Indianapolis Colts Owner Likely Responsible For Sam Ehlinger Starting

The Indianapolis Colts decided that it was time for a change in the quarterback position after announcing Matt Ryan will be benched in favor of second-year quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

According to The Athletic, three men were responsible for the decision to bench the 37-year-old Ryan: Colts owner Jim Irsay, general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich.

"Owner Jim Irsay was more than a little curious as to what his team would look like if the Colts made the bold decision to bench their 37-year-old starter, Matt Ryan, in favor of a second-year quarterback who's never thrown an NFL pass," Zak Keefer mentioned in his piece.

Ahead of the change, Reich was notably surprised with the decision from his higher-ups though he took it upon himself to tell Ryan that the quarterback change was also due to their misgivings as a team.

The Colts offensive line, who finished the 2021 NFL season 12th in the league, currently rank third from the bottom this season and allowed Ryan to be sacked 24 times seven weeks in this season.

Though Ryan was not entirely at fault, his 11 fumbles and nine interceptions appear to have taken its toll on upper management and Ehlinger will now start for the Colts on Sunday, October 30 against the Washington Commanders–his first career start.

Keefer eventually came to that same conclusion.

"It's clear Irsay has had his say in this. The owner rarely involves himself in personnel matters... but he has spoken up on both occasions, in January after (Carson) Wentz's disastrous end to the season, and recently, as Ryan's early-season stumbles hindered the offense and the team," he noted.

With Ryan out for the foreseeable future due to a Grade 2 shoulder separation that will take about two-to-four weeks to heal from, Ehlinger's ascent to being the lead play caller is going to have some growing pains.

Starting Ehlinger now points to the Colts possibly conceding this season, which will mean that Indianapolis fans need to come to terms that they may not win as much the rest of the way.

The Colts currently have a record of 3-3-1 and are just behind the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers, both with a 4-3 record, for a spot in the playoffs, but it remains to be seen whether Ehlinger can bring them more wins.

He will be getting the same offensive line that allowed Ryan to be sacked multiple times already and the pressure of being a starter midway through the season will bring up questions about his confidence.

However, all may not be lost as Ehlinger is a major upgrade over Ryan since the Texas Longhorn showcased his mobility during the preseason with 71 rushing yards which features a 45-yard touchdown run.

The ability to get out of the pocket when it inevitably collapses is going to be Ehlinger's most likely used weapon the rest of the way as he makes a play for himself that allows Indianapolis to move the chains in meaningful ways.

Ehlinger will need to build a connection quick with his wide receiver group led by Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce as the Colts hope to find some success with Ryan sitting on the bench.

NFL fans could be in for a treat this Sunday when Ehlinger and the Colts face the Commanders on Sunday at 4:25 PM at Lucas Oil Stadium.