I’ve already addressed most of these points. Garbage players will play hard. Cool. Doesn’t mean much when it’s players like Painter, supposedly the best they could do at the position that year. And it’s pretty safe to say that Jim Irsay is a drunk moron. I’d take Polian here in a heartbeat. As for players, long term Colts likely wanted Luck too. They benefit financially from playoffs and SBs, not endless middling seasons like the Phins. I bet if you asked any of those who stayed on the team after that season what they thought of that 2-14, they wouldn’t give two ****s.
But by all means, believe that the Colts did everything they could to compete that year. They went out and gave their all and won one for the gipper, or whatever.
Regardless, if we miss the playoffs again, I won’t be the least bit upset if this team sucks *** next year, even if they’re out there “giving it their all.” I want to see a SB and this bucket of mediocre isn’t going to do it. And if they end up middle of the road per usual, I’d be okay with trading multiple picks to move up to get one of the 2020 class if they remain as good as they look now.