The day after Carson Wentz hit the shelf and required surgery to repair a foot injury, the Indianapolis Colts were forced to thrust second-year signal caller Jacob Eason into the starting quarterback spot.
Expectedly, the former Washington Husky had a bad first practice leading the offense. That’s nothing against Eason … we just can’t be anticipating a young, raw talent such as the 23-year-old to step in and immediately produce. Life isn’t that easy.
Thankfully, though, Eason’s improved at training camp. He’s zipped in some throws and has been more aggressive, according to a number of the Colts’ beat writers.
But if we’re to believe one reporter closely following the team, it’s possible Eason isn’t even the guy Week 1 assuming Wentz still isn’t ready to go. Could it really be rookie Sam Ehlinger?
And just to be clear (it’s in the story but people don’t read carefully), the Colts have been very, very clear that Eason is the No. 1 quarterback as of right now. That’s not being disputed. No controversy here. Just telling you what I see. 👀
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 4, 2021
Could Sam Ehlinger supplant Jacob Eason as the Colts’ starter come Week 1?
Here’s what Stephen Holder of The Athletic (subscription required) had to say about the former Texas star and how he’s been turning heads at training camp:
"“Ehlinger is off to a faster start than anticipated and has people within the organization buzzing. Ignore him if you wish, but Ehlinger’s moxie, competitiveness, poise and football intelligence have put him squarely in the mix in this training camp.”"
Play of the day so far: Sam Ehlinger scrambles to his left to evade pressure, throws back across his body and finds Mike Strachan on a deep post. Probably 50-yard gain. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) July 30, 2021
Ok! That’s good to know. When the Colts drafted Ehlinger in the sixth round this past April, it was certainly viewed as “intriguing.” The former Longhorn was always in the discussion as one of the top QBs in the nation and was largely the reason Texas was on the map from 2018-2020. Over that span, he appeared in 37 games and went 25-12, notching bowl wins in each season. He compiled 9,521 passing yards, 1,522 rushing yards and 114 total touchdowns.
He more so fits the Wentz-like mold than Eason. If the Colts are excited about the prospect of having a mobile quarterback in this dynamic offense, then it’s really not out of the question Ehlinger has a shot to take the reins if he continues to improve and impress at training camp.
WHO SHOULD BE COLTS' QB1?
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 4, 2021
Their backups' career college grades:
🔁 Sam Ehlinger, Texas - 90.0
❤️ Jacob Eason, Washington - 76.3 pic.twitter.com/TcOxgY7UIa
Ehlinger’s arm strength and accuracy have always been concerns, but he’s a playmaker, which separated him from the pack in the college ranks. While Eason possesses your prototypical traits many coaches like to see in an NFL QB (size, arm strength, true pocket passer), Ehlinger brings a different set of elements to the table. He has good instincts and football IQ.
Could that be the difference as the QB battle heats up over the next few weeks? We’re really not sure, but if it does, don’t tell us we didn’t warn you.
The Colts’ 2021 season is sadly over before it even began
The Indianapolis Colts won't be with Carson Wentz, Quenton Nelson or Eric Fisher to begin the 2021 season. And Darius Leonard is on the shelf. Bad.