Ballard was handed a bad hand in Indy to start his career. Nobody knew Luck was going to unexpectedly quit. In the meantime, he retooled the roster to where they just need a QB to contend. Frank Reich is on record that he stuck his neck out there to get Carson Wentz. Sure Ballard it's ultimately on Ballard, but I probably would have listened to my HC that knew him best.
In the meantime, Jimmy G is probably the new Alex Smith.