Sam Ehlinger Named Colts Starting Quarterback
Sam Ehlinger has been named the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts due to the struggles of Matt Ryan.
The Colts haven’t had a steady starting quarterback since Andrew Luck retired in 2019. They traded for Matt Ryan from Atlanta over the summer, believing him to be superior to the outgoing Carson Wentz.
Matt Ryan has completed 68.4% of his passes for 2,008 yards and nine touchdowns this season. He has been intercepted an NFL-high nine times and has fumbled 11 times, losing three.
Ryan has been sacked 24 times, which was tied for most in the league entering Monday night.
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Two awful interceptions against the Titans on Sunday was the last straw for head coach Frank Reich.
Sam Ehlinger will play behind the same misfiring offense that sees the Colts at 3-3-1 on the season. However, Reich believes Sam Ehlinger has all the qualities needed to be a starting quarterback.
“We are going to make a significant change to the starting lineup,” Reich said. “We are going to elevate Sam to be the starting quarterback. Extremely difficult decision, obviously, given the respect and admiration we have for Matt Ryan and what he’s done and what he’s brought here. He’s a pro’s pro. This guy is special, special, special.”
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“Excited for Sam and the opportunity this presents for him,” Reich said. “We’ve always thought from Day 1 that Sam had some kind of special sauce. He’s continued to show it. I’ve been particularly impressed with Sam this year in practice. Once the season started, the look he’s giving on scout team, the quality of his throws, the way he’s commanding himself out there, the total package. Just feel like, at this point, that’s the best decision for our team going forward.”
