Here’s why the Colts are in better shape with Sam Ehlinger at quarterback over Matt Ryan

A much-needed quarterback change has come to Indy with Matt Ryan benched. Here’s why the Indianapolis Colts are in a better position with Sam Ehlinger.

Back in March, the Indianapolis Colts acquired what seemed to be a sure-fire answer to their carousel of quarterbacks in the recent years since the retirement of generational talent Andrew Luck. Fast forward to October and the once destined Hall of Famer, Matt Ryan, has shown why the Atlanta Falcons laughed their way to the bank after seemingly robbing the Colts of a third-round pick.

Through seven games, Matt Ryan has showcased his talent of being one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL. Although there were flashes of his once elite play from when he was surrounded by some of the greatest players football has ever seen in Julio Jones and Pro Football Hall of Fame Tight End Tony Gonzalez, those days are long gone.

Now benched, Matt Ryan had posted just over 2,000 passing yards and managed to get the ball into the end zone nine times with his arm. Not terrible, but not exactly what was imagined when the world painted the Colts as favorites in the AFC during the preseason. But the subliminal numbers aren’t what got Ryan benched. It’s the weekly mistake-riddled football he plays. 24 sacks taken, nine interceptions thrown, and a league-leading 11 fumbles in one half of a season.

It’s as if Matt Ryan saw how inconsistent Carson Wentz played and challenged him to be worse. Luckily, that nightmare is over.

Frank Reich announced Monday that second-year QB Sam Ehlinger would be the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. A sixth-round selection out of Texas, Ehlinger gives the Colts the best chance to turn their season around and put the train back on the tracks for a playoff push.

Sam Ehlinger gives the Colts a better chance to win now

Even though Ehlinger has seen limited experience in a true regular season game, his 2022 preseason performance shows extreme promise. Of the three QBs on the roster, Ehlinger was seemingly the only one that showed complete poise when he took the field. He had control of the huddle and knew how to distribute the ball in the offense. Something Matt Ryan could not grasp outside of 7-on-7 drills or against air on the practice field.

It’s also no question the offensive line has struggled. A shuffling of players in the starting lineup and inconsistent play accrued a total of 24 sacks allowed. Replacing the 38-year-old statue, that falls to the turf at the signs of a blitz, with a more mobile QB should help those numbers drop over time, but don’t believe a quarterback change will fix all of that.

Add on that No. 4 can use his legs in designed run plays and you open up a new side of the offense that also has the 2021 leading rusher in the backfield. Play-calling efficiency should increase and open up the run game.

When it comes to bad reads and interceptions, Matt Ryan was again, one of the worst in the NFL. Making mistakes in major moments is something the Colts didn’t think would be a problem with a 15-year veteran. Young QBs have room to make some mistakes here and there as growing in an offense and learning how to attack NFL defenses is part of the game.

While Ehlinger put on a show in the preseason with his legs (71 yards one touchdown), his passing stats were phenomenal. In three games, he completed 24-of-29 passes for 289 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions, with a passer rating of 147.8. That kind of play may not be replicated, but if it does, look out.

If, or better yet, when Sam Ehlinger plays well enough to turn the season around, he could put an end to the ever-longing cycle the Indianapolis Colts have faced in recent years. Being a sixth-round pick, his contract is short and sweet when it comes to the cap and is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season. But at a fraction of the cost of what Matt Ryan is getting as now the third QB on the roster, it will set the Colts up tremendously if he shines.

And if not, the 2023 quarterback class is full of talent and the Colts should absolutely look at it because as of now the future is dim.

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