The Indianapolis Colts made a major decision when the Irsays chose to part ways with 10-year general manager Chris Ballard. It was a long time coming, but if things don’t shape up quickly, it won’t be the last move made in 2026. When it rains, it pours, and Shane Steichen better have his umbrella and poncho on because he is in danger of being the next to fall. The next two weeks could very well determine his fate.
Offensively, the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings are one of the worst undefeated teams ever. They don’t put up a lot of yards or points. That’s all the good news there is for the Colts, though. As statistically bad as they may be on offense, they are coming off a bye, are at home, and have one of the league’s best defenses. Kyler Murray is back under center and is starting to get comfortable. In the building in which the Colts surrendered a 33-0 lead, anything is possible, but being a touchdown underdog implies this will be an uphill climb.
If Steichen can rally the troops in the face of adversity and win, he can take a breath. It will only be a small gulp, however, because the test continues in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. Their record doesn’t matter. Whether Trevor Lawrence has his team rolling doesn’t matter. Great or horrible, the Colts don’t win in Jacksonville anymore. If Steichen wants to keep his job, this has to be the year to break the curse.
These are two tough games to get the mojo back. Shane Steichen can script the first twenty or so plays, but after that, it falls apart. The Colts have already shown what “Find a Way” means when they released Ballard. It means win. Nothing else. Steichen’s leash was short to begin the year, and he is officially on notice as the next one on the chopping block. If he loses both, he will most likely be gone. This is a results-oriented league. Steichen must show those results or be shown the door.