Frank Reich Reveals Reason for Braden Smith Move

The Indianapolis Colts offensive line has drastically underperformed this season. The most costly unit within the NFL in response to Spotrac has seen quarterback Matt Ryan sacked 21 occasions this season, tied for many within the NFL (Matthew Stafford).

Their vaunted working sport has dropped to twenty sixth within the NFL at simply 91.4 yards per sport.

Head coach Frank Reich seems to be able to go along with youth at left deal with with rookie Bernhard Raimann getting the nod transferring ahead, however he additionally defined the transfer of Braden Smith from proper deal with to proper guard.

“Braden as a run blocker, he is elite,” mentioned Reich on the transfer of Smith to protect. “He is among the finest within the league.”

“So in an effort to get the run sport going ‘hey, let’s put him inside.’ You’ve got bought he and Quenton (Nelson) and Ryan (Kelly) in there.”

Requested to make clear on Smith being moved to protect for a optimistic motive reasonably than a deficiency at deal with, and Reich backed his lineman.

 “It had nothing to do with him at deal with,” mentioned Reich. “It wasn’t that we felt he wasn’t enjoying nicely at deal with. This was run sport and heart of the pocket.”  

“That is the transfer we made.”

Smith’s grade from Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) has dropped to 68.8 by the first-five video games of the season with a run-block grade of 65.3.

In 2021 Smith had an general grade of 80.6 with a run-block grade a whopping 86.0.

Reich mentioned transferring to Smith was about getting stronger on the inside line versus his play at deal with, and the transfer might serve him nicely and play to his energy.