In Sam Ehlinger’s first career start for the Indianapolis Colts, he made a pass that gave fans unpleasant flashbacks to Carson Wentz.
The Indianapolis Colts made the decision to start Sam Ehlinger at quarterback for the remainder of the season and that era kicked off in Week 8 when Indy hosted the Washington Commanders. The Colts did lose a close game, but many were impressed by the second-year Ehlinger. He was calm, made great passes, and didn’t make many mistakes.
While he didn’t blow the doors off, he did finish the game completing 17-of-23 passes for 201 yards and one fumble, leaving fans with promise. However, there was one play that stuck out from the game that made fans hold their breath as Ehlinger attempted an ill-advised pass that everyone is likely hoping he never attempts again. However, the play did come on a completion.
As the pocket collapsed, Sam Ehlinger tried stepping up but was grabbed by a Washington defender. As he was being pulled to the ground, with his back facing the line of scrimmage and his receivers, Ehlinger threw up a back-handed flip to Michael Pittman Jr., and luckily, Pittman was able to come down with the pass and gain a couple of yards. Although this risky pass worked out this time, Sam shouldn’t make a habit of plays like this, and Colts fans learned that from Carson Wentz.
— Realistic Colts Fan (@IBleedColtsBlue) November 3, 2022
Sam Ehlinger completed a back-handed pass for Colts
Brian Baldinger highlighted this in one of his Baldy Breakdowns where he was assessing Ehlinger’s first start for the Colts. While plays like this are cool and laugh-worthy when they work out, Indy saw with Wentz how detrimental the opposite side of the coin can be. Sometimes these off-hand, back-handed flips can end up with the ball in the other team’s possession leading to points.
It seems as if Ehlinger has the same kind of never quit on a play mentality that Wentz had, and while that’s admirable, it’s best to learn that sometimes you just have to cut your losses and live to fight another day. Surely, this is something Frank Reich went over with Ehlinger as they watched the film and it’s probably the last time we see a play like this from Sam. However, if Ehlinger is ever feeling bold enough to attempt something like this again, he better be sure it’s going to work.
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