deserving a little credit for not clearing house.
Gus Bradley is an easy place to start when looking at defensive woes from previous years. Some may call him a scapegoat, but it is hard not to watch our defense and see a difference this year. Lou’s style influenced our free agency (more later), but he’s largely doing more with many of the same players from last year. I think that if he could get a LB who helps take away the middle of the field, he’d be heading a top 5 – 10 defense. He’s a factor.
We surprisingly spent first-day free agent money this year, and it has paid dividends with a DB group that is taking away first reads and not surrendering nearly as much space to receivers. Bynum also is the “Juice” guy, who looks to keep his teammates and fans fired up. The name “Mooney” caught me by surprise, but no one should be surprised by his play. Those two have allowed others who were getting snaps, to take their rightful place in a depth role.
I have to come clean on this one and admit that Warren was the right pick this Spring. I had big fears about Smith’s return and I thought the Georgia LB, Walker, would be a major upgrade at a weak position. Well, Warren was also an upgrade at a weak position and a massive one at that. I should have remembered that the best asset for a player is being good at football. I was afraid he might be more along the lines of Ebron or Fleener, but his blocking has turned me into a believer. I haven’t bought a jersey since Leonard and it is usually a good idea to get a young player, so Warren may come up in my talk with Santa.
Not quite making the list might be our kicker that is off to a great start, including a game winner and an upgrade over last year. Shrader deserves Honorable Mention.
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