If patience is a virtue, then the Indianapolis Colts are the most virtuous team in the entire NFL. Their cup runneth over and that hasn’t shifted even with the change in ownership. It’s clear to see the Colts prefer continuity, which is fine if the results are present to support it. That hasn’t been the case, but there is one human who has benefited hand over fist from this patience and the generosity it has bestowed: Chris Ballard. He is getting long in the tooth, and the early start to the year
might prove to be his ultimate test.
There is no easing into the 2026 season for the Colts. The Ravens, Chiefs, Texans, Commanders, and Steelers start things off. It could be worse but not by much. Last year started off easy, too easy. It set a false sense of what was. This year, we are looking at the inverse. The start to the season could devastate fans out of the gate. Patience will be tested. It might be rewarded in the back half, but will the Colts’ patience with Ballard make it that far?
Ballard’s track record is known. It might not seem like it, but it is known to the new owners of the Colts too. Inheriting a team can lead to one of two approaches: clean house immediately or take stock of what you have before making major moves. The Colts aren’t bad, but they aren’t that good either. That is why they have floated mostly towards the middle during Ballard’s tenure. The middle might not cut it this year, and if things go sideways early, he might not be given enough time to find equilibrium.
Chris Ballard has been around a long time. Too long. He has had draft after draft after offseason after offseason to assemble a winning team. It doesn’t all fall on his shoulders but a lot of it does. If the early results go as they very well may, we could be looking at a 1-5 or 2-6 start. All this “patience is a virtue” talk will go out the window. Patience may be a virtue, but it also runs out. The supply is limited, and Ballard is already deep into the reserves.
