Former Colts HC Chuck Pagano criticizes Matt Ryan benching

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich shocked the football world with his decision to bench starting quarterback Matt Ryan -- and he has also drawn some criticism from his predecessor.

Former Colts HC Chuck Pagano, who now serves as an analyst, had some pretty harsh words when discussing the move to promote quarterback Sam Ehlinger when talking to the Indy Star. While Pagano admitted the Colts' offense has struggled, he also likened benching Matty Ice to throwing in the towel on the entire season.

"He's really struggled, and they've struggled especially on the offensive side," Pagano said. "There was so much promise and electricity around that team and that roster coming into this year after they moved on from Carson (Wentz) a year ago and brought Matt in there. So much hope. You feel for that organization, feel for that team, that locker room, and those fans there. Now, what's the rest of this year gonna look like? It's almost like a waste."

There's no denying that Ryan is struggling. The four-time Pro Bowler currently leads the league in interceptions (9) and turnovers (12), and he threw back-to-back picks in Week 7's 19-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the team sitting at 3-3-1, there clearly needs to be changes made.

But, others have agreed with Pagano that benching Ryan not even halfway through the season -- and not even a full season removed from the whole Carson Wentz fiasco, mind you -- does look quite a bit like waving a white flag.