In a stunning move, the Colts benched 2016 NFL MVP Matt Ryan in favor of Sam Ehlinger.
The glaring numbers, though, are Ryan's nine interceptions , his 24 sacks taken and Indianapolis' 16.1 points per game average . While Indy's offensive struggles obviously aren't all Ryan's fault -- the Colts also rank 30th in rushing yards per game -- the team felt it was time for a change.
So Colts head coach Frank Reich announced on Oct. 24 that Ehlinger would take over full-time for Ryan, who's dealing with a separated shoulder. Reich said he would have made the move regardless of Ryan's health status.Where did Sam Ehlinger go to college?The 6-foot-3 signal caller made 43 starts and 46 total appearances during his four seasons at the University of Texas. Ehlinger racked up 1,476 yards and 94 touchdowns through the air with a completion percentage of 62.5.
With Ehlinger under center, the Longhorns made it to the 2018 Big 12 Championship Game and won four bowl games.The Colts selected Ehlinger in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Ehlinger was the 10th and final signal caller drafted in 2021 behind Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, Mac Jones, Kyle Trask, Kellen Mond, Davis Mills and Ian Book.Not only will Ehlinger be making his first NFL start Sunday, but he'll also be attempting the first passes of his pro career.
In three 2022 preseason games, Ehlinger was an efficient 24 of 29 passing for 289 yards and four touchdowns. He ran the ball six times for 71 yards and a touchdown, including a 45-yard dash to the end zone versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.