“Let’s find a way back to our greatness,” Irsay said. “That’s what my goal is.”

After that, however, Irsay put himself in a tough spot.

“We’re committed to winning, and so far, I know this year has been a disappointment,” he continued. “But, I’m proud of you guys that you fought back and won in overtime to get us to 8-9. Very proud.”

Proud? Of an 8-9 season? That’s not the Irsay many Colts fans remember.

While Irsay’s debrief was understandably positive, it also came across as slightly tone-deaf, depending on which audience you view his words through. Keep in mind that while his end-of-season speech was shared via the team website, he wasn’t speaking directly to disappointed fans. He was speaking to his players who, less than an hour before, put their bodies on the line for the 17th time this season — 20th if you count the preseason — in an otherwise meaningless regular-season game. The Colts had been eliminated from contention in Week 17, yet free safety Julian Blackmon still played with a torn right labrum in the finale, and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. played through a lower back fracture. Blackmon recorded five tackles and snagged an interception, while Pittman recorded six catches for 72 yards.