Chris Ballard is due his credit as Executive of the Year given the Colts’ success.
It’s a bit early in the season, but it’s fair to make a case that Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard should be named 2020 NFL Executive of the Year. Upon being hired in 2017, Ballard was tasked with rebuilding a roster that was left by former manager Ryan Grigson in shambles. The offensive line was a mess and former quarterback Andrew Luck was suffering injuries at a high rate. In addition, the defense was aging and void of any talent.
Fast forward to 2020, the Colts have one of the top defenses in the league and the offensive line is fixed to a point where it’s one of the most feared in the league. Though Luck is not around to reap its benefits due to early retirement, Philip Rivers has enjoyed the luxury as has Jacoby Brissett.
In addition, rookie Johnathan Taylor, although limited in a 19-11 win over the Bears, is thrilled over having good line play that allows good running lanes to control the line of scrimmage.
Chris Ballard has returned the Colts to their old roots with a modern twist.
No matter the year or the season, the old saying of being able to win in the trenches is never more apparent than what the Colts have been proving this season.
The offensive line is littered with high draft picks and, with today’s game featuring teams scoring at an extremely high rate, the only way to endure that level of success is to have proper line play. In addition, in order to stop an offense, defensive line play is critical, just ask Michael Strahan and the Giants.
Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith, Ryan Kelly and Anthony Costanzo were all high draft picks and have been essential to the functioning of the offense. Meanwhile on the defense, smart draft picks such as Bobby Okereke and good free agent signings such as Justin Houston.
The Colts have a long way to go, such as who will replace Rivers at the quarterback position. Even though the Colts have drafted Jacob Eason to fulfill that, it will require actual gameplay in order to determine a solution. In the meantime, it’s best to put the right pieces in place to ensure the best cast possible, and Ballard is highly responsible for that success.
He deserves this award, although he’s more interested in hoisting a Lombardi trophy, something only a handful of general managers have been able to do.