The Indianapolis Colts are excited to enter the season with Matt Ryan but an opposing executive has a harsh critique of the veteran quarterback.
Soon, Matt Ryan will officially play a real game as the quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts. When he does, he’ll be the team’s fifth starting quarterback in as many years. However, optimism is high with Ryan under center. All offseason, everyone in Indianapolis has been raving about him.
Whether it’s been his demanding leadership or his accuracy and precise timing on the field, everyone from coaches to players to media members has observed and commented on what Ryan brings to the Colts. Many believe that he is a quarterback that can help this talented roster become a serious contender in a loaded AFC.
But, there’s always someone who’s not sold. In a recent piece in The Athletic by Mike Sando, Sando polled NFL executives to rank AFC teams. With the rankings came quotes, anonymously of course, and one executive denounced Matt Ryan’s hype with a strong and somewhat disrespectful critique.
Discussing Ryan, the unnamed executive said, “he has a little deer-in-the-headlight complex at this stage.” This executive went on to say that since Indy doesn’t have a top tight end or receiver, Ryan will likely struggle.
Unnamed executive questions if Matt Ryan will excel with Colts
That’s a pretty strong statement to make about a veteran NFL quarterback that’s entering his 15th season in the NFL. Not just any quarterback either, a quarterback that has won a league MVP, led his team to a Super Bowl and is possibly going into the Hall of Fame, depending on who you ask. But, this executive was speaking on the now, not necessarily making an indictment on Ryan’s career.
Even still, that’s a wild thing to say considering the level that Matt Ryan is still playing at. Although he hasn’t won a lot in recent years, that had more to do with the crumbling roster of the Atlanta Falcons than Ryan’s skillset. He has shown that he can still pass at a high level in this league.
Fortunately for Ryan and the Colts, anonymous executive opinions don’t affect what happens on the field. Ryan has the opportunity to go out this season and show everyone that he can still be a quality quarterback in this league with a competitive roster.
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