As I look at the 2024 version of the Colts, the cautious optimism I held at the beginning of the season as quickly diminished. I was concerned about the defensive backfield, but was hopeful that with Latu, Dayo, and Kwitty that we might actually start getting some pressure on the opposing QBs, and the DBs wouldn't have to be holding coverage for as long. Between the inconsistencies on defense and offense, the QB situation, and Kenny calling out the lack of effort, this is how I view things now.

• Apart from a very few (Buckner, Moore, Taylor, Nelson) we have some 'OK' players, but definitely not elite. A few young guys (Latu, Jones) may develop into something special, but as of this moment, we have a roster of average to below average players/performances.
• Is the issue our player evaluations, the inability to develop these players, or the wrong schemes for the talent that is there? I don't have the skill set to distinguish which one is the issue, or if it is a combination of the three. I look at teams like the Steelers and Raven who consistently have solid teams with legit playoff squads while having plenty of personnel turnover.
• Maybe Kenny calling out the team will light a fire under some players and coaches. Maybe, as a previous article noted, the Colts go on a hot streak against lesser teams and actually make the playoffs. Maybe the time spent watching will have its desired effect and AR will return to the lineup and demonstrate the ability that we all have hoped for. That's a lot of 'maybes'.
• I'm a "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" kind of guy. So, I hope all of the 'maybes' come together and we get to see some exciting Colts football for the next two months. But I am also preparing for barely missing the playoffs again, and looking at a middle round draft pick that probably doesn't provide an immediate impact to the lineup.