2023 NFL quarterback analysis: Indianapolis Colts
Current starter: Sam Ehlinger | Current backups: Matt Ryan, Nick Foles
State of the position: Indianapolis has had seven different starting quarterbacks since Andrew Luck retired ahead of the 2019 season. In the past few years, the Colts have acquired veteran quarterbacks, the latest being Matt Ryan. With the exception of 39-year-old Philip Rivers, none were above average.
In 2022, Ryan was benched twice. In 12 games, the 37-year-old had 14 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. His first replacement was second-year man Ehlinger, but when interim HC Jeff Saturday was hired, he benched Ehlinger for Ryan.
Ryan was benched again in Week 16 in favor of Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles. The QB switch didn't change much on the field. Foles completed 59.5% of his passes for 224 yards, no TDs and four interceptions before getting hurt in his second start. Ehlinger started in Week 18, throwing for 209 yards, two TDs and two interceptions.
What a mess.
The Colts hold the fourth overall pick in the draft, but they might be the team that trades with Chicago for the first overall pick. GM Chris Ballard said he’ll do “whatever it takes” to trade up should he believe his franchise QB is in the draft.
Key stat: Indianapolis QBs threw the most interceptions this season (20).
2023 QB forecast: Ryan, who will be cut this offseason, should consider retirement. Indianapolis should have a new, offensive-minded coach who can grow with a QB selected in the NFL Draft in April.
Per OddsChecker, Alabama's Bryce Young will go first overall, and he'd likely be Ballard's pick if the GM trades up. Should Indianapolis stay at four, C.J. Stroud of Ohio State and Will Levis of Kentucky could be options.
Ehlinger could start to open the season should Indianapolis decide to give its draft pick time to develop.
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