The conversation surrounding the Indianapolis Colts will continue to revolve around their vacant starting quarterback position, until, well, they identify their starter for 2021.
After coming up short in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes — though it remains unclear what they actually offered Detroit — their options are wearing thin. With the Pro Bowl talent officially off the board, Indy can either trade for somebody like Deshaun Watson, sign a free agent (we would advise against that one), or select a prospect in the first round of the draft.
While everybody remains fixated on that debate, however, 2020 fourth-rounder Jacob Eason, the only quarterback the Colts have under contract for next season, is ready to step into the starting role if the coaching staff affords him that opportunity.
Jacob Eason says he's ready to start at QB if Colts give him the chance: "I'm going to put my best foot forward and give you the best shot I can"https://t.co/6L5s6AZtFW pic.twitter.com/Rc5U7Q3JHQ
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 2, 2021
Colts QB Jacob Eason isn’t short on confidence heading into his sophomore year.
While the Colts continue to mull over which veteran would fit best with their playoff-primed roster, Eason told reporters that him starting under center is “realistic as soon as possible,” adding that he has a lot of room to improve, but will put forth his best effort if he’s given that chance.
"“That stuff is completely out of my control,” Eason said. “That’s ownership and our coach’s decision as to who plays and who’s in the building, and it’s my job to be as prepared as possible for whatever the situation might be.”"
Due to extenuating circumstances, Eason was deprived of opportunities to showcase his potential as a rookie. Being inactive for most games and hardly getting any reps at practice, he took it upon himself to regularly assemble some coaches after hours to help him replicate the drills his teammates tackled earlier in the day.
Jacob Eason thinks starting for Colts "realistic as soon as possible" https://t.co/lTyL9SO0Rn
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 2, 2021
What Eason lacks in experience, he more than makes up for with his steadfast work ethic. And while he might have a minimal chance to be named the starter coming out of training camp, you simply have to admire the way he goes about his business.
At the end of the day, Eason just wants the chance to compete, and, barring the addition of a third capable gunslinger, he’ll at least have the opportunity to win the backup job. That might not seem like much, but it’s a gargantuan step forward compared to where he was at this point last year.
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