INDIANAPOLIS – Things sure have changed in the Indianapolis ColtsThe past year has seen a significant increase in the use of the ‘quarterback room.
After they acquired the rights, the questions flowed like a river downstream to quarterback. Carson Wentz From the Philadelphia Eagles Last offseason
Can Wentz stay healthy?
Can Wentz overcome the psychological hurdle of being left out in Philadelphia’s final season?
Why are the Colts backing down with an unproven backup plan? Jacob Eason A 2020 fourth-rounder, who had never taken a professional snap, was instead of being acquired by Wentz’s veteran?
What about 2022?
Colts are now starting a new starter Matt Ryan — Purchased from Atlanta Falcons In March, he missed just three of 225 games during his 14-year NFL career. He was also the league MVP in 2016.
The backup quarterback?
The Colts aren’t playing this time around. They signed veteran – and familiar face to coach Frank Reich – Nick Foles Ryan can be backed up
“What [general manager] Chris [Ballard] and I said was in a perfect world, you get a proven backup, but if it doesn’t happen, we’re not going to chase it,” Reich said. “We’re not going to overpay. We’re not going to do something crazy that could hurt the team long-term.
“I wanted Nick since I’ve been here to be on this team because I think he’s that good of a player. I think he’s the perfect backup quarterback. It was right there, literally. We didn’t chase it. If it wouldn’t have worked out, we would have been happy with Sam [Ehlinger], but we’re really happy we got Nick.”
The Colts have legitimate expectations of winning the AFC South this year and it is less worrying to have a stable quarterback.
Last season, there were times they had more to worry about at quarterback than Wentz’s inconsistency. Wentz was injured in his left foot and had to miss training camp for an extended time. In Week 2, Wentz suffered a left foot injury that required surgery. Los Angeles Rams.
And you can’t forget about the unvaccinated Wentz getting COVID-19 late in the season when the Colts were in the playoff hunt. Although he was able to play in Week 17, he did not practice the entire week and the Colts lost 23-20. Arizona Cardinals.
Reich even called former starters. Philip Rivers to find out if he would be interested in retiring to play for them.
Foles, if pressed into playing time, is familiar with Reich’s offense after they, and Wentz, were together in Philadelphia, where Reich was the offensive coordinator. Foles took over after Wentz was injured in late 2017 and led the Eagles to victory over the Patriots. New England Patriots. Foles was at the receiving end of tight ends Trey Burton‘s touchdown pass on the legendary ‘Philly Special’ trick play in that game.
“You’ve got a guy in Nick Foles who has proven that he can do it at the biggest level and the biggest stage, in any kind of weather, in any kind of moment,” Reich said. “I like to think of it that sometimes there are backups that can come in and manage a game and squeak out a win or two, and there are some that can throw for 500 yards and win a game. That’s what Nick has proven he can do. He can win the shootout. He can win the shootout, and he can win a close game, make the key plays in a close game.”
Foles hasn’t been as effective since Reich left the Eagles to become the Colts’ coach after that Super Bowl. In his final season (2018) with the Eagles, he was a combined 7-10 starter. Jacksonville Jaguars And Chicago Bears. Foles was released by the Bears earlier in the offseason. This caused him to think about his next destination. Foles was not interested in jumping ship to his sixth team in his NFL career which began in 2012.
“I was going to be picky and be smart about it because I have two little kids and one on the way, and I’m not going to move my family just to go to work,” Foles told reporters this week. “Like, I want to enjoy the grind.”
Foles is aware of his role in Indianapolis: support Ryan, provide insight to the quarterback room, and step in if necessary.
It’s not a complex situation.
“This is Matt’s team,” Foles said. “He’s the leader, and he’s running the ship. … I think any time you have a QB room like this, you’re excited to go to work every day. You’re excited to work alongside an MVP.”
The Colts’ mantra has always been that it’s not just about the quarterback, but they’ve realized that it’s hard to win when they don’t have stability and trust in that position.
Ryan and Foles already have it.