By Jordan Long
The Indianapolis Colts sit at 3-3-1. They are in 2nd place in the AFC South Division. The Tennessee Titans are in first place with a record of 4-2. The Colts host the Washington Commanders this Sunday in hopes of improving their record. The Colts though have made a switch at quarterback for the rest of the year.
The Colts starter had been veteran Matt Ryan. The Colts made a trade on March 22nd to acquire Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons for a 3rd-round pick. The Colts knew Ryan was an aging quarterback, but they anticipated he would help them get them to the playoffs and maybe even advance. They hadn’t been past the Wild Card round since 2018 when they were beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. Their last AFC Championship appearance was in 2014 when they were knocked off by the New England Patriots.
The move hasn’t improved the team to become a threat in the playoffs yet. Ryan has struggled in Head Coach Frank Reich’s offense. Ryan has passed for 2,008 yards which isn’t terrible. He also added 9 touchdowns. Ryan’s problem is interceptions. He isn’t reading the defenses well and forcing the ball into coverage and those are picked off, totaling 9.
It hasn’t been all Ryan’s fault though. His line isn’t protecting him. He has been pressured, forced to throw the ball sooner than he wants. Ryan has been sacked 24 times but that doesn’t count the number of hits he has taken when throwing the ball or when he has been hurried.
The Colts haven’t liked what they have seen from Ryan at the quarterback position. They are benching Ryan for the rest of the season and going with backup Sam Ehlinger. According to ESPN.com, Indianapolis Colts’ Head Coach Frank Reich said, “Extremely difficult decision given the respect and admiration that we have for Matt Ryan, given what he’s brought here. He is a pro’s pro. This guy is special. We all know at the quarterback position that our poor production on offense is not on one person. It’s not on Matt Ryan. But we also know, as head coach and quarterback, it doesn’t matter. I’m judged on wins and losses. Quarterbacks are judged on points and turnovers. We understand that’s how it is in this league. Matt will be a pro.”
Ehlinger has never played in a meaningful NFL game since the Colts drafted him in the 6th round of the 2021 Draft. Ehlinger has his chance to show the Colts he can handle being a starter in the NFL.
This is a panic move for the Colts. The Colts are still in a position to not only earn a playoff spot but they may still win the Division. What happens if Ehlinger struggles? They may not go back to Ryan unless Ehlinger sustains an injury. The Colts are anticipating this move works out. It is way too soon for the Colts to switch quarterbacks with so much of the season left.
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