{"id":756015,"date":"2026-02-16T13:23:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T13:23:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/756015\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T13:23:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T13:23:21","slug":"confidence-that-chris-ballard-can-succeed-is-drowning-in-an-abyss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/756015\/","title":{"rendered":"Confidence That Chris Ballard Can Succeed is Drowning in an Abyss"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s no secret that Indianapolis Colts<\/a> general manager Chris Ballard has likely overstayed his welcome as the front office leader. <\/p>\n

I used to defend Ballard staying. Why you ask? Because no general manager in recent memory has had a generational franchise quarterback like Andrew Luck retire abruptly. <\/p>\n

Ballard constructed a roster around Luck with Quenton Nelson<\/a>, Braden Smith<\/a>, Grover Stewart<\/a>, and Shaq Leonard. <\/p>\n

Just after it appeared like Ballard put together the perfect roster following a trip to the divisional round in 2018, everything fell apart after Luck called it a career ahead of the 2019 season. <\/p>\n

Since then, it’s been a disaster for Indianapolis, especially at quarterback. Now, after another 8-9 finish with no AFC South title or playoffs, I’ve rescinded having Ballard’s back, as it’s impossible anymore. <\/p>\n

Patrick Daugherty at NBC Sports brings up Ballard’s roster-building practices<\/a> in his recap of every team from the 2025 season, as well as the outlook. <\/p>\n

Daugherty discusses plenty with Indy’s entry, but what was mentioned about Ballard is what many believe about the long-time Colts GM. <\/p>\n

Daugherty provides this statement after referencing that, one day, Daniel Jones<\/a>\u2019 success might not be too good to be true.<\/p>\n

“It seems unlikely any day will be that day in Indy as long as GM Chris Ballard is assembling the roster.”<\/p>\n

While it’s a concise statement, it is a microcosm of Ballard’s shaky abilities to put together a competent roster. <\/p>\n

\"Colts<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard speaks to the press in a pre-draft press conference Monday, April 21, 2025 at the Colts headquarters, the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. | Kelly Wilkinson\/IndyStar \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Ballard has drafted excellent players like Jonathan Taylor<\/a> and Michael Pittman Jr.<\/a> to pair with the aforementioned names. He’s also executed franchise-supporting trades for stars like DeForest Buckner<\/a> and Sauce Gardner<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Regardless of these moves, Ballard hasn’t been able to put together a winning team post-Luck retirement. <\/p>\n

Sign Up For the Colts Daily Digest – OnSI\u2019s Indianapolis Colts Newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n

Through his gargantuan nine-year existence with Indianapolis, Ballard has put together one of the most underwhelming resumes you’ll see from a general manager. <\/p>\n

70-78-1 record47 win percentage2 playoff trips1 playoff win0 AFC South titles8-day one starting quarterbacks<\/p>\n

When examining these facts, it makes one wonder why late owner Jim Irsay and Carlie Irsay-Gordon have decided to keep Ballard in his position. <\/p>\n

\"Colts<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL draft. | Clark Wade\/IndyStar \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Whether it’s botching the quarterback solution with Anthony Richardson Sr.<\/a>, his teams failing to win games when they matter most, or ridiculous amounts of injuries, Ballard looks like a general manager who can’t get to the playoffs without a superstar QB like Luck. <\/p>\n

2025 looked to be Ballard’s year. Indianapolis had Jones as their day-one starter and started systematically destroying teams to become the NFL’s best squad. The 8-2 record looked like the mark of a Super Bowl team. <\/p>\n

However, the Colts would fail to win a single game for the rest of the year. While Jones falling to a season-ending Achilles injury was a massive letdown, it still doesn’t excuse Ballard from the years before. <\/p>\n

Now, heading into an unprecedented 10th year as the general manager, CEO Irsay-Gordon has made it clear about the expectations for him and head coach Shane Steichen for the 2026 campaign. <\/p>\n

“The sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher.” <\/p>\n

#Colts<\/a> owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon sends a strong message to general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen:<\/p>\n

“We have been very clear with Chris and Shane… the sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher.” pic.twitter.com\/oUCAPpmVuX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) January 5, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

It won’t be easy to replicate what Indianapolis did through their first 10 games of 2025, and on top of that, the Colts have no first-round pick in this year’s draft following the Gardner trade with the New York Jets. <\/p>\n

Luckily, Indianapolis has the same offensive talents they had in 2025, assuming they re-sign quarterback Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce<\/a> in free agency. <\/p>\n

Everything is riding on this season for Ballard. No longer can he lean on the Luck argument, especially after such a promising start in 2025, only to fall apart as multiple seasons have under his leadership. <\/p>\n

If Ballard had any tricks up his sleeve to get this team a divisional championship and a playoff victory, now is the time to pull those out. <\/p>\n

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