Chris Ballard's expectations for Colts in 2024: Playoffs, competing for AFC South title
INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts surprised just about everybody in 2023.
Universally picked to be drafting in the top 10, a prediction everybody doubled down after Indianapolis lost rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson for the season, the Colts instead ended up playing in a do-or-die game against the Texans for a playoff berth, and ultimately, an AFC South title.
Expectations for Indianapolis will rise, and Colts general manager Chris Ballard agrees that the bar should be raised.
“We should legitimately be competing for the division and the playoffs,” Ballard said. “That’s our expectation. That’s really our expectation every year, but I think that is really possible here going forward.”
Under Ballard, the Colts are still looking for their first AFC South title — they haven’t won the division since 2014 — and have made the playoffs only twice.
Indianapolis ended up a couple of plays away from accomplishing both on Sunday night against the Houston Texans.
“I’m encouraged by where we’re going,” Ballard said. “I’m disappointed that we didn’t finish the deal.”
Asked if he feels urgency heading into his eighth season as Colts general manager, Ballard agreed.
“Absolutely,” Ballard said. “The last three years have really — this year was better — but 2021 and 2022 sucked. I feel bad for our fans, and I don’t want to let them down. That’s what sticks in my craw. Damn.”
Ballard’s comments echoed his head coach’s parting comments on Monday.
“I think we’re right there, and you can see it by the way our guys fought,” Shane Steichen said. “But every year is a new year, so we’ve got to rebuild it again next year and have that laser focus every single day — the details, the preparation that we put into it. We’ve got to be all over it, but I do, I think we’re right on the cusp of something really special here.”