What did the Colts’ Matt Ryan have to say about losing his starting spot?
Is there a way back into the starting lineup for the former Falcons signal caller, or does this end in a trade after this season is over.
Though it’s clear the now former starting QB is disappointed at having lost his spot, it appears that he’s remaining focused on his team and how he can help them to do better.
Colts’ Matt Ryan talks about losing his spot
For all intents and purposes, we’ve probably seen the last of Matt Ryan as the Colts’ starting quarterback. With recent reports confirming, that Indianapolis has pulled the veteran signal-caller just seven games into his first campaign, Ryan will now have to watch second-year backup Sam Ehlinger from the sidelines in Week 8. Speaking for the first time since the team took the decision, Ryan told reporters on Wednesday that he does not resent the organization though he’s “personally disappointed.” The QB also added that he understood the decision, before vowing to be “here for the team.”
“I’m individually and personally disappointed,” he said. “You know, as a player, as a competitor, you wanna be out there. You wanna go. And so, it’s part of the deal in this league. You gotta produce, and...I’m frustrated that we weren’t able to do that in the first seven games. But you move forward. Life in this league is week-to-week, and the production has to be there,” Ryan continued, “so obviously (I’m) disappointed personally, but I’m here for the team. I think anytime as a player you just always anticipate...(the) next week, you’re gonna go, so that’s where your mindset is at, and there is a little bit of that surprise and shock or whatever, but it’s a decision they had to make. And as a player, as a teammate, you have to move forward and help out where you can.”
How did Matt Ryan get here and what happens now?
To be fair it’s been a difficult time for Ryan since joining the Colts. Struggling with a shoulder injury since Indianapolis’ Week 7 loss to the Titans, Ryan has posted only nine touchdowns in his seven starts for the team. Unfortunately, those TDs are accompanied by nine interceptions and 11 fumbles as well. While we could say the Colts’ line has been inconsistent, the truth is Ryan has not played well. Going forward, the out of favor QB is expected to fill the No. 3 spot behind long standing QB Nick Foles, who now becomes the backup behind Ehlinger. Though he is contracted through 2023, he could be traded after this season, which could in fact save up to $29 million in cap space.