Five weeks ago, the Indianapolis Colts were kings of the NFL landscape. Now, they are trying to pull themselves out of quicksand to save their season. Daniel Jones was in MVP talks, Shane Steichen was in Coach of the Year circles, and the Chris Ballard apologists were emerging from the woodwork. Time goes by though, and so did the Colts’ lead in the AFC and division. All of those encouraging storylines have been replaced with hand wringing and nervous fidgeting as fans sit and watch being unable to do anything about it. Not all hope is lost, but a loss on Sunday to the Jaguars could be the tipping point for some major shakeups across the organization.
First off, let’s set the stage. If the Colts win in Jacksonville and pick up their two home contests, this could all be moot. The division could be won and they would most likely be a three seed in the playoffs. That would honestly be a job well done to most. Jobs would most likely be saved and a direction would be set for the franchise. The following focuses on if this game goes sideways on Sunday and the ramifications that could have on the franchise as a whole.
Chris Ballard
He seemed safer than ever before. After years of rockiness and a resume that was highly questionable, it appeared his vision had finally come to fruition. Now, with the season hanging in the balance, Ballard will be and should be one of the first people on the chopping block if the Colts can’t close this out with a division title. This season, whether it is successful or not, shouldn’t be viewed in a vacuum. It could buy Ballard another year or cost him his job, but the preceding body of work should also be a factor. Nine years with zero division titles would most likely be the nail in the coffin.
Shane Steichen
Fans were finally seeing the genius that was touted when Steichen was first hired as the head coach. He was orchestrating a historic offense, and while he can’t be blamed for not maintaining that pace, the drop off is unnerving. During this four game stumble, Jonathan Taylor hasn’t been utilized to his full potential with the exception of the Falcons game. Steichen isn’t leaning on his best player enough; one who can break a long run at any point. Defenses appear to have made adjustments to the Colts’ offense, but Steichen is repeatedly being questioned for his in game decisions and lack of changes. Failing to make enough changes to win Sunday, could cost him his job.
Daniel Jones
Is Jones still the future? The jury is still out on this one and will be debated heavily in the offseason. It was always a tepid “yes” at best as fans wanted to believe they had found the answer more than actually knowing they had it. Jones isn’t the only problem. He may not even be the main one, but as the quarterback goes, so goes the team. He needs to get this thing back on track. Losing against the Jaguars sets the Colts into an absolute freefall. The schedule remains tough and people will be recalling that this is exactly who they thought Jones was before the season. The Cinderella dream has turned back into a pumpkin. If this game turns into a longer skid, Jones’ next contract and future will be in serious doubt. If this is what the Colts can expect when facing top tier teams, Jones won’t be the answer.
Win and all of this can go away. That is the simplest solution to it all. It is a tall task considering the current state and the opponent. Carlie Irsay-Gordon may view things differently but imagining her as pleased watching a division title slip through her fingers in her first year at the helm seems farfetched. This could be the clean slate she needs to bring in her own people. Ideally, the Colts win on Sunday and finish the season at the top of the AFC South, giving her little to no reason to make drastic changes. Considering how the Colts normally handle business in Jacksonville, however, no one should get too comfortable.
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