Indy’s quarterback carousel started when Andrew Luck retired before the 2019 season. Luck was dealing with a shoulder injury and didn’t practice much in the off-season.  Fans were concerned he wouldn’t start during the 2019 season. Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett took most of the snaps in training camp. Once Luck retired Jacoby was named starter. Brissett passed for 2,942 yards, threw 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Brissett was serviceable and did his best to help Indy win games. 

During the covid-season in 2020, Indianapolis acquired Phillip Rivers from the San Diego Chargers. Rivers had chemistry with Reich and knew his offense. The Colts believed Rivers leadership and experience would get them over the hump. Unfortanelty, River’s time came to an end after losing to the Bills 27-24. In his last season, Rivers threw for 4,169 yards, threw 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.  Another quarterback on the quarterback carousel. 

The quarterback carousel continued when Indy traded for Carson Wentz. Frank Reich was Wentz’s offensive coordinator in Philidelphia. Carson Wentz had a breakout season in 2017 and made a case for NFL MVP before getting injured against the Los Angeles Rams. Sports analysts called the trade a match made in heaven because of Wentz and Reich’s connection.

Wentz had an up-and-down season with Indianapolis. At times he played well, had command of the offense,  and made good plays. Wentz also held onto the ball too long and tried to be superman which hurt Indy’s offense.  Indianapolis had an opportunity to make the playoffs, but failed to play well on both sides of the ball down the stretch. Wentz threw for 3,563 yards, threw 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Consequences and the fall of the Colts

Colts fans, coaches, and players want to know when the quarterback carousel will end. Reich and General Manager Chris Ballard have had a new quarterback each year they have been employed.  Constantly switching quarterbacks could affect Reich’s and Ballard’s job security.  You can’t expect to play well when your roster has to adapt to new quarterbacks each season. Every offseason the question is; what are the Colts going to do at quarterback?

Jim Irsay, Frank Reich, and Chris Ballard have to look in the mirror, do some soul-searching, and realize where their team is headed. They have to stop getting older quarterbacks because it’s a hit-or-miss situation. Frank Reich’s offense has struggled because Indy’s young skill players have been forced to adapt to another quarterback. The quarterback carousel can’t continue. The business aspect of the game is tough, but Indy has to figure something out if they want to compete for championships. Hopefully, Sam Ehlinger can be the answer and not another contestant on the quarterback carousel.