Colts vs. Commanders: 5 things to watch in Week 8

Sam Ehlinger, the person of the hour. I don’t assume there was one individual that might’ve ever guessed that not solely Ehlinger would play quarterback for this season but in addition be named the full-time starter. With the addition of Matt Ryan and Nick Foles, individuals puzzled if he would even make the ultimate 53-man roster. However after a formidable preseason efficiency, he was in a position to earn his spot on the depth chart because the QB3 coming into Week 1.

Ehlinger’s preseason numbers ended with going 24-of-29 for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns.

He additionally had six rushes for 71 yards and a landing.

Now the query is, will he have the ability to translate what he placed on the sphere within the preseason over into the common season when the video games matter and defensive coordinators put a sport plan to defend him? The subsequent half must be Frank Reich establishing him for achievement.

Ehlinger’s mobility not solely will help take care of the move safety struggles the Colts are having but it surely provides Reich some flexibility together with his run performs. I’m anticipating to see some comparable issues to how Reich used Jacoby Brissett and Carson Wentz in his offense but in addition to undertake what his former offensive coordinator, Nick Sirianni, is doing with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia.

One factor I’m fascinated about seeing is one thing that we would not see on the sphere however is occurring behind the scenes. Will Ehlinger assist impress this workforce and make a playoff push? Not solely Reich wants him so he can save his job for 2023 but in addition Chris Ballard. The overall supervisor and his employees definitely had a degree of confidence in the kind of chief they had been bringing into this locker room.

This experiment is probably going headed two methods. Both the Colts finish their season within the postseason or they end with a top-10 draft decide and a possible regime change. They gained’t admit it however there may be loads of strain on Ehlinger. Can the sixth-round decide save the season? Solely time will inform.