Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich announced Monday that quarterback Matt Ryan will be benched for Sam Ehlinger.
The Colts lost 19-10 to the Tennessee Titans, their division rivals, on Sunday, dropping to 3-3-1 on the season. Reich said the decision to bench Ryan was “extremely difficult,” while also crediting Ehlinger’s “special sauce” on offense, according to the team website.
“It’s a big step but we think he’s ready,” Reich said. “This guy’s special … Sam, he’s got that about him. He plays, he practices in a way he’ll be ready.”
Per Frank Reich, QB Sam Ehlinger will start in #WASvsIND. pic.twitter.com/Y3hX6C8CqQ
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 24, 2022
Despite making over $24 million in guaranteed money, Ryan’s first season with the Colts has gone horribly. The Colts with Ryan under center rank 28th in the NFL in total points-per-game, with 16.1, according to ESPN’s total offensive stats. In seven games this season, Ryan has as many interceptions as he does touchdowns. (RELATED: Superstar Quarterback Is Out In Week 7 With An Injury. Can The Team Recover?)
Reich’s decision to start Ehlinger over the veteran QB might fix their offensive woes in the short run, though it’s likely Ehlinger will get exposed due to his inexperience.
The move reeks of desperation.
And sure, with enough “special sauce,” Ehlinger might end up becoming the face of the franchise in the years to come. But the chances of the Colts qualifying for the post-season this year without a solid veteran — it’s just about impossible. Don’t count on it.