Colts: Former TE Eric Ebron explains surprise benching from 2019
By Adam Weinrib
Former Colts TE Eric Ebron explained his surprise benching against the Steelers last year.
2019’s Colts-Steelers showdown was, in many ways, an inflection point for Indianapolis’ season.
Coming off consecutive impressive victories, Indy had a chance to run their record to 6-2 against a Mason Rudolph-led Pittsburgh team and truly cement themselves in the AFC Playoff race, following Andrew Luck’s shocking retirement just days before the season was supposed to begin.
Instead, the Colts lost a tight one 26-24 on a Chris Boswell field goal midway through the fourth quarter. With over 6:00 left to muster enough offense to at least get into range for a kick, Indy was unable to rally, potentially because the unit was compromised a bit. Red zone target Eric Ebron barely played in the contest, and the big-bodied tight end admitted (finally) on Saturday that he wasn’t hobbled or ineffective; he’d simply gotten into a series of disagreements with the staff.
Steelers TE Eric Ebron said on Zoom call on Friday that he got benched against the Steelers (24 snaps played) last year while with the Colts because of some disagreements with some members of the coaching staff. Said he was looking forward to matching up with Minkah Fitzpatrick
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) September 25, 2020
Well, that seals it.
Ebron, as he’s done several times before, seemingly, followed a dominant 2018 season in Indianapolis with a serious plummet the next. His ’18 campaign had many thinking he’d rediscovered his star potential, with 750 yards receiving and a remarkable 13 tight ends, serving as Luck’s security blanket.
With Brissett under center in a slap-dash 2019, it was an entirely different story, as a deemphasized Ebron hauled in just a trio of touchdowns all year long in two starts (11 games played).
His PFF grades were still high, however, and Ebron cashed in with the Steelers this offseason, even though they didn’t get a great up-close look at him last season (and he hasn’t done much yet with the opportunity presented, through two games).
Per @AdamSchefter Eric Ebron is signing a 2-year, $12m deal with the Steelers
— PFF (@PFF) March 20, 2020
Ebron: 16th highest-graded TE in 2019 pic.twitter.com/fkHY8um51D
The Colts will get a revenge crack at Ebron and the Steelers this year, likely with quite a bit on the line. The two teams will match up Dec. 27, as Indianapolis looks to overcome their myriad early injuries in a potential playoff race — or, at the very least, spoil Ebron’s day.
