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6 Takeaways from Colts GM Chris Ballard’s Press Conference

By Luke Schultheis

Aug 13, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; A general view of the helmet of Indianapolis Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo (74) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; A general view of the helmet of Indianapolis Colts tackle Anthony Castonzo (74) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts strong safety Mike Adams (29) and inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (52) and strong safety Clayton Geathers (26) tackle Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) in the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts strong safety Mike Adams (29) and inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson (52) and strong safety Clayton Geathers (26) tackle Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) in the first half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Defense Wins Championships

The biggest issue on the Colts is clearly their defense, which has consistently ranked in the bottom half of the league and is devoid of young talent.

Outside of veteran cornerback Vontae Davis, the Colts defense simply lacks stars.

The unit has a few young standouts such as safety Clayton Geathers, defensive end Henry Anderson, and maybe defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway, but other than that, the cupboard is pretty bare.

It was refreshing to hear that Ballard is placing the greatest emphasis on defense–something that has been sorely lacking.

"“Defense wins championships, and I know you’ve got to score points, but I’ve been blessed to work in two places in this league when we’ve been pretty special on defense, Chicago and Kansas City,” added Ballard.  “So, that definitely is a priority.”"

Not to mention, a heavy focus on improving in the trenches on both offense and defense, as the Colts offensive line has to get better as well:

"“Look, in this league you win upfront. You win on the o-line, d-line, and if you’re not good upfront, it’s very difficult when you get into December football. December, January football.”"

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