The Indianapolis Colts choked away a victory Sunday at Kansas City thanks to Daniel Jones’ regression and Shane Steichen’s retreat. That happened and I wrote it, then shared the column first with members of my text message group and steeled myself for the response from Colts fans.
Was I harsh? Yup. Was it deserved? Absolutely. But some folks don’t always like the truth as bluntly as I write it, so I was ready for the pushback texts coming in this Mailbagg™.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWasn’t ready for this one, though.
From: Steve B.
Ugh, I raked leaves ALL day while I taped the game. Now I'm treating myself to the game, fast-forwarding commercials, eating my wife's good stew. Hey, we're up! Life is good. Then, I get a text from a friend ... and see your text headline.
Thanks, Gregg. Now I know we lose in OT.
P.S. Maybe a "spoiler alert" next time.
My man. I raked all day Saturday ... and will be at it again later this week. But you have to protect yourself better than that. You’ve been around these parts long enough to know my column is coming ASAP!
As for anyone who hasn’t joined the group: More than 3,000 have signed up, it’s free, and you can join us at the link at the end of any of my columns at IndyStar.com.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFrom: Daniel F., before getting my column text
You need to stop being so soft in your coverage of this pathetic team.
Give me a second, huh? Go rake or something.
From: Daniel F., after reading it
Thank you. Only part I disagree with: This season IS over. Fire GM Chris Ballard, Shane Steichen, trade Daniel Jones and Zaire Franklin – everyone except Jonathan Taylor – for the chance to draft IU’s Fernando Mendoza (a generational player) and get a coach that players fear. Time to start over.
Not sure I like the truth as bluntly as you write it, Daniel.
Doyel: Colts offense folds as Daniel Jones regresses, Shane Steichen retreats
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn Daniel Jones, Shane Steichen and Colts loss to KC
From: Randy R.
Couldn't agree with you more. Although, you were much more diplomatic in your comments then I was. Very disappointing coaching job in the second half
I’ve always said: I’m the Henry Kissinger of diplomacy.
From: Sue M.
You were a bit rough on both coach & QB. But I get it that that's how you roll....
I’ve always said: I’m no Henry Kissinger. Diplomacy ain’t my job.
From: Alan W.
I agree Steichen got conservative in the second half. I do not agree that Jones has regressed to his NYG level. No INT’s, no fumbles, ball thrown to the right spots, etc.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHis previous two games: Seven turnovers. Now add this game in KC, when he refused to push the ball downfield, and Indiana Jones has become NYG Jones.
From: Joan W.
What got you so riled up? That seems a little extreme criticism on Jones and Steichen. This article was not easy to read and I believe you carried it too far. You're better than that.
Guessing you didn’t like that “NYG Jones” comment.
From: Mike M.
I think you are being a little too tough on Jones. He threw one terrible pass today and got away with it. He didn't turn the ball over, didn't call the plays in the fourth quarter and wasn't the guy who was supposed to figure out the QB protections necessary after the two previous games exposed the weaknesses we have.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe was 1-for-9 in one stretch as the Colts were choking away the game. And his previous two games were bad. Don’t make me channel my inner Jack Nicholso—
Too late.
YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH.
Meet ex-Colts star Jeff George, the Christmas QB
Did you have an opinion of Jeff George? Same here. But then I heard about his tireless, anonymous work for the community, and called him to ask about it. Now he and I send occasional Bible verses back and forth.
Made me a new friend!
How could I change my opinion so dramatically? Until this story, I didn’t know the real Jeff George – because I didn’t know about the Christmas QB.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDoyel: Think you know Jeff George, do you? Well, meet the Christmas QB
From: David G.
I was Jeff George’s teacher and Athletic Trainer at Warren. Jeff has had me on the bench on all of his NFL teams. I was on the bench at Purdue when he was put on the golf cart. I have defended him from the bad media reports. Thank again for telling the truth.
From: Vickie S.
Gregg thank you for the nice article on Jeff George and his silent giving to others. I know Jeff and his family, and he's a good guy who likes to be in the background.
From: Chris B.
The photo accompanying the Jeff George column – former Colts QB and his family, wearing Pacers jerseys and standing in what looks like the Coke Lot before the Indianapolis 500 – is the most Indianapolis photo ever. Also, Jake Query should run for mayor of Indianapolis. He is as Indy as it gets.
Former Warren Central High School and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jeff George with his children: Jayden (left), Jeff, Jordan (middle) and Jeffrey (right)Agree – on both points. Love me some Jake Query.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFrom: Allan S.
Lucious was a regular visitor at St. Barnabas Church on the southside. At times he would visit our food pantry and took what he needed. Other times he'd stand at the back of the church after mass and ask for financial support.
Love this story, Allan, just as I loved learning Indianapolis had a Lucious Newsom. How many more folks are there that we never hear about, folks like Lucious – and Jeff George – working so hard for our community?
From: Cathy C.
Are you going to make me cry here?
Um, maybe.
From: Cathy C.
Wow just wow. Humble, giving. Awesome. Our son and wife are fostering kids. It's a journey. They got a young boy straight out of NICU at 6 weeks. He is now 13 months old and they have permission to adopt him. Until they started fostering, I never realized what went on in the world.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementYou gonna make me cry here?!?
More pace, more injuries: Did Pacers ruin the NBA?!?!?
Brilliant Golden State coach Steve Kerr has suggested that more pace around the NBA has led to more injuries. That got me thinking...
In 2022 the Pacers sped way up – and began breaking down … and the league has followed both trends.
Did the Pacers do this to themselves? Did they do it to the NBA?
I asked around. People got nervous.
Doyel: No NBA team plays faster than Pacers, or has more injuries. Hmmmm
From: Jerry R.
Interesting subject.
Yes, but what about the actual article?
From: Mike C.
Very interesting article.
Thank you MIKE.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFrom: Ron G.
As an auto industry retiree and nearly 50-year member of the UAW, I'd remind anyone who will listen that the primary purpose of any union is health and safety. Where in the heck is the NBA players' union? They should be howling over this! You’re onto something, certainly, but until the players union stands up and say "enough is enough,” your efforts through your writing will be for nothing.
You make me sound almost heroic, with that last sentence.
Lane Kiffin using LSU, Florida to squeeze Ole Miss
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin is holding three SEC schools hostage, even as he has the Rebels on the doorstep of destiny. Why would Florida or LSU want to hire this disloyal jerk?
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhy would Ole Miss want to keep him?
Doyel: LSU, Florida or Ole Miss will win Lane Kiffin sweepstakes. Congratulations?
From: Greg B.
Is Lane Kiffin generally a jerk who can also coach extremely well? Absolutely. But I can't blame him for taking a multimillion dollar payday.
As I wrote, there’s a right and wrong way to do it. And to do what Kiffin has done, as his own team (and players) are rolling toward history … it’s wrong.
From: Marc C.
Why shouldn't it be about the money and using the leverage you have?
As I wrote, there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it.
From: Nat N.
If you don't like Lane Kiffin, you don't like college football.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSigh.
Bosses, man. This is mine.
Not printing these
From: Jerry H.
Your stories about Indy and its connections with its athletes make me love this city even more.
Someday I hope to publish a book of columns. Working title: "Falling in love with Indianapolis, one #columncoming at a time."
From: Steve S.
"Troglodytic"?? Really Gregg? Thanks for expanding my vocabulary. Doubt I will ever have a reason to use it though.
Got that one from my column on Carlie Irsay-Gordon, did you? Honestly I wasn’t sure that was a word. I wrote “troglodyte” but realized I needed an adjective, not a noun. So I changed it to “troglodytic” ... and the spell-checker let it pass!
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFrom: Rick W.
You had me at "troglodytic." It replaces "todger" at the top of my Gregg Doyel Favorite Words list.
I forgot about todger. I wonder if Google will remember for me?
Sure enough…
But it wasn’t my word! A reader used it first! Then again, “troglodytic” wasn’t really my word either; spell-checker had it for me. My vocabulary is as overrated as my diplomacy.
From: George B.
I’m driving with Focus turned on. I’ll see your message when I get where I’m going.
Your diplomacy could use some work too, George.
More: Join the text conversation with sports columnist Gregg Doyel for insights, reader questions and Doyel's peeks behind the curtain.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts QB Daniel Jones, coach Shane Steichen lead collapse at KC Chiefs
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