Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Colts QB Matt Ryan on benching: 'I'm here for the team'

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 10/26/22

It's hard to imagine anyone would blame Matt Ryan for being salty after the Indianapolis Colts made the shocking decision to bench the veteran quarterback in favor of unproven backup Sam Ehlinger.

But that just isn't how "Matty Ice" rolls.

The four-time Pro Bowler and former MVP was classy as ever when he addressed the media on Wednesday, admitting that while he is discouraged with the decision, it is now his responsibility to back up his teammates.

"I'm frustrated that we weren't able to do that in the first seven games, but you move forward," said Ryan, who isn't that far removed from parting ways awkwardly with the Atlanta Falcons as they publicly pursued other QBs. "Life in this league is week-to-week, and the production has to be there. So, obviously, (I'm) disappointed personally, but I'm here for the team."

This past offseason, Matt Ryan was stuck in limbo by the Falcons as they pursued a Deshaun Watson trade. He didn't cause a stir and handled it as gracefully as one could.

After being benched in Indy, he once again is handling the situation with complete class.

Huge respect. https://t.co/o7EF0oMUZ9
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 26, 2022

Ryan also spoke highly of Ehlinger, who is yet to throw a pass in an NFL game.

Matt Ryan: “I love Sam. He’s been awesome since the day I got here. My job shifts now — now I gotta do everything I can to help him. He’s gonna do great for us.”

Total pro.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) October 26, 2022

There were very high hopes for Ryan to join the team this season, especially after the trainwreck Indy endured in 2021 with Carson Wentz.

But with the Colts sitting at 3-3-1 and on the heels of their second loss this season to the Jaguars -- a game where Ryan threw back-to-back interceptions including a pick-six -- clearly the organization felt it needed to make some tough decision.

Through that, though, Ryan is handling the decision with class.

"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," Ryan said, via CBS Sports. "And as a player, as a teammate, you have to move forward and help out where you can."

The Colts host the Commanders in Week 8, which was initially slated as being a reunion between Indianapolis and Wentz. However, Wentz is on injured reserve and could also get benched with his new team, but that's a whole other story.

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