Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls a play against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Hall of Famer Terrell Owens critiques Colts QB Matt Ryan, calls him "terrible'

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/4/22

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan didn't play his best first half of football Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, and Hall of Fame wideout Terrell Owens took notice.

Owens was notoriously outspoken as a player and didn't hold back his criticisms of Ryan's game, calling the quarterback "terrible."

Just turned on this @colts @dallascowboys game and Matt Ryan's last 3 pass attempts have been wayyyy off the mark of his receivers. Even the INT was off the mark. He’s terrible.
— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) December 5, 2022

While Owens' comments might be harsh, they aren't without merit.

After starting the game 3-of-3 for 69 yards and leading the Colts to 10 points over two possessions, things went downhill for Ryan and the Colts, who went into halftime trailing the Cowboys 21-13.

Ryan struggled for the remainder of the half, going 3-of-11 for only 24 yards. He was also sacked twice before throwing an untimely interception.

With 1:03 left in the second quarter, Ryan forced a pass to receiver Alec Pierce, but it was tipped in the air by cornerback Anthony Brown before being snatched by safety Malik Hooker.

Just turned on this @colts @dallascowboys game and Matt Ryan's last 3 pass attempts have been wayyyy off the mark of his receivers. Even the INT was off the mark. He’s terrible.
— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) December 5, 2022

It's hard to judge anyone by two quarters of football, but luckily for Ryan, he has an impressive 15-year resume to dispel Owens' jabs.

The 37-year-old has been up and down in 2022, entering Sunday night with 11 touchdowns and ten interceptions, going 4-5-1 as the Colts' starter. But the former league MVP is second among active quarterbacks in passing yards (62,377), third in touchdown passes (378), and ninth in completion percentage (66.7).

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