Frank Reich: Matt Ryan, Colts needed each other

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When the offseason began, many people expected the Colts to make a quarterback change but there weren’t many people suggesting that they would wind up with Matt Ryan taking over the position, but that changed once the Falcons threw their hat into the ring for Deshaun Watson.

The Watson pursuit opened the door for Ryan’s exit from Atlanta and the Colts landed the former NFL MVP for a third-round pick last week. It makes Ryan the latest in a revolving door of starters during Frank Reich’s tenure as head coach and the hope is that they’ll finally be the one who can lead the team to playoff success.

Reich told Tom Pelissero of NFL Media that he sees “no diminishing physical skills” from Ryan, which makes him what the Colts are looking for in a quarterback. He also noted that the Colts’ roster fits what Ryan is looking for in a bid for his first Super Bowl ring.

“I think everyone saw from the outside that this is a good fit,” Reich said. “Like, people can universally agree you got a guy who’s still playing at a high level with a team and roster that is built to make some noise. We needed each other.”

Reich said he plans to put together an offense that’s largely based on what the Colts have done in the past, but that he’ll incorporate things Ryan has done well in the past as well as “things that will be created together.” If the result is a step forward for the Colts, it’s a good bet that the Colts will be able to step off the quarterback carousel next offseason.

26 responses to “Frank Reich: Matt Ryan, Colts needed each other

  1. It’s a shame we have to talk about Matt Ryan hopefully getting his first SB ring. Truth is, he got his first in SB 51, but it was tossed back by Kyle Shanahan’s bone-headed playcalling in the 4th quarter.

  2. I find it interesting that they’re all one big happy family after their 6th QB in 6 years! Check back here in a year and see if they’re running Ryan out of town, too! Wentz isn’t perfect, but I find the hate way too one-sided and strong for him to have been 100% the problem, despite what happened with him in Philly (which has it’s own unique issues).

    At some point, the narrative has to include the dysfunction in Indy!

  3. Matt Ryan isn’t much better than Wentz. Good stats, but makes bone headed decisions in crucial moments. He ain’t make as many as Wentz, but this won’t make them that much better.

  4. Happy for Ryan. I hope he gives then at least 2 really good years. Never understood why the Falcons didn’t have more success, but a change of scenery with a smart GM like Ballard might have him go out on a positive note.

  5. I think Ryan is a good fit for them. They don’t need him to win every game. They just need someone who can keep the defense honest with their arm and win a game or two in the passing game. They did not have that in Carson Yutz.

  6. Yes, the Colts and Ryan needed each other… but only after Jameis snubbed the Colts for the Saints. Ryan was not only second fiddle to Watson, but the Colts only wanted Ryan once Winston was off the table.

  7. I would have liked Ryan to go to the Niners but this is prolly the second best spot if they can get a wr in the draft

  8. The Colts will look back on the Chris Ballard era as a tread water decade. Second fiddle in their division, kind of a playoff team, kinda not. Matt stone feet Ryan just doesn’t move the needle

  9. They need each other like two drowning men clinging to one another to try and stay alive

  10. feetballs711 says:
    March 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm
    Newest Colts banner: “Traded for former MVP QB. 2022”
    _____
    Ahhhh …, banner snack. So 2015.
    Change your tune Sweet pea.
    It’s old.

  11. theimmaculatedeception says:
    March 27, 2022 at 4:21 pm
    The Colts will look back on the Chris Ballard era as a tread water decade. Second fiddle in their division, kind of a playoff team, kinda not. Matt stone feet Ryan just doesn’t move the needle
    _____
    Proof that Titans fans are scared.

  12. mikefloreo says:
    March 27, 2022 at 2:07 pm
    Matt Ryan isn’t much better than Wentz. Good stats, but makes bone headed decisions in crucial moments. He ain’t make as many as Wentz, but this won’t make them that much better.
    ____
    Learn the game, Sugar.

  13. Let’s be real. Ryan is worlds better than Wentz will ever be. Ryan is also now the best QB in their division. Winston snubbed the Colts? Lol that’s a joke right? Taylor will have more yards than Henry again.

  14. Reading some of these comments there have been some questionable plays by coaches in big situation playoff and SB games that have put the QB in bad situations. A few playoff games last season ended a team’s SB hopes by bad playcalling by coaches.

    And of course the Seahawks and Falcons SB saw brutal calls when the QBs put the teams in good positions to win the SB.

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