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Stephen HolderESPN
INDIANAPOLIS – With Colts‘Attack disasters reached disturbing proportions, the team decided to make drastic changes in its most important position.
Indianapolis is advertising Sam Ehlinger to start midfield for Sunday’s game against Washington commanderswith veterans Matt Ryan maintain shoulder separation Class 2 against Tennessee Titans on Sunday, coach Frank Reich said. Ryan will not be playing or training this week due to injury, Reich said, but he unequivocally confirmed that the move is intended to take place for the rest of the season.
“The decision was extremely difficult given the respect and admiration we have for Matt Ryan, for what he has brought here,” Reich said on Monday. “He’s a professional footballer. This guy is special. We all know in midfield our poor fouling isn’t due to one person. It’s not about Matt Ryan. But we also know, as head coach and quarterback, it doesn’t happen. It doesn’t matter. I’m judged on wins and losses. Midfielders are judged on points and performance. We understand that’s the way it is in this tournament. Matt will be an expert.”
Ryan, 37, throws two interceptions in the Colts’ 19-10 lose in Tennessee, the first person returned for a contact by Andrew Adams. Ryan leads the NFL with nine interceptions in seven games. He also has 11 defeats, losing three.
Meanwhile, the Colts are 29th in score, scoring an average of 16.1 points. Sunday’s game was the third game this season in which the Colts scored 12 points or less.
Ehlinger, 24 years old, was promoted to second midfield after Nick Foles two weeks ago. Now, the 2021 6th round pick will make the leap to #1.
“I’ve been particularly impressed with Sam in training since the start of the season, the look he’s given the scouts, the quality of his pitches, the way he’s commanded himself in the field. there,” said Reich. “Just the overall package. I just think it’s the best decision for our team going forward.”
Ehlinger was a pre-season sensation for Indianapolis but played only 18 regular seasons in his career. He has never released a pass in the regular season. It is thought Ehlinger’s mobility could mitigate some of the confusing problems the Colts are having with their offensive line, which continues to be pushed around by opponents, including Tennessee, on Sunday. Ryan, a pure pocket passer, maintained 10 midfield hits in that game.
“This is a point that needs to be made clear and I said this to Matt. I said, ‘Matt, we didn’t close the bargain. You came here and we promised you a top NFL rush and we promised you great protection. That’s basically my message to Matt,” said Reich.
“We think Matt Ryan’s marriage and his history with our running game, he’s had 14 years of extremely productive midfield with great action. So, we thought there was going to be a natural marriage there, over the past five years, it wasn’t an act of desperation, it was a thoughtful thought. [decision]. “
It appears Monday’s decision was influenced, at least in part, by owner Jim Irsay. Reich called it a “collective decision” but said he, Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard had an hour-long discussion on Sunday night about the situation.
“His vote will always carry [more weight]”Reich said.” He may lead in certain ways, but it’s really the owner, GM and head coach that are talking about a decision of this magnitude. “
Colts bought Ryan from Atlanta Falcons in March to select a third round draft. Ryan, 2016 MVP and Offensive Player of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year, spent his first 14 seasons with the Falcons.
Colts Targets Ryan After Moving From Carson Wentz after last season. The Colts have had a revolving door in midfield since Andrew Luck retired ahead of the 2019 season. On Sunday, Ehlinger will become the seventh quarterback to start a game for the Colts since Reich returned. became the team’s coach in 2018.
The Colts are 3-3-1 this season, including 1-3-1 against rivals AFC South.
