The offensive line for the Indianapolis Colts has already been struggling but they will especially be challenged by the Washington Commanders.
On Sunday, Sam Ehlinger will make his first career start with the Indianapolis Colts. Indy is favored to win in Ehlinger’s first start but the Washington Commanders are a tough first opponent for the second-year quarterback because Washington has a tremendous defensive line. A good defensive line against Indianapolis’ struggling offensive line is a disaster waiting to happen.
The Colts’ offensive line hasn’t been good all year and they’re a big reason why Matt Ryan is now on the bench. Entering Week 8, Indianapolis has allowed the third-most sacks in the NFL with 24. Coincidentally, the Colts are tied with the Commanders, the team that will be looking to run up Indy’s sack number on Sunday.
Unfortunately for Indianapolis, it’s a good chance that happens because Washington’s defensive line is strong. In Week 7, the Commanders were able to shock the NFL by upsetting the Green Bay Packers. The defensive line being game wreckers was one of the keys that won Washington the game.
.@Commanders defensive line forced so many negative plays constantly putting the @packers in tough predicaments. The group as a whole are playing well. They should welcome the @colts and the new QB this week to the NFL. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/UGM96Q20Al
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 26, 2022
Sam Ehlinger may be under a lot of pressure against Commanders
Led by Pro Bowler Jonathan Allen, the Commanders are able to get after the passer and shut down the run. Entering Week 8, Washington is tied for the seventh-most sacks in the league this season with 19. On Sunday, they may be playing the worst offensive line in football.
The Colts are surely well aware of the threat Washington’s defensive line poses, so hopefully, Frank Reich is creating a game plan that will make things easy for Sam Ehlinger and keep him upright throughout the game. One of the exciting factors about Ehlinger’s skill set is his ability to run. Ehlinger knows how to use his legs to escape the pocket and find receiving threats downfield and he’s also capable of leaving the pocket to pick up large gains.
His legs will likely be a big part of the game plan on Sunday. If Reich can force the Commanders to think about the threat of Ehlinger running, it should slow down the pass rush and give him a little more time in the pocket whenever he drops back. If the Colts just allow Washington to pin its ears back and rush the passer, Ehlinger will be running for his life.
Despite the quarterback change, the Colts should not be sellers at the trade deadline
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