Is it possible the Colts are overhyping Matt Ryan?

WESTFIELD, INDIANA - JULY 28: Matt Ryan #2 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during training camp on July 28, 2022 at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
WESTFIELD, INDIANA - JULY 28: Matt Ryan #2 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during training camp on July 28, 2022 at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

The Indianapolis Colts traded for Matt Ryan this offseason and since he’s arrived, it’s been all rave reviews for the veteran quarterback.

Since joining the Indianapolis Colts in March, Matt Ryan’s stock as a quarterback has re-emerged significantly. Entering his 15th season, Ryan was acquired by Indy because the team believes he’s the final piece to help get their talented squad in championship contention. Since Ryan’s arrival, every report and comment has made it seem like the Colts made the right decision.

If the offseason had a praise-received leaderboard, Ryan would be dominating the charts. In his short career as the Colts quarterback, he has been compared to Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck. Also, his teammates have constantly highlighted his leadership and how quickly he’s won over the team.

As far as on-field ability, Ryan has been impressive there as well. Coaches, teammates, and media members have noted that Ryan is extremely accurate and on time with his throws. All these things combined, Matt Ryan is expected to make a huge difference this coming season as the Colts quarterback.

However, it’s fair to ask, is Matt Ryan becoming overhyped? Sure he may be talented and a quality leader, but has he really been as breathtaking as headlines make him seem, or is this a case of a team having offseason excitement about a shiny new toy?

Is the Matt Ryan praise going too far?

As every day passes, Ryan starts to get more credit for everything going down in Indianapolis. Recently, Frank Reich named Ryan as the reason both training camp practices ended early. Reich said that Matt Ryan told him he will be pushing the pace and Reich told Ryan that the team will follow his lead.

Also during training camp, Nyheim Hines told the media that he gets “chills” when Ryan addresses the team. Hines went on to say, “You can tell he’s (Ryan) going to lead us to a championship, to an AFC South title.”

This level of collective excitement can mean a few things. It could mean that it’s been a long time since the Colts had a serious quarterback and the team could just be overeating as Ryan may be a significant upgrade from Carson Wentz. It could also mean that Indy is just excited to be back for another season and the joy is leading to excessive compliments.

Or, this all could mean that Matt Ryan is just actually the real deal. This would be the most beneficial outcome because if Ryan is as good and impactful as the Colts are saying, they have a successful season ahead of them.

Either way, Indianapolis is setting the bar pretty high for Matt Ryan and fans would hate to see another team and quarterback fail to meet expectations.

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