Shane Steichen’s latest post-game comment had Indianapolis Colts fans seeing red. The Indianapolis head coach dropped a bombshell, saying the Colts are “close” to turning stuff around. Fans, however, weren’t buying the pep talk.
Steichen might think they’re close, but fans feel it’s time for a reality check.
Shane Steichen’s ‘Close’ Claim Draws Criticism as Colts Fall Short Again
Steichen’s latest claim about the Colts being “really close” to playoff contention has fans seething. After yet another season without a playoff appearance, this time at 7-9 (following a 9-8 finish in 2023), Steichen’s “close” analysis is drawing heat.
Despite the Colts’ inability to clinch a winning record and the seeming regression of rookie QB Anthony Richardson, Steichen remains adamant about the team’s trajectory.
“I think we’re really close,” Steichen said. “I do. When you have a season like this, you know, it’s frustrating, but we’ve got a lot of good guys in the locker room, I’ve said that before, and I know those guys will go out and fight like crazy to finish.”
The fan base, though, has endured years of disappointment, especially with Ballard at the helm, and Steichen’s second year is no exception.
Steichen’s weekly meetings with team owner Jim Irsay seem to be under the radar, but fans aren’t convinced that his “good conversations” are enough to turn the franchise around.
The Colts had their moments in 2023, but a stagnant defense and Richardson’s struggles have kept them from rising to the occasion. Now, with the season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars on the horizon, Steichen is facing mounting pressure.
The frustration is real, and fans aren’t waiting for more “close” talk.
Colts Fans React to Steichen’s Playoffs Claim
Steichen’s claim that the Colts are “really close” to playoff contention has sparked a firestorm of fan reactions.
One fan put it bluntly: “He meant close to failure, @JimIrsay. Fire him. And Ballard.”
He meant close to failure @JimIrsay
Fire him. And Ballard.
— CB (@CB_2140) January 3, 2025
The anger is understandable, as the Colts have missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons under Steichen, leaving many wondering if the team is stuck in a perpetual cycle of mediocrity.
Another fan responded with disbelief: “Delusional doesn’t even begin to cover it. How tf do you watch that Giants game and think you’re ‘close’?”
“Close to what? Canadian football relegation?” one fan sarcastically asked, suggesting that the Colts are closer to embarrassment than success. It’s a pointed jab at the franchise’s repeated underachievement.
close to what? Canadian football relegation?
— Brian from Rutgers (@TheRealKlovert) January 3, 2025
Some fans echoed similar frustrations, with one remarking, “You could argue they’ve never been further away… middling team year after year.”
Another added, “Really close to the absolute bottom of the league,” calling out the stagnant team performance.
Despite the optimism Steichen clings to, the fanbase is not buying the whole “close” talk. Fans are demanding answers, and they’re not giving Steichen any leeway.