Colts acquire QB Matt Ryan for a 3rd Round draft pick

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Initially reported by Pat McAfee and confirmed by Rapoport.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1505963518486589451

Trade!! The Falcons are in agreement on a trade of QB Matt Ryan to the Colts, per Mike Garafolo, Tom Pelissero and me. ATL gets a 3rd back.

Fallout from the Deshaun Watson situation, with Ryan starting over in Indy. Ryan gets a contract adjustment with more guaranteed money.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1506233651952066560

As part of the deal to acquire new QB Matt Ryan, the Colts picked up his $7.5M roster bonus and added guarantees to the entirety of his 2-year deal that has nearly $54M left overall, source said.

https://twitter.com/zkeefer/status/1505966374853689357

So, basically, the Colts ending up sending the extra third-rounder they got in the Carson Wentz deal down to Atlanta for Matt Ryan.

Believe Colts will owe Ryan around $24M this year and $28M next, which they can totally make work.

https://twitter.com/zkeefer/status/1505966060524220431

Last year in Atlanta, Matt Ryan had a 29th-ranked defense and a 31st-ranked run game. Calvin Ridley was hurt half the year.

Colts were 9th in defense and 2nd in the run. He'll join a team with a better o-line and some emerging weapons in Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman, Jr.

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1505974141492637713

One key on-field difference between Ryan and the other QBs Colts were talking about/linked to, keeping in mind that Garoppolo’s shoulder was an issue for Indy:

Accuracy: Ryan’s at 65.5 percent lifetime and it’s gone up to more than 67 in his 30’s.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1505965258673958918

Matt Ryan never asked the Falcons for a new contract -- that was not a part of the equation, per sources. He just felt like the time had come to move on from Atlanta. Ryan signed off on a trade to Indianapolis because he felt like the Colts have a roster that's built to win now.

https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1505966794955280388

Matt Ryan’s trade will incur a dead cap hit of $40.525M for the Falcons, the largest dead cap hit in NFL history by nearly $7M.

[Puck]

Love it!!!!!

[Mr. Session]

I called it lol

I’m happy. I hope this works out.

[Puck]

Ballard made a hell of a deal there!!! He was able to go from Wentz to Ryan and picked up a 3rd round pick


I am sure there will still be people bitching though.

[HoosierinFL]

I've been skeptical of Ryan thinking he might be toast age-wise, but maybe his supporting cast was really that bad. But here's to hoping otherwise!

[MeSayDayo]

I would expect us to bring in Julio Jones and maybe a Robert Tonyan now?
I would have said Hayden Hurst but see he landed in Cinci.

All and all, great damage control displayed by CB who must be getting used to it. Ryan should be a solid fit in Indy, and I am just as interested to see how and why we adjust our O to him as opposed to vice versa.

Now can we see some damn FA's come into town? Let the floodgates open folks.

[albany ed]

Now let's get a quality LT to protect his ass and another WR for him to throw to.

[Coltsalr]

Very happy over this.

Very.

[Spike]

Ballard made a hell of a deal there!!! He was able to go from Wentz to Ryan and picked up a 3rd round pick


I am sure there will still be people bitching though.

Not me Puck, great move by Ballard here.

[Butter]

I would expect us to bring in Julio Jones and maybe a Robert Tonyan now?
I would have said Hayden Hurst but see he landed in Cinci.

All and all, great damage control displayed by CB who must be getting used to it. Ryan should be a solid fit in Indy, and I am just as interested to see how and why we adjust our O to him as opposed to vice versa.

Now can we see some damn FA's come into town? Let the floodgates open folks.

Julio looks like toast unless he will sign a super bargain deal like near vet min with incentives hard pass.

[CletusPyle]

Personally, I am a little disappointed, Matt Ryan is about as exciting as wet paint drying! But, he may be just what this team needs...he will certainly have my support as a fan!

[rcubed]

Julio looks like toast unless he will sign a super bargain deal like near vet min with incentives hard pass.
given all the options I am very happy with this, especially only giving up a 3rd!

[ChaosTheory]

Thank God. I was going to have a hard time stomaching Mayfield or Winston. Is there any word on that $40m cap hit? Atlanta can't move that, can they?

If so... the fact that we sold Wentz and his contract for two 3rd-rounders and picked up Ryan for a single 3rd-rounder is impressive.

[Hoopsdoc]

Personally, I am a little disappointed, Matt Ryan is about as exciting as wet paint drying! But, he may be just what this team needs...he will certainly have my support as a fan!

He’s the anti Wentz, that’s for sure.

I like this deal. Heckuva a move by Ballard.

[rcubed]

per holder

Stephen Holder
@HolderStephen
I'm told there will be no significant changes to Matt Ryan's contract after his trade to the Colts from the Falcons. So, Colts have him for two years at $24.7 million this year and $28.2 million in 2023 (based on his present contract terms.

[ChaosTheory]

Just read... $40.5m dead cap hit for the Falcons.

[rcubed]

Warren Sharp
@SharpFootball
wow, so the Colts...

• added Matt Ryan
• lost Carson Wentz
• weren't forced to extend Ryan's deal
• gained a 3rd that may be a 2nd
• made ATL eat $40,525,000 dead cap*
• lowered Ryan's 2022 cap hit to $28M, less than Carson Wentz's

[albany ed]

He’s the anti Wentz, that’s for sure.

I like this deal. Heckuva a move by Ballard.

Ryan = Ice in his blood

Wentz = ice in his brain

It's a shame, Wentz is talented and has the heart of a lion but the poise of a headless chicken.

[rm1369]

I have no complaints on the move. However, if they leave obvious holes in the roster like they’ve done with Rivers and Wentz I will. The deal only makes sense to try to win now. So fucking try.

[ChaosTheory]

Warren Sharp
@SharpFootball
wow, so the Colts...

• added Matt Ryan
• lost Carson Wentz
• weren't forced to extend Ryan's deal
• gained a 3rd that may be a 2nd
• made ATL eat $40,525,000 dead cap*
• lowered Ryan's 2022 cap hit to $28M, less than Carson Wentz's

Yeah, but Ballard could've had Trubisky a week ago. Instead he was just sitting on his ass doing nothing.

[Oldcolt]

Warren Sharp
@SharpFootball
wow, so the Colts...

• added Matt Ryan
• lost Carson Wentz
• weren't forced to extend Ryan's deal
• gained a 3rd that may be a 2nd
• made ATL eat $40,525,000 dead cap*
• lowered Ryan's 2022 cap hit to $28M, less than Carson Wentz's

We end the season, Irsay is pissed beyond belief-seems to blame Wentz, Ballard lets everyone with a brain know that Wentz is a gonner. From that to where we are now at QB, essentially trading Wentz for Ryan and either a second or third round draft choice while lowering our cap hit for QB AND not extending Ryan when every QB traded gets an extension shows that I personally don't know shit. This is the work of someone who is pretty damn good at his job. Well done Ballard. You are the man. Very tasty crow I might add.

[Chaka]

Here are a few tweets from Stampede Blue writer Chris Shepherd, who analyzed the film on Ryan and concluded that he's nowhere near being over the hill:

https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1505774550889508865

https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1505975638976520203

https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1505924738224463878

[Chaka]

Amazing how quickly the Colts' league-high cap space has disappeared now that a QB is here. Only $16M or so left.

[Chaka]

The 3rd rounder going to Atlanta is apparent the Colts third-rounder (no. 82). The Colts keep the better third rounder (no 73) obtained from Washington, per the below Joel Erickson tweet:

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1505969182512496651

So for swapping out Wentz for Ryan, the Colts receive:

Slightly higher 2nd and 3rd round picks this year
At least a 3rd next year (but hopefully a 2nd)
about $4M more in cap space this year ($24M to Ryan vs. $28M to Wentz)
Puck remains here and won't curse Ballard or the Colts

But the Colts lose:

7th Rounder this year
2M in cap space next year ($28M to Ryan vs. $26M to Wentz)
One remaining year of Wentz control at a QB-reasonable salary ($28M)

[ChaosTheory]

Obviously the Colts can win now. Curious to see what else they do in FA and the draft.

The other perk with this whole deal is that 2023 is supposed to be deep at QB. Ryan didn't force a contract extension on his 2-yrs, so it could be a great situation to bring a young guy in under him. The fact that the Colts will seemingly come out of this Wentz-Ryan transition with an added 2nd-rounder means we are back to having capital if Ballard wants to move up for a guy.

[Butter]

The recovery by Ballard on a poor trade result from Wentz has been pretty amazing.

[Spike]

The 3rd rounder going to Atlanta is apparent the Colts third-rounder (no. 82). The Colts keep the better third rounder (no 73) obtained from Washington, per the below Joel Erickson tweet:

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1505969182512496651

So for swapping out Wentz for Ryan, the Colts receive:

Slightly higher 2nd and 3rd round picks this year
At least a 3rd next year (but hopefully a 2nd)
about $4M more in cap space this year ($24M to Ryan vs. $28M to Wentz)
Puck remains here and won't curse Ballard or the Colts

But the Colts lose:

7th Rounder this year
2M in cap space next year ($28M to Ryan vs. $26M to Wentz)
One remaining year of Wentz control at a QB-reasonable salary ($28M)

Ballard pisses me off sometimes, but this was a hell of a deal he made. Now, LT and a WR/TE.

[omahacolt]

Ballard made a hell of a deal there!!! He was able to go from Wentz to Ryan and picked up a 3rd round pick


I am sure there will still be people bitching though.

can't be mad at that.


he made a mistake with wentz and did what he had to do to fix it. and he fixed it and then some. that is what you want. don't live with a mistake if you can fix it

[nate505]

Not my preferred choice, but I don't hate it either. Hopefully he has a few years left. Getting him for just a 3rd is pretty great.

[omahacolt]

The 3rd rounder going to Atlanta is apparent the Colts third-rounder (no. 82). The Colts keep the better third rounder (no 73) obtained from Washington, per the below Joel Erickson tweet:

https://twitter.com/JoelAErickson/status/1505969182512496651

So for swapping out Wentz for Ryan, the Colts receive:

Slightly higher 2nd and 3rd round picks this year
At least a 3rd next year (but hopefully a 2nd)
about $4M more in cap space this year ($24M to Ryan vs. $28M to Wentz)
Puck remains here and won't curse Ballard or the Colts

But the Colts lose:

7th Rounder this year
2M in cap space next year ($28M to Ryan vs. $26M to Wentz)
One remaining year of Wentz control at a QB-reasonable salary ($28M)


they also get:

not having wentz on the team

[Racehorse]

Love it!!!!!

I thought you wanted Baker

[Lov2fish]

Ryan is legendary for his healthy life style, Ala Tom Brady. Should be 3-4 years of solid qb play. I am much happier with this than Mayfield or those scrubs in the trash heap.

[albany ed]

Amazing how quickly the Colts' league-high cap space has disappeared now that a QB is here. Only $16M or so left.

I think it's time to lock up Nelson, and with a new contract, they may be able to get some of his 13.5 million off the books with one of those creative contracts.

[Thorgrim]

Love it!!!!!

Best move the colts have made in years.

[Chromeburn]

This was a master stroke. I’ve been critical of Ballard over the years. But getting what he did for Wentz then getting Ryan for a third. What a boss.

[albany ed]

Getting Ryan seems like a very good move, but he needs to deliver or it's not a good move and without a solid LT to protect his blind side, he might not last the season.

[JAFF]

Yeah, but Ballard could've had Trubisky a week ago. Instead he was just sitting on his ass doing nothing.

Maybe trubisky wasnt interested. You think people are just lined up to be on the colts?

[JAFF]

The recovery by Ballard on a poor trade result from Wentz has been pretty amazing.

Amazing for a guy who doesnt know what he is doing.


That is not directed at you. Its for others and they know who they are.

[JAFF]

can't be mad at that.


he made a mistake with wentz and did what he had to do to fix it. and he fixed it and then some. that is what you want. don't live with a mistake if you can fix it

Well said.

[ChaosTheory]

Maybe trubisky wasnt interested. You think people are just lined up to be on the colts?

I'll put the sarcasm disclaimer next time.

[apballin]

Great fuckin move Ballard got the most experienced most reliable option out there

He shows up for work and I guarantee he’ll take the layups

[bigalbert]

Our line last year didn’t protect Wentz. How they gonna protect another guy that can’t move. All this enthusiasm is just that until the oline is addressed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CletusPyle]

This was a master stroke. I’ve been critical of Ballard over the years. But getting what he did for Wentz then getting Ryan for a third. What a boss.

Getting what he did for Wentz was the key, there is no way he could have anticipated that, that was a gift from Washington, so I am going to hold off washing his steel balls for right now!

[Chromeburn]

Getting what he did for Wentz was the key, there is no way he could have anticipated that, that was a gift from Washington, so I am going to hold off washing his steel balls for right now!

It’s taking advantage of badly run organizations. There is no shortage of them. I said it at the beginning of Wentz trade rumors. His athletiscm will convince some egomaniac coach and front office that they can fix him. And there is no shortage of ego’s in the NFL.

[Chromeburn]

Our line last year didn’t protect Wentz. How they gonna protect another guy that can’t move. All this enthusiasm is just that until the oline is addressed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

LT is next on the list. But Ryan will actually read defenses and get the ball out faster. Plus he will use his underneath throws to MAC and Hines. Wentz was a highly flawed QB.

[Dewey 5]

https://mobile.twitter.com/Ihartitz/status/1505964550465605633?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

[Dam8610]

Good, now go get Armstead and it's a successful offseason.

[Puck]

Good, now go get Armstead and it's a successful offseason.

Have you taken a look at how much money we don't have anymore?

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/cap/

Unless he wants to play for about 10 mil its not happening without some more contract re works

[Discflinger]

16 mil actually looks more like 12 with rookie signings. However, as late as it is in FA I think BDB can make it work.

[Racehorse]

Maybe trubisky wasnt interested. You think people are just lined up to be on the colts?

I think this was sarcasm you replied to.

[JAFF]

I think this was sarcasm you replied to.

Could be, I’m sarcastic on an hourly basis

[smitty46953]

Have you taken a look at how much money we don't have anymore?

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/cap/

Unless he wants to play for about 10 mil its not happening without some more contract re works


Kyle Rapoza
@ColtscapKyle
The Colts should have no problem at all restructuring deals of players you know you're keeping. Very low risk of dead money.
For example, restructuring Buckner, Leonard, Braden, Kelly gets you back above $40 million in cap room without even adding void years.
https://twitter.com/ColtscapKyle/status/1505984189581172736



This guy is pretty good on cap stuff :cool: So it seems we have some wiggle room if Ballard elects to add some?

[JAFF]

Kyle Rapoza
@ColtscapKyle
The Colts should have no problem at all restructuring deals of players you know you're keeping. Very low risk of dead money.
For example, restructuring Buckner, Leonard, Braden, Kelly gets you back above $40 million in cap room without even adding void years.
https://twitter.com/ColtscapKyle/status/1505984189581172736



This guy is pretty good on cap stuff :cool: So it seems we have some wiggle room if Ballard elects to add some?

Monopoly money

[Dam8610]

Have you taken a look at how much money we don't have anymore?

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/cap/

Unless he wants to play for about 10 mil its not happening without some more contract re works

Okay, so rework deals. Getting Ryan doesn't matter if they don't have a LT to protect his blindside.

[ChoppedWood]

Glad we got Ryan over the injured angry little commercial guy. Really happy with the price tag as well.

Now he has to find a way to get several good pieces added to this squad- LT, WR, S, and TE are critical to taking advantage of this deal he just pulled off.

Lots of talk about needing to re-do deals- then do it, Ryan is absolutely a win this year QB because Tom Brady is 1 in a million- 2023 - 24 is not guaranteed (as we found out with Rivers).

[smitty46953]

Monopoly money

It was always fun to be the banker, my poor brother never won. :rolleyes:

[Chromeburn]

Okay, so rework deals. Getting Ryan doesn't matter if they don't have a LT to protect his blindside.

Might be drafting that guy.

[Chromeburn]

Here are a few tweets from Stampede Blue writer Chris Shepherd, who analyzed the film on Ryan and concluded that he's nowhere near being over the hill:

https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1505774550889508865

https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1505975638976520203

https://twitter.com/NFLscheme/status/1505924738224463878

This is why I liked Matt Ryan over the other QBs. A faster processsor with plenty of arm left. He will feast against 8-9 man boxes.

[YDFL Commish]

Might be drafting that guy.
Ballard can't just draft a LT and hope he's the solution. Its win now mode.

Draft one and sign one.

[IndyNorm]

Thank god all of that bitching some of us did over the weekend (myself obviously included) made an impact. Now hopefully Ballard saw what we were saying about LT, WR, and CB.

All joking aside, great move by Ballard. Hopefully he can rework some deals as needed and bring in some more help in the key areas.

[YDFL Commish]

I gotta give Ballard a lot of credit. He traded away a complete loser and got a true winner, while at the same time winning the compensation war.

[IndyNorm]

Yeah, but Ballard could've had Trubisky a week ago. Instead he was just sitting on his ass doing nothing.

We'll see how it plays out, but I still think the Steelers signing Trubisky was a good low risk, high reward signing.

[YDFL Commish]

We'll see how it plays out, but I still think the Steelers signing Trubisky was a good low risk, high reward signing.

Ill take Ryan everyday and twice on Sunday, over Trubisky.

With Trubisky, the biggest question was whether he was the problem or Nagy was the problem.

[Dam8610]

We'll see how it plays out, but I still think the Steelers signing Trubisky was a good low risk, high reward signing.

Glad they're playing that scenario out instead of the Colts.

[Oldcolt]

The offensive line will improve just because Ryan doesn't hold on to the damn ball forever. It wouldn't surprise me if we end up with Fisher again at LT. If his price comes down I still see no reason he should make a jump in explosiveness this his second year after achilles surgery.

Reich should be able to open up the playbook with a veteran QB who can read defenses, is decisive and accurate. He will need more play makers, something that will come as no surprise to Ballard. It will be very interesting to see how Ballard goes about filling out the roster.

[Brylok]

Alright, I'll eat some crow. I bitched and complained over the weekend and now we have probably the best realistic option and fit for the team. Ballard being able to get rid of Wentz and wind up with Ryan for cheap is pretty amazing. I'll take my lumps. I've never been a big Ryan fan and I don't pay much attention to the Falcons. I still remember that God awful super bowl loss. Now let's move on and fill some holes and get him some weapons. WRs and a TE and a LT. Should be an interesting season.

Crow is gross by the way...

[JAFF]

Alright, I'll eat some crow. I bitched and complained over the weekend and now we have probably the best realistic option and fit for the team. Ballard being able to get rid of Wentz and wind up with Ryan for cheap is pretty amazing. I'll take my lumps. I've never been a big Ryan fan and I don't pay much attention to the Falcons. I still remember that God awful super bowl loss. Now let's move on and fill some holes and get him some weapons. WRs and a TE and a LT. Should be an interesting season.

Crow is gross by the way...

Ballard moves at his own pace, keeps his own council, and doesnt listen to pundits. This week brings back memories of fans losing their minds with Bill Polian. What was the call, “Polian do something!”

Btw, worst think about crow, its the feathers

[Hoopsdoc]

Alright, I'll eat some crow. I bitched and complained over the weekend and now we have probably the best realistic option and fit for the team. Ballard being able to get rid of Wentz and wind up with Ryan for cheap is pretty amazing. I'll take my lumps. I've never been a big Ryan fan and I don't pay much attention to the Falcons. I still remember that God awful super bowl loss. Now let's move on and fill some holes and get him some weapons. WRs and a TE and a LT. Should be an interesting season.

Crow is gross by the way...

I was honestly afraid we’d end up with Mariota but at the same time, I knew how good Ballard is.

This apparently has been in the works since the Falcons first looked into Watson. As soon as Ballard found out, he called Atlanta about Ryan. That’s how a pro works.

[Discflinger]

We'll see how it plays out, but I still think the Steelers signing Trubisky was a good low risk, high reward signing.

Fhack the Stealers!

[IndyNorm]

Ill take Ryan everyday and twice on Sunday, over Trubisky.

With Trubisky, the biggest question was whether he was the problem or Nagy was the problem.

I never said I wouldn't, at least as long as Ryan's arm isn't shot (and I would hope that Ballard made sure of that before the trade). It's really surprising ATL was willing to trade him for so little in return considering how much dead money they were hit with. Guessing they wanted to do Ryan a solid.

Also, things going even more to shit in Chicago after running Trubisky out of town along with Daboll wanting to bring Trubisky with him to NY points to the problem being Nagy.

[IndyNorm]

The offensive line will improve just because Ryan doesn't hold on to the damn ball forever. It wouldn't surprise me if we end up with Fisher again at LT. If his price comes down I still see no reason he should make a jump in explosiveness this his second year after achilles surgery.

Reich should be able to open up the playbook with a veteran QB who can read defenses, is decisive and accurate. He will need more play makers, something that will come as no surprise to Ballard. It will be very interesting to see how Ballard goes about filling out the roster.

If we end up bringing back Fisher then that's probably fine. I just think leaving it up to Pryor/draft pick then it's not going to go well.

[Discflinger]

I never said I wouldn't, at least as long as Ryan's arm isn't shot (and I would hope that Ballard made sure of that before the trade). It's really surprising ATL was willing to trade him for so little in return considering how much dead money they were hit with. Guessing they wanted to do Ryan a solid.

Also, things going even more to shit in Chicago after running Trubisky out of town along with Daboll wanting to bring Trubisky with him to NY points to the problem being Nagy.

Ok, fhacke the stealers!

[rm1369]

If we end up bringing back Fisher then that's probably fine. I just think leaving it up to Pryor/draft pick then it's not going to go well.

Resigning Fisher wouldn’t be a bad move. Especially if they draft a potential long term replacement. Very possible he has a better year with full off-season work and training camp. And of course the ACL injury takes longer to fully recover from.

[ChaosTheory]

And of course the ACL injury takes longer to fully recover from.

Achilles wasn't it? Of course both used to be career-enders that guys now recover from remarkably quick.

[rm1369]

Achilles wasn't it? Of course both used to be career-enders that guys now recover from remarkably quick.

Thanks for the correction. Achilles injury, not ACL

[Brylok]

I was honestly afraid we’d end up with Mariota but at the same time, I knew how good Ballard is.

This apparently has been in the works since the Falcons first looked into Watson. As soon as Ballard found out, he called Atlanta about Ryan. That’s how a pro works.

I thought it would be Mariota and Ehlinger. So glad that didn't happen.

[dred]

This is pretty fricking incredible when you think about it. Best offseason moves I have seen in a long ass time.

[Chromeburn]

Ballard can't just draft a LT and hope he's the solution. Its win now mode.

Draft one and sign one.

Might not have a choice. 16 million left, and they have to sign the draft class. Can’t afford a 20 million tackle. Unless they clear cap room somehow. Gonna be rookies at several spots.

[albany ed]

Might not have a choice. 16 million left, and they have to sign the draft class. Can’t afford a 20 million tackle. Unless they clear cap room somehow. Gonna be rookies at several spots.

It's all in how the contract is structured. You can sign a 20 million dollar tackle and have the first year be very cap friendly.

[Ironshaft]

And they could restructure the contracts of their "known" keystones of the club: Leonard, Buckner. Moore, Smith, Kelly and Hines.

One analysis I saw showed we could get up to just under $50m free this season and still fit it all in future years with signing draft picks and re-signing Nelson next season.

If Ballard is "all in," cap should not be the issue.

[Discflinger]

We have around 12 mil to deal with. I think he will break it up three times however it breaks best.

[Discflinger]

However, putting 12 on Brown would be amazing.

[njcoltfan]

Alright, I'll eat some crow. I bitched and complained over the weekend and now we have probably the best realistic option and fit for the team. Ballard being able to get rid of Wentz and wind up with Ryan for cheap is pretty amazing. I'll take my lumps. I've never been a big Ryan fan and I don't pay much attention to the Falcons. I still remember that God awful super bowl loss. Now let's move on and fill some holes and get him some weapons. WRs and a TE and a LT. Should be an interesting season.

Crow is gross by the way...

Me too Bry, Crow tastes best with some Humble Pie, I know !

[Puck]

This is pretty fricking incredible when you think about it. Best offseason moves I have seen in a long ass time.

Easily Ballards best off season. The moves he has been able to pull off are quite remarkable.

I am glad he has more patience that most Colt's fans who overreact way way way too early.

Now if he nails this draft. GM of the yr trophy should follow.

Yea he's that good

[Oldcolt]

I found it interesting that Ryan has been sacked more than 40 times each of the last 4 seasons yet has not gotten hurt. Makes me wonder that while we all blame Grigson for shortening Lucks career by not giving him a decent line maybe a whole lot of the blame lies on how Luck played-stupid in my opinion, not sliding and thinking he was superman. He obviously wasn't and it has been a nightmare for us. I apologize for bringing Luck into this, I am just impressed that a QB can be play behind a line like this and not get injured.

[JAFF]

I found it interesting that Ryan has been sacked more than 40 times each of the last 4 seasons yet has not gotten hurt. Makes me wonder that while we all blame Grigson for shortening Lucks career by not giving him a decent line maybe a whole lot of the blame lies on how Luck played-stupid in my opinion, not sliding and thinking he was superman. He obviously wasn't and it has been a nightmare for us. I apologize for bringing Luck into this, I am just impressed that a QB can be play behind a line like this and not get injured.

Ryan was criticized for too many check downs. Problem was that was the best the offense could do. No line, no wideouts, it was a mess

[Oldcolt]

I am really looking forward to having a QB that is accurate. Getting the ball into the hands of Hines, Taylor or Pittman with a head full of steam, not having to wait for the ball, is going to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. YAC should go way up compared to Wentz. As for people who think we can't go far into the playoffs with Ryan, fuck that shit. If the defense can play up to it's potential, we will be a force.

[rm1369]

Easily Ballards best off season. The moves he has been able to pull off are quite remarkable.

I am glad he has more patience that most Colt's fans who overreact way way way too early.

Now if he nails this draft. GM of the yr trophy should follow.

Yea he's that good

Some reports the Colts are restructuring some of Ryan’s contract to free up additional cap space. If that’s true and they use it to add additional free agents THEN I’d say it’s been a great off season.

I don’t question Ballard’s ability to draft or his ability to “win” transactions. I question his ability / desire to assemble a roster to compete NOW. Irsay’s anger may have given Ballard the push he needed. We’ll see.

[Lov2fish]

I found it interesting that Ryan has been sacked more than 40 times each of the last 4 seasons yet has not gotten hurt. Makes me wonder that while we all blame Grigson for shortening Lucks career by not giving him a decent line maybe a whole lot of the blame lies on how Luck played-stupid in my opinion, not sliding and thinking he was superman. He obviously wasn't and it has been a nightmare for us. I apologize for bringing Luck into this, I am just impressed that a QB can be play behind a line like this and not get injured.

I posted this in another thread, but Ryan's healthy life style is legendary. Truly treats his body as a temple. He is in better shape than most of the 30 year old QB's out there. He could easily play five more season should he choose to do so.

[ChaosTheory]

I posted this in another thread, but Ryan's healthy life style is legendary. Truly treats his body as a temple. He is in better shape than most of the 30 year old QB's out there. He could easily play five more season should he choose to do so.

For what it's worth... he's only a year or so older than Stafford. Stafford just had a great season and signed a 6-yr deal.

[rm1369]

I like the move for Matt Ryan, but to me that means you shoot your shot (within reason) over the next two seasons to win a SB. That means taking a hit and possibly having a down year 3 years from now. I’m ok with that. Restructuring a couple contracts to clear space to fill some holes with vets now is what should be occurring. LT and WR in particular, and I love the potential addition of Mathieu. What I don’t want to see is a rookie second or third round LT protecting Ryan. Draft a guy if it makes sense but have a viable alternative on the roster. Same with WR. The only current guy you can count on is Pittman. Don’t go into the season expecting a rookie to contribute on Strachan or Pattmon to play major roles. Or Campbell to stay healthy. If they step up great, but you have two years - don’t fucking waste them.

[ChaosTheory]

I found it interesting that Ryan has been sacked more than 40 times each of the last 4 seasons yet has not gotten hurt. Makes me wonder that while we all blame Grigson for shortening Lucks career by not giving him a decent line maybe a whole lot of the blame lies on how Luck played-stupid in my opinion, not sliding and thinking he was superman. He obviously wasn't and it has been a nightmare for us. I apologize for bringing Luck into this, I am just impressed that a QB can be play behind a line like this and not get injured.

I haven't watched ATL film or anything so I'm just pulling this out of my ass, but do you remember how Manning used to take a sack? If he saw a guy coming, he collapsed like he took a bullet to the head. I'm curious if Ryan is similar.

That said, 40+ sacks is insane. Your O-line losing and your receivers not creating separation are big factors... but people don't tend to blame QB's enough for a lot of sacks.

[Chromeburn]

I haven't watched ATL film or anything so I'm just pulling this out of my ass, but do you remember how Manning used to take a sack? If he saw a guy coming, he collapsed like he took a bullet to the head. I'm curious if Ryan is similar.

That said, 40+ sacks is insane. Your O-line losing and your receivers not creating separation are big factors... but people don't tend to blame QB's enough for a lot of sacks.

Some guys know how to fall. What impresses me is his skills haven’t deteriorated with all the pressure like Wentz did. Luck would almost lean into the hit. Self preservation wasn’t in his dna.

[Discflinger]

i like the move for matt ryan, but to me that means you shoot your shot (within reason) over the next two seasons to win a sb. That means taking a hit and possibly having a down year 3 years from now. I’m ok with that. Restructuring a couple contracts to clear space to fill some holes with vets now is what should be occurring. Lt and wr in particular, and i love the potential addition of mathieu. What i don’t want to see is a rookie second or third round lt protecting ryan. Draft a guy if it makes sense but have a viable alternative on the roster. Same with wr. The only current guy you can count on is pittman. Don’t go into the season expecting a rookie to contribute on strachan or pattmon to play major roles. Or campbell to stay healthy. If they step up great, but you have two years - don’t fucking waste them.

stfu

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Al Breer of Sports Illustrated had a good write-up about the situation - comments about Matt Ryan from rival GMs, the trade compensation that SF and Cleveland were asking for Jimmy G and Baker, etc. I have excerpted several parts from the article linked below:

https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/03/21/maqb-what-rival-execs-think-of-matt-ryan-garoppolo-baker-asking-prices

You heard over and over last year that the Colts didn’t need, or want, Carson Wentz to be superman—and yet, there they were at the end of the season, still begging him to take the layups that were there for him in Frank Reich’s offense.

Matt Ryan, it’s fair to assume, won’t have that problem. The Falcons traded Ryan to Indy on Monday for the second of their third-round picks (Indianapolis keeps the 73rd pick, which they got from Washington for Wentz), and in the wash the Colts got a quarterback who is, more or less, exactly what they need: a point guard who will maximize the other guys that GM Chris Ballard and coach Frank Reich are going to put on the floor with him.

Last year’s trade for Wentz was a gamble that Reich’s old protégé could harness his ability and propensity to play heroball, and play effectively for Indy. Conversely, there’s very little projection on Ryan. He should be able to get the ball out, and to the Michael Pittmans and Jonathan Taylors and Mo Alie-Coxes that the Colts bring to the table.

That doesn’t mean Ryan is still the guy he was in 2016. The key, though, is that the Colts won’t ask him to be.

“Really smart, still accurate to the short and intermediate levels,” says an NFC exec who has studied Ryan and gone against him regularly. “You have to protect him, he can’t move at all. His ability to throw the long ball was always about average and it’s in decline now—he can do it better than Drew Brees at the end, but it’s similar to that. … But he can get them in good plays, hand the ball to Taylor, and be efficient and accurate when he throws.

“He’s still good. … [the Falcons] just didn’t have enough around him anymore.”

And the Falcons still looked at him favorably—as a quarterback who could navigate traffic, with the toughness to take hits, play through injury, and throw effectively from different arm angles with chaos around him.

The good news for Ryan is he’ll have more help in Indy, and plenty of motivation to show people, at 38, what he’s got left. And if you’re Ballard and Reich, he’s different than Wentz or Philip Rivers or Jacoby Brissett—with a good shot to be, say, a three-year bridge to whomever the long-term answer at quarterback is. That is especially valuable this year, with Indy being without a first-round pick, and the draft’s quarterback class being so mediocre.


“Matt Ryan was my first draft pick when I started out in Atlanta,” Dimitroff texted on Monday. “His unique intelligence and leadership ability made him the star of our new era. Matt has experienced exponential growth as a leader on and off the field and demonstrates commitment, competitiveness, durability, toughness and skills for the game unlike any other. I’m excited to see his passion and firepower impact the AFC and wish him the best of luck in Indianapolis.”

Now, to be sure, the Colts dug themselves this hole with the swing-and-miss—and it was a big miss—on Wentz. But give Ballard credit, he got out in front of the quarterback market and moved his embattled starter, and his contract, off the roster, and got a better return than most believed he could. And now? Well, if you add up the picks that went back-and-forth between the Colts, and the Eagles, Commanders and Falcons, here’s how all three net out.


Colts get: 2022 second-round pick (42nd overall), 2022 third-round round pick (73rd overall), 2023 second-/third-round pick.

Colts give: 2021 third-round pick (84th overall), 2022 first-round pick (16th overall), 2022 second-round pick (47th overall), 2022 seventh-round pick (237th overall).

So if we assume Wentz is the Commanders’ starter, then the Colts gave up a 1, a 2, a 3 and a 7 for two 2s and a 3, and the 2s and 3s they got are higher than the ones they gave. And for that swap where three Top 100 picks went out and another three came in, they got that one-year swing with Wentz, and then Ryan to replace him.

Ideally, you don’t make the trade for Wentz in the first place. But from an asset management standpoint, Ballard did pretty well here.


The Niners’ asking price for Jimmy Garoppolo has been steady for some time (other teams have said for a couple weeks that it’s about two second-round picks), and the Browns came in high over the weekend, with teams hearing they wanted a first-round pick for Baker Mayfield in the aftermath of the Deshaun Watson.

I’m pretty sure Cleveland’s going to have to adjust its price, and San Francisco might have to, too. In the end, you need suitors. Indy is gone now. The Saints are too, based on what they’re giving Jameis Winston, and already have Taysom Hill on the books. And Atlanta seems less-than-likely to want either Garoppolo or Mayfield. Which leaves … who? The Panthers? The Seahawks (hard to envision the Niners dealing their guy in-division)? Yeah, it’s hard to see where a bounty is going to come from at this point.

[Spike]

Looks like nobody wants fucking Baker Mayfield, except maybe Skip Bayless.

[rm1369]

stfu

I take it you disagree? I apologize for questioning anything about Ballard.

[ChaosTheory]

Some guys know how to fall. What impresses me is his skills haven’t deteriorated with all the pressure like Wentz did. Luck would almost lean into the hit. Self preservation wasn’t in his dna.

Luck had like half of the Wentz gene. He didn't just shit his pants under pressure. He would navigate the pocket more similar to Manning. But he did go linebacker-mode a lot which is a big reason he got fucked up. From the little I've watched, Ryan definitely is a faller not a fighter.

[ChaosTheory]

By the way, if anybody is interested, here's a segment by Kurt Warner on Ryan vs. the Bucs. He throws in a few good plays, but it's mostly analysis of some poor plays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2g5bnuh9u0

Some of these, you can see how bad the O-line is. And some, he might hit a RB for a smaller gain whereas he could've hit the seam for a big gain if he read the safety and looked to the other side. Stuff like that.

Stark difference from the errors Warner pointed out in the Wentz vs. JAX video. I think so, at least.

[rm1369]

Luck had like half of the Wentz gene. He didn't just shit his pants under pressure. He would navigate the pocket more similar to Manning. But he did go linebacker-mode a lot which is a big reason he got fucked up. From the little I've watched, Ryan definitely is a faller not a fighter.

It’s exciting in the moment to see a QB with the fighter attitude, but I’ll take a “faller” at QB. The Luck lacerated kidney against Denver was one of those plays. Was awesome until you realize the cost.

[dwilli57]

Some reports the Colts are restructuring some of Ryan’s contract to free up additional cap space. If that’s true and they use it to add additional free agents THEN I’d say it’s been a great off season.

I don’t question Ballard’s ability to draft or his ability to “win” transactions. I question his ability / desire to assemble a roster to compete NOW. Irsay’s anger may have given Ballard the push he needed. We’ll see.


Looks like he may be part way there:

Update (2:48 PM EST): On ‘The Pat McAfee Show’, Colts general manager Chris Ballard indicated that Ryan’s recent restructuring should free up $11.8M of additional cap space:

Matt Ryan has agreed to add more guaranteed money on his contract and restructure his deal with #Colts, per @JFowlerESPN.

Ryan doing this opens up $11.8 million in cap space to use immediately. pic.twitter.com/bAXtN2Vsjs

— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 22, 2022

[Oldcolt]

Looks like he may be part way there:

Update (2:48 PM EST): On ‘The Pat McAfee Show’, Colts general manager Chris Ballard indicated that Ryan’s recent restructuring should free up $11.8M of additional cap space:

Matt Ryan has agreed to add more guaranteed money on his contract and restructure his deal with #Colts, per @JFowlerESPN.

Ryan doing this opens up $11.8 million in cap space to use immediately. pic.twitter.com/bAXtN2Vsjs

— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) March 22, 2022

I have a hard time seeing Ballard make this move before this year. He always seemed to want to take the cap hit now. He has modified his stance because it appears to be warranted. Once again Ballard is proving to be more nuanced than a lot of people gave him credit for. Good for us.

[rm1369]

I have a hard time seeing Ballard make this move before this year. He always seemed to want to take the cap hit now. He has modified his stance because it appears to be warranted. Once again Ballard is proving to be more nuanced than a lot of people gave him credit for. Good for us.

I wouldn’t underestimate how much Irsay has to do with any potential change in Ballard’s thinking.

[JAFF]

I wouldn’t underestimate how much Irsay has to do with any potential change in Ballard’s thinking.

Re do Buckner and Nelsons contracts. They want to keep them,it would make sense.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

I have a hard time seeing Ballard make this move before this year. He always seemed to want to take the cap hit now. He has modified his stance because it appears to be warranted. Once again Ballard is proving to be more nuanced than a lot of people gave him credit for. Good for us.

The Colts restructured Wentz's contract after they traded for him last year. In that case, they tweaked the roster bonus to float half of the bonus money to the following league year. It created about 5MM in cap space for last season.

However, I agree that Ballard is not quite as rigid in decision making as some people make him out to be.

https://www.stampedeblue.com/2021/3/19/22340460/colts-tweak-new-qb-carson-wentzs-roster-bonus-to-help-teams-current-salary-cap-situation

[Chaka]

I wouldn’t underestimate how much Irsay has to do with any potential change in Ballard’s thinking.

Maybe, but I hope that's not the case. NFL owners meddling in team management rarely turns out well. I've always though that Irsay's willingness to leave this sort of stuff to his front office and coaching staff is one of his best traits as an owner.

[ChaosTheory]

Ballard's not changing his thinking. He hasn't done anything thus far that's deviated from previous off-seasons.

[JAFF]

Maybe, but I hope that's not the case. NFL owners meddling in team management rarely turns out well. I've always though that Irsay's willingness to leave this sort of stuff to his front office and coaching staff is one of his best traits as an owner.

I believe, cant prove, that Irsay doesnt meddle with the day to day workings. After the Jacksonville disaster, he got directly involved, as his right, as the owner. He wanted something done, gave Ballard and his crew the marching orders, and here we are.

Ballard will have a job in Indy as long as he produces results. Same with Reich. If he cant make the offense work with Ryan he will be gone

[rm1369]

Maybe, but I hope that's not the case. NFL owners meddling in team management rarely turns out well. I've always though that Irsay's willingness to leave this sort of stuff to his front office and coaching staff is one of his best traits as an owner.

I agree to a point. I don’t want an owner involved in individual personnel decisions, but I do want an owner that sets a level of expectations for the franchise. I quit following the Pacers because it became obvious their priorities as owners didn’t match mine as a fan. I believe Irsay’s priorities align with mine. I’ll be very happy if his displeasure with last season results in a little more prioritization of now by Ballard.

[Chromeburn]

Luck had like half of the Wentz gene. He didn't just shit his pants under pressure. He would navigate the pocket more similar to Manning. But he did go linebacker-mode a lot which is a big reason he got fucked up. From the little I've watched, Ryan definitely is a faller not a fighter.

And that’s the mentality you have to have. You need to live for the next play. If you are hurt it doesn’t help anyone. Playoffs are the time to kick it up a notch. But 3rd and 12 in the 2nd quarter in week six isn’t the down you risk your health on.

[Chromeburn]

I agree to a point. I don’t want an owner involved in individual personnel decisions, but I do want an owner that sets a level of expectations for the franchise. I quit following the Pacers because it became obvious their priorities as owners didn’t match mine as a fan. I believe Irsay’s priorities align with mine. I’ll be very happy if his displeasure with last season results in a little more prioritization of now by Ballard.

Irsay is a lot more experienced and knowledgeable than a lot of owners. He grew up with this team, he was the GM for awhile. I would say he knows more about football than 90% of owners. Some of these guys think of the team as a write off or trinket status symbol. It tells you the difference between Snyder and Irsay. He’s been around Unitas, Berry, Manning, Luck, Harbaugh to name a few. So if he sees a QB and is convinced he doesn’t have what it takes. I will value his opinion over a majority of people. Including dudes like Cowherd who are 1000 miles away from the situation.

[Hoopsdoc]

Irsay is a lot more experienced and knowledgeable than a lot of owners. He grew up with this team, he was the GM for awhile. I would say he knows more about football than 90% of owners. Some of these guys think of the team as a write off or trinket status symbol. It tells you the difference between Snyder and Irsay. He’s been around Unitas, Berry, Manning, Luck, Harbaugh to name a few. So if he sees a QB and is convinced he doesn’t have what it takes. I will value his opinion over a majority of people. Including dudes like Cowherd who are 1000 miles away from the situation.

That’s an excellent point. People love to make fun of Jim but he’s not an idiot. He’s a smart dude and he knows football.

[Oldcolt]

I happened to live through irsays GM time. He was shit. If he knew about team development he would have stayed as GM. He’s not as bad as Snyder but who the hell is. I give irsay a ton of credit that he knew he was shitty at the job and letting others do it. I also believe he had a big hand in Wentz leaving which goes a long way to undermine my whole argument Good owner. Shitty GM

[YDFL Commish]

I happened to live through irsays GM time. He was shit. If he knew about team development he would have stayed as GM. He’s not as bad as Snyder but who the hell is. I give irsay a ton of credit that he knew he was shitty at the job and letting others do it. I also believe he had a big hand in Wentz leaving which goes a long way to undermine my whole argument Good owner. Shitty GM

Don't forget that he was working for his drunk dad. Jim had no power, just like Accorsi had no power.

I'm not arguing that Jim was even a good GM, just that he has learned more from his failures and more so from Tobin, Polian and Dungy than any other owner could ever experience.

[JAFF]

What I think, but cannot prove.

1. Jim Irsay loves football.
2. Jim Irsay loves football players.

From the smartest to the dumbest, they all have something in common. They are dumb enough to risk their health in an accelerated form of a kids game. Even Manning called himself a meat head. Jim loves those guys and how they play for each other and an owner who cares.

I also believe that Jim Irsay wants the ticket holders to get their monies worth. He has never hesitated to spend money on the team or the city or the state. Why are the state football finals played at LOS? Jim pays for it, in exchange that every state playoff tickets have the horse shoe on it. Genius advertising, in a rural state where people remember who supported their local HS team.

I believe Jim Irsay expects his players to put forth the same effort he and the entire organizational staff put into the team. Which is why he was pissed about Wentz. He was making the same dumb plays in the last two games as the first five games.

The only comparable owner would be the Roonys. Colts fans are lucky to have him

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

The below article is a few weeks old, but I don't think anyone posted it.

It gives some behind-the-scenes details on the Matt Ryan trade.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/03/28/mmqb-inside-matt-ryan-trade-falcons-colts

PALM BEACH, Fla. — It was summer in South Florida, Matt Ryan was still the Falcons’ quarterback, and after the team’s joint practice with Miami, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier went to his new Atlanta counterpart, Terry Fontenot, to give the first-year GM the proverbial pat on the back.

You guys are going to be better than people think.

Grier was right. The Falcons found a way to win seven games, and if you looked hard enough at how the season went, you might’ve come out of it convinced that Atlanta was indeed closer than people had thought six months after that conversation. They even beat that Dolphins team, one that sure looked like the more talented group in August, two months after Grier offered Fontenot that small piece of encouragement.

Fontenot wasn’t fooled, though. He knew a reckoning was coming. And the truth in the Ryan trade . . . is that a year in as Falcons GM and coach, he and Arthur Smith simply went through with a conscious decision—the time for that reckoning was now.

That didn’t make trading away a 14-year veteran and face of the franchise—one who helped dig the Falcons out of a deep ditch back in 2008—any easier. But where it might’ve appeared that Atlanta’s failed run at Deshaun Watson forced the team’s hand on Ryan, the facts were that the calls that Fontenot and Smith made, the former to Colts GM Chris Ballard and the latter to Ryan himself, were 14 months in the making.

But now that it’s done, the Falcons’ rebuild is really underway.

There’s one number that best illustrates the problem that Smith and Fontenot faced when they started working in Atlanta two Januarys ago—$105 million. That was the combined cap charge for franchise cornerstones Ryan, Julio Jones, Jake Matthews and Grady Jarrett for the 2021 league year before any decisions were made.

That was also 58% of the NFL’s 2021 cap number.

After years of restructures, mortgaging charges against the limit into the future, something was going to have to give. And it did. Smith and Fontenot decided that, at least for a year, they were going to work to field a competitive team with the Atlanta’s longtime leaders in place to try to establish the kind of foundation they’d need to lean on when the time did come to rip the Band-Aid off.

So they restructured Ryan and Matthews. They traded Jones. They decided to swallow hard and keep Jarrett’s number where it was. In doing so, they went young in a lot of areas, cheap in others and lacked depth across the roster. It was enough to give Smith and his staff a chance to coach the team into playoff contention until the new year before the wheels came off at the end of the season.

And yes, the Falcons could’ve restructured Ryan again, kicking the can down the road another time. But in the end, what would that have accomplished?

Over the last few weeks, what crystallized for everyone involved was how the team and player, in this case, were in much different places—the Falcons needing to turn the page, clean up their cap and get younger and deeper, and Ryan, at 37, being at a win-now age for a team that simply couldn’t operate that way.

Which meant that as the team started negotiating extensions for Matthews (that one’s done) and Jarrett, it was time to do with Ryan what it did with Jones last year and consider all options on perhaps the greatest player in franchise history.

The process started at the combine when the Falcons met with other teams, and Fontenot and Smith wanted to get a gauge on Ryan’s market value—while being careful about how his name came up in those conversations. The plan was to be communicative and above board with Ryan throughout, so Atlanta couldn’t create the appearance it was shopping Ryan because at that point the Falcons weren’t.

But the small circle involved had a way of getting the information it needed. When Ryan’s name came up, the answer would be, We’re not shopping anyone, but we’ll listen on everyone. And then, Well, if you’re looking at what the Lions and Rams did, then we can talk. That’d elicit a laugh because the Matthew Stafford price would certainly be too high. But then the Falcons would follow back up with, O.K., then what’s the value?

Based on Ryan’s age and price tag, it became clear that getting more than a fourth-round pick was going to be difficult.

Over the course of last season, the Falcons had heard Watson would have an interest in playing in Atlanta, which is an hour away from his hometown of Gainesville, Ga., and wouldn’t be afraid of being part of a rebuild if it meant getting to play in front of his friends and family. The Falcons knew that wasn’t going to be possible last summer or before the trade deadline—but going into 2022, it’d be feasible.

So they launched an investigation into Watson’s background, and when the grand jury in Harris County, Texas, returned no charges on nine cases filed against the quarterback, they decided to throw their hat in the ring.

But first, they wanted to go to Ryan. Smith told him it was a unique opportunity to get 11 years younger at the position and promised to keep him apprised throughout—and involve him in a trade if it came to that. From there, Ryan agreed to push back the “earned” date of his roster bonus to grease the skids on a trade, if the Falcons were to land Watson. The $7.5 million roster bonus had been due on March 18. It was moved to March 21.

At that point, Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds and Falcons vice president of player personnel Kyle Smith had started preliminary conversations on a trade, and Arthur Smith and Frank Reich had spoken, too. And around the time that Fontenot, Arthur Smith, Falcons owner Arthur Blank and president Rich McKay met with Watson over Zoom on March 16, Fontenot called Ballard for the first time, knowing that groundwork had been laid by Dodds and Kyle Smith.

“Is there really interest?” Fontenot asked.

“There is,” Ballard responded.

Ballard and Fontenot resolved to keep talking as the situation with Watson drove toward a conclusion.

On March 18, Watson stunned the NFL by reversing course and choosing the Browns, a team he’d eliminated already, with the Falcons and Saints having been the presumed finalists at daybreak. And where some assumed that the Falcons would then try to patch things up with Ryan, Smith called his quarterback and told him that the Colts had called about him and asked if he was interested in going there.

“I’d love to look into it,” Ryan said.

Ryan’s agent, Todd France, affirmed to Fontenot that the quarterback wanted a meeting.

So on that Saturday morning, Fontenot called Ballard and gave him permission to call Ryan over Zoom—with an email communicating that the Colts would have a four-hour window, from 4 to 8 p.m. ET, to talk to him. Ballard got Reich, offensive coordinator Marcus Brady and assistant quarterback coach Parks Frazier rounded up to make the call with him.

Over a long talk, Ryan’s passion to keep playing, and start winning again, resonated with the Colts’ group.

On Sunday morning, Ballard reached out to Fontenot and told him he’d call him around 3 p.m. When he did, Ballard’s message was simple: Yes, we want Matt, but we can’t do more than a fourth-round pick for him.

Ballard had, more or less, nailed the market price that those talks at the combine established for the Falcons, and made the argument that it was tough to find a comp for a player like Ryan in a trade. Fontenot threw out names that were a little younger, like Alex Smith’s. And eventually, the cajoling got the Colts to move their offer up to the lower of their third-round picks, 82nd overall (the Colts acquired the 73rd pick in the Carson Wentz trade).

For the Colts, Ryan represented the type of opportunity that Ballard hoped would arise if the team was just patient in filling the hole, which wasn’t an easy position to take, given that they simultaneously thought being aggressive in moving Wentz would get them ahead of the market and, thus, a better return.

On Monday, Arthur Smith had a speaking engagement at his alma mater in Chapel Hill, N.C., in conjunction with a book tour Blank was on and was meeting with UNC prospects to try to get the most out of the trip. Fontenot was at Kenny Pickett’s pro day at Pitt. Ballard was in Indianapolis, huddled in draft meetings with his scouts.

Ballard called Fontenot from his office with just a few hours left until the roster bonus would be earned at 4 p.m. ET to push the deal over the goal line—Pick 82 for Ryan. Fontenot was on the field after the workout was over, waiting for the team’s private meeting with Pickett.

Arthur Smith called Ryan and told him. Fontenot called Ryan while that call was still going on, and Ryan called Fontenot back after he was done with the Atlanta head coach. And that was that.

Fontenot was then called upstairs and went to watch tape with Pickett.

Normally, these things can get messy. But the Falcons resolved this one wouldn’t, and the Colts made sure they wouldn’t be the reason it did, either.

So the upshot for the Falcons?

The page is officially turned. They’ve maintained a veteran presence by bringing back Matthews, working on an extension with Jarrett and signing economical pros like Casey Hayward. They’ll be young this year. They have the eighth pick in the draft, an extra two from the Jones trade and an extra three from this trade. They project, as it stands now, to be top three in the league in cap space in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Colts have their quarterback. And Ryan has a new home.

He never said to the Falcons specifically that he wanted to go to the Colts. But it was clear from the minute Indianapolis was raised as a possibility that he’d be good with it. Ryan knew it was time.

By then, everyone did.

[HoosierinFL]

I believe Jim Irsay expects his players to put forth the same effort he and the entire organizational staff put into the team. Which is why he was pissed about Wentz. He was making the same dumb plays in the last two games as the first five games.



I like this especially. I think that it may have been clear that Wentz didn't have buy in as a "colts guy". Maybe it was a mercenary mentality, maybe its just that he's withdrawn, or different or whatever, but he never adopted the Colts identity that Irsay (and Ballard) want.

[njcoltfan]

I like this especially. I think that it may have been clear that Wentz didn't have buy in as a "colts guy". Maybe it was a mercenary mentality, maybe its just that he's withdrawn, or different or whatever, but he never adopted the Colts identity that Irsay (and Ballard) want.

I think, he thought he didn't have to because he had the backing of the head coach !!

[Oldcolt]

Really great article by Joel Erikson in the Star today (behind firewall). Discussion about Manning and Ryan. First thing that really stood out to me was this:

"The day after the Colts’ 2021 season ended in collapse, Manning sat next to Jim Irsay for the better part of an hour at the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Georgia and Alabama, having a healthy conversation with the frustrated Indianapolis owner about the state of his franchise.

The legendary quarterback has also had several conversations about leadership with Colts star Quenton Nelson this offseason, conversations that touched on the team’s needs in the locker room."

I kind of verifies what a lot of Freaks have been saying. Irsay and Nelson didn't like Wentz for this organization. The rest of the article spent a ton of time talking about preparation and that being what Ryan brings to the table, just like Manning did. Manning said Ryan will be the first in the building and the last to leave. Music to my ears. THAT is how you lead. Asked what the best piece of advice Manning gave him he answered in a somewhat surprising manner:


"Manning’s biggest piece of advice was something that might not seem like a big deal, at least at first.

“Using my snap count,” Manning said. “That’s a little thing, my cadence, but this is my cadence, that I’ve used my entire life. Can we just use this?”

Reich, a former quarterback himself, understood immediately.

Done deal. Ryan can use his own cadence."


I am getting pumped to see what Ryan/Reich can put together on offense this year. I think at this point, with the additions on defense we have already made to go along with Ryan, we have the making of a damn good all around football team. I look at the NBA this year. With all the emphasis on great offensive players it is the defensive teams that have the look of champions right now. That will be us in January. We are going to be a happy group of Freaks.

I don't know how to work this board well so my quotes form suck. Sorry

[Ironshaft]

I agree completely.

While our final roster is not done, I think this is one of the strongest teams we are going to field in a LONG time. The addition of a couple of rookies making contributions and a couple of vets signed to summer, low contracts will fill out the 53.

My one worry is offensive line. We have zero quality depth at this time and two new starters. Ballard needs to find some more help on the O-line to make me feel warm and fuzzy.

I am not worried about pass catching options as I believe that Ryan will make everyone look better. Good golly, if Brandon Stokley was a 68 catch, 1,000 yard receiver under Manning and he was not a great receiver, Ryan will make our guys look good.

[CletusPyle]

Really great article by Joel Erikson in the Star today (behind firewall). Discussion about Manning and Ryan. First thing that really stood out to me was this:

"The day after the Colts’ 2021 season ended in collapse, Manning sat next to Jim Irsay for the better part of an hour at the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Georgia and Alabama, having a healthy conversation with the frustrated Indianapolis owner about the state of his franchise.

The legendary quarterback has also had several conversations about leadership with Colts star Quenton Nelson this offseason, conversations that touched on the team’s needs in the locker room."

I kind of verifies what a lot of Freaks have been saying. Irsay and Nelson didn't like Wentz for this organization. The rest of the article spent a ton of time talking about preparation and that being what Ryan brings to the table, just like Manning did. Manning said Ryan will be the first in the building and the last to leave. Music to my ears. THAT is how you lead. Asked what the best piece of advice Manning gave him he answered in a somewhat surprising manner:


"Manning’s biggest piece of advice was something that might not seem like a big deal, at least at first.

“Using my snap count,” Manning said. “That’s a little thing, my cadence, but this is my cadence, that I’ve used my entire life. Can we just use this?”

Reich, a former quarterback himself, understood immediately.

Done deal. Ryan can use his own cadence."


I am getting pumped to see what Ryan/Reich can put together on offense this year. I think at this point, with the additions on defense we have already made to go along with Ryan, we have the making of a damn good all around football team. I look at the NBA this year. With all the emphasis on great offensive players it is the defensive teams that have the look of champions right now. That will be us in January. We are going to be a happy group of Freaks.

I don't know how to work this board well so my quotes form suck. Sorry

This is not a criticism of Ballard, but if Peyton ever wants to become a GM I sure hope he becomes the Colts GM!

[ChaosTheory]

The rest of the article spent a ton of time talking about preparation and that being what Ryan brings to the table, just like Manning did. Manning said Ryan will be the first in the building and the last to leave. Music to my ears. THAT is how you lead.

This is the kind of stuff I'm looking forward to. The impact of no fucking around guy. There is a really obscure Parris Campbell interview I came across (somehow) and he specifically mentions how Ryan is the type of quarterback to get out there and tell you exactly where to be, exactly how to run a route, etc... The details.

Most of the interview I wasn't interested in, but he talked a little about his injury towards the end and 22:17 is him briefly talking about Ryan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOx8u-O5SoA&t=1397s

[ChaosTheory]

Matt Ryan interview on McAfee. Starts at around 2:28:00 and looks like it's around 45 mins. About to check it out.

https://youtu.be/6MPseDzZz-w

[rcubed]

^^^ Caution: an adult has entered the room.

[Oldcolt]

^^^ Caution: an adult has entered the room.

Damn isn't that true. A freaking normal human being. We are damn lucky

[Spike]

^^^ Caution: an adult has entered the room.

He isn't even afraid to drink a beer and cuss. Gotta love that guy.

[ChaosTheory]

He isn't even afraid to drink a beer and cuss. Gotta love that guy.

It was funny when McAfee started to bring up the Super Bowl loss and he Ryan had to take a big gulp. I like these long-form podcast interviews so much better than the traditional shit.

I liked hearing him mention the guys showing up and working the way they do. The self-accountability. I really like that Nyheim Hines was one of the guys he specifically mentioned. I'm excited about that connection. And he mentioned playing longer. Talking about how the rules protect him and how he (QB's) work with specialists to keep them from deteriorating. Be nice if he performs and sticks around more than two years.

[CletusPyle]

That was a great interview! Colts are very lucky to have Matt Ryan, hopefully he has 5 more years in him!

[Lov2fish]

Was a great interview. That dudes attitude is contagious, and him mentioning he has no intentions of quitting anytime soon was a nice caveat. If he is productive he can solve a huge glaring issue for another 5 years. I am really stoked for the upcoming season. I know we still have needs but we have some awesome talent at key positions. Will they mask some of the needs? Who knows but this is as anxious as I have been in some time for the season to start!

[CletusPyle]

Pat McAfee has found another talent he has besides kicking, this guy has such a relaxed interviewing style that he gets the most out of every guest! He always tries to make his guest look good so people are less guarded around him, they trust him not to ambush them. Not sure why he hasn't been snatched up by one of the networks by now!

[rcubed]

Pat McAfee has found another talent he has besides kicking, this guy has such a relaxed interviewing style that he gets the most out of every guest! He always tries to make his guest look good so people are less guarded around him, they trust him not to ambush them. Not sure why he hasn't been snatched up by one of the networks by now!

I thought he was nuts when he retired "early" to go into sports media, but he has really found a footing and does well.

I still find AJ Hawks weird head disturbing when I watch clips of pats show.

[Spike]

Pat McAfee has found another talent he has besides kicking, this guy has such a relaxed interviewing style that he gets the most out of every guest! He always tries to make his guest look good so people are less guarded around him, they trust him not to ambush them. Not sure why he hasn't been snatched up by one of the networks by now!

I would hate to see McAfee go to a network. They would put a harness on him and he wouldn't have the freedom he enjoys now. Add in the fact that he wouldn't be able to talk about the Colts as much and I prefer for Mac to stay where he is. McAfee made a comment once about not wanting to be on a network.

McAfee has 1.84 million subscribers on YouTube right now, that's a shitload of subscribers. He brings on guests who want nothing to do with the main stream networks.

I have discontinued watching network sports talking shows. They pretty much all suck. I come to this forum, a couple of other forums, and YouTube to find out about sports news.

[ChaosTheory]

I would hate to see McAfee go to a network. They would put a harness on him and he wouldn't have the freedom he enjoys now. Add in the fact that he wouldn't be able to talk about the Colts as much and I prefer for Mac to stay where he is. McAfee made a comment once about not wanting to be on a network.

McAfee has 1.84 million subscribers on YouTube right now, that's a shitload of subscribers. He brings on guests who want nothing to do with the main stream networks.

I have discontinued watching network sports talking shows. They pretty much all suck. I come to this forum, a couple of other forums, and YouTube to find out about sports news.

100%. TV talk shows are archaic at this point. Any genre, sports included.

Here's an interesting subject we could spend hours delving into... but instead let's devote a 6-minute segment to it and we need split time between 7 talking heads before we get to the next commercial. Very deep.

[Racehorse]

Not sure why he hasn't been snatched up by one of the networks by now!probably because the networks would frown on the guy chugging a beer, and standing up, while interviewing a player.

[Spike]

probably because the networks would frown on the guy chugging a beer, and standing up, while interviewing a player.

I would add in wearing a beaten down tank top and cussing like a drunken sailor.

[CletusPyle]

LOL....sorry I mentioned it!:D

[rcubed]

Yeah, I actually dont think Pat would want to go to network cause now he can run his show the way he wants...like others said, beer, tank tops, etc.

[omahacolt]

Yeah, I actually dont think Pat would want to go to network cause now he can run his show the way he wants...like others said, beer, tank tops, etc.

and there is a huge market for that and proven money in that form of show.

[YDFL Commish]

I would add in wearing a beaten down tank top and cussing like a drunken sailor.

Yeah, McAfee is the Howard Stern of NFL reporting. Networks will stick their noses up in the air to his brand of show and he would tell them to stick up their asses if they wanted to sign him and change his format.

[smitty46953]

The Pat McAfee Show gets $30M per year in blockbuster FanDuel deal

https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/10/pat-mcafee-fanduel-deal-30-million/

:cool:

[Spike]

The Pat McAfee Show gets $30M per year in blockbuster FanDuel deal

https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/10/pat-mcafee-fanduel-deal-30-million/

:cool:

Damn!

He had Telesco and and the Cardinals coach on yesterday after the draft. It's the only show Aaron Rodgers will go on. Mac keeps it real, and he apparently is well respected!

[CletusPyle]

The Pat McAfee Show gets $30M per year in blockbuster FanDuel deal

https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2021/12/10/pat-mcafee-fanduel-deal-30-million/

:cool:

Well, he is very good at what he does....it's not just the cussing, beer drinking, and t-shirts, he's a very good interviewer!

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

The Ringer had an article about Matt Ryan and the Colts that they posted a few days ago. Link below if you haven't read it yet.... :cool:


https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2022/9/1/23332106/matt-ryan-indianapolis-colts-season-of-change

[Oldcolt]

Nice read. BUT, I’m sick of reading about this team. I’m ready to watch some Colt football! All prepped for a huge year!!

[Chromeburn]

Heard something today on the radio. One bc of the WRs talked about how much attention to detail Matt Ryan emphasizes for the receivers. Route precision, depth, when to make your cut. The receiver didn’t say it, but the reporter had the impression things were a little more backyard football like contrasted to this year. Gives a little insight into how everything else is the same but the QB is different and just how much a difference that makes.

[Oldcolt]

Heard something today on the radio. One bc of the WRs talked about how much attention to detail Matt Ryan emphasizes for the receivers. Route precision, depth, when to make your cut. The receiver didn’t say it, but the reporter had the impression things were a little more backyard football like contrasted to this year. Gives a little insight into how everything else is the same but the QB is different and just how much a difference that makes.

I have read the exact same thing, to the point where receivers say it isn’t about just getting open, it is about getting open at the correct time and place. All this tells me it is going to take quite some time for this offense to really gel. The defense needs to be good right out of the gate if we are not going to do that ridiculous thing we do every year (losing big for the first third of the year).

[YDFL Commish]

The defense needs to be good right out of the gate if we are not going to do that ridiculous thing we do every year (losing big for the first third of the year).

When was the last time that the defense was good right out of the gate?

[Oldcolt]

When was the last time that the defense was good right out of the gate?

When was the last time we won an opening game? Nine years. Something’s got to give. This defense has a chance, small but real. Gilmore doesn’t need time to learn to cover. His presence should be huge. Linebackers will be good to great depending on how healthy Leonard is. Safety’s look like they can hold their own and more. My only real concern is can we generate a pass rush on a consistent basis? I think there is a chance we are good enough out of the gate. But you are right, it has been forever.

[Pez]

I think we will get the pass rush against mills, so long as our coverage is there. I really like our safety group.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

[JAFF]

I think we will get the pass rush against mills, so long as our coverage is there. I really like our safety group.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

The Colts offense needs to be aggressive and move the ball and score early. Ryan needs to put a foot in guys butts and get a lead and let the D attack their offense.

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

Here is another piece from The Ringer.

It is their starting QB rankings. It is obviously very subjective but it appears they believe the Colts took a big step up this off-season.

Matt Ryan is ranked 12th - just after Stafford and before Derek Carr.

Meanwhile Carson Wentz is ranked 27th.

Here is the write-up on Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz and Jacoby Brissett or you can click the link below to see the entire list:

https://qbrankings.theringer.com/?_ga=2.214038231.1115984142.1662649453-613909338.1662293349


12TH - MATT RYAN

BREAKDOWN
Matt Ryan has entered his old man era. The downside to that is waning arm strength, which is apparent in his 2021 film. But Ryan mostly makes up for that by throwing with anticipation and limiting the time defensive backs have to react to his junk pitches. He’s also turning down tougher throws he used to make with regularity at the peak of his powers. Maybe playing on a better team (and behind a better offensive line) this season will provide the 15-year pro with a greater sense of ambition. Or things could swing the other way as Ryan continues to age. That raises the question: Is he getting too old for this shit?

BIGGEST STRENGTH: PRE-SNAP
Having Ryan in the huddle will take a lot off Frank Reich’s plate. Reich doesn’t have to worry about calling a run play into a bad look or protection breakdown. His new quarterback will fix any problems and get the offense into the right call, as he did throughout his time in Atlanta.

BIGGEST WEAKNESS: ARM TALENT
While Ryan’s arm is among the weakest in the NFL, it hasn’t precluded him from making tight-window throws down the field. He just has to throw them a little earlier. But that guesswork won’t always be perfect, which leads to some dangerous throws into unexpected traffic.


27TH - CARSON WENTZ

BREAKDOWN
Carson Wentz has all the necessary tools to play at a top-10 level, as we saw earlier in his career. But his mechanics are shot, and his decisiveness is at an all-time low. That leads to throws that are either late or off target—and far too often both. Wentz’s best gift, his play-making ability, can also be a curse. For every off-platform deep ball, there’s an avoidable sack fumble or slapstick interception. He’s not too far removed from playing some legitimately good football, but the odds of him recapturing that form grow longer by the season.

BIGGEST STRENGTH: ARM TALENT
Wentz’s athleticism hasn’t regressed with the rest of his game. He doesn’t need much of a platform to get downfield throws off, and that can lead to some jaw-dropping plays when his accuracy doesn’t let him down. We just don’t see them nearly enough to justify his reckless approach.

BIGGEST WEAKNESS: DECISION-MAKING
Carson, buddy. It’s OK to throw it away or settle for the checkdown. If he just did those two things more often, he wouldn’t be switching teams every offseason.


31ST - JACOBY BRISSETT

BREAKDOWN
Brissett has almost everything you want in a quarterback: the size, the big arm, and a good grasp on how to play the position. There's just one problem: His accuracy is horrendous. That may sound a little harsh, but I can't think of a more appropriate word to describe it. Brissett just can’t get the ball to go where he wants it to. His poor aim and cavalier decision-making leads to some ugly interceptions, which makes it hard for any coaching staff to trust him. And that's a shame because he is an entertaining player. That aforementioned arm allows him to make some ridiculous throws, and he doesn't need a sturdy base to push the ball downfield. Even when he throws off his back foot, there is zip on the ball. Brissett plays how I imagine quarterbacks played in the 1970s: Screw efficiency, I’m chucking it downfield. There's something commendable about that. But it’s not conducive to an effective offense.

BIGGEST STRENGTH: ARM TALENT
If you watch a highlight reel of Brissett’s best throws, you’ll think he’s one of the better quarterbacks in the league. He tosses some dimes. But he’s remained a career backup because he hasn’t quite figured out how to harness all of his arm strength.

BIGGEST WEAKNESS: ACCURACY
Brissett can get the ball into the general vicinity of the receiver, but after that, it’s up to them to figure out where the pass will land. I’m not sure Brissett knows half the time. He sort of just sprays passes at his receivers and is liable to miss high or low.

[YDFL Commish]

Here is another piece from The Ringer.

It is their starting QB rankings. It is obviously very subjective but it appears they believe the Colts took a big step up this off-season.

Matt Ryan is ranked 12th - just after Stafford and before Derek Carr.

Meanwhile Carson Wentz is ranked 27th.

Here is the write-up on Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz and Jacoby Brissett or you can click the link below to see the entire list:

https://qbrankings.theringer.com/?_ga=2.214038231.1115984142.1662649453-613909338.1662293349

I think that the article is a little negative on Ryan's arm strength. He undeniably has a stronger arm than Phillip Rivers did for us.

[JAFF]

I think that the article is a little negative on Ryan's arm strength. He undeniably has a stronger arm than Phillip Rivers did for us.

Who among all NFL QBs, had a worse arm.

I dont know if Ryan can hit Campbell on the fly, he needs to hit the target for a first down when its 3rd and 10

[Chromeburn]

Here is another piece from The Ringer.

It is their starting QB rankings. It is obviously very subjective but it appears they believe the Colts took a big step up this off-season.

Matt Ryan is ranked 12th - just after Stafford and before Derek Carr.

Meanwhile Carson Wentz is ranked 27th.

Here is the write-up on Matt Ryan, Carson Wentz and Jacoby Brissett or you can click the link below to see the entire list:

https://qbrankings.theringer.com/?_ga=2.214038231.1115984142.1662649453-613909338.1662293349

Those ranking are based on their analytics. I think that’s where they should be. Wentz does a good job in the red zone. But between the 20’s drives die in his hands. Matt Ryan will bring most consistency and accuracy with maybe fewer big plays and probably more turnovers. But fewer 3 and outs means more touches for RBs and more rest for the defense. I think a lot of issues with the defense last year was the lack of rests between series.

I also think Ryan’s arm is still fine. I think this is a false narrative shared around casual media. All the local reporters say it’s fine.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


(vs. CHIEFS, 9/25)


Where is Ryan's pocket presence ??? Well, a QB can only have so much "pocket presence" when he is playing behind an offensive line that is performing like that of a Division I-AA college team ...... yet despite that, Ryan somehow managed to go 27-for-37 for 222 yards, 2 TD's, 0 INT's, which was good for a 105.9 QB rating. If we can somehow get our offensive line to improve from awful to average, we just may start seeing the Matt Ryan that had so many excellent seasons when he was playing for the Falcons. The return of Michael Pittman Jr, who missed last week's game against the Jaguars with a quadricep injury, evidently made a significant difference also.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


(vs. CHIEFS, 9/25)


Where is Ryan's pocket presence ??? Well, a QB can only have so much "pocket presence" when he is playing behind an offensive line that is performing like that of a Division I-AA college team ...... yet despite that, Ryan somehow managed to go 27-for-37 for 222 yards, 2 TD's, 0 INT's, which was good for a 105.9 QB rating. If we can somehow get our offensive line to improve from awful to average, we just may start seeing the Matt Ryan that had so many excellent seasons when he was playing for the Falcons. The return of Michael Pittman Jr, who missed last week's game against the Jaguars with a quadricep injury, evidently made a significant difference also.

o
o


Also, Ryan was 8-for-10 on what proved to be the game-winning touchdown drive late in the 4th quarter ...... and that drive took 8 minutes and 14 seconds, leaving the Chiefs with only 18 seconds after the touchdown and kickoff return.


(Game-Winning Touchdown Drive)


1st & 10 at IND 24

(8:38 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short left to J.Taylor to IND 28 for 4 yards (K.Saunders).

2nd & 6 at IND 28

(8:02 - 4th) (Shotgun) J.Taylor up the middle to IND 31 for 3 yards (D.Harris).

3rd & 3 at IND 31

(7:25 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to P.Campbell to IND 33 for 2 yards (L.Sneed).

4th & 1 at IND 33

(6:39 - 4th) M.Ryan up the middle to IND 35 for 2 yards (G.Karlaftis).

1st & 10 at IND 35
(5:58 - 4th) M.Ryan pass incomplete short left.

2nd & 10 at IND 35

(5:51 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short left to N.Hines to IND 39 for 4 yards (N.Bolton).

3rd & 6 at IND 39

(5:06 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan sacked at IND 31 for -8 yards (N.Bolton). PENALTY on KC-C.Jones, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced at IND 31.

1st & 10 at IND 46

(4:48 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short left to M.Pittman to KC 47 for 7 yards (R.Fenton; C.Dunlap).

2nd & 3 at KC 47

(4:11 - 4th) (Shotgun) N.Hines right guard to KC 48 for -1 yards (C.Jones, J.Reid).

3rd & 4 at KC 48

(3:34 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to M.Pittman to KC 44 for 4 yards (J.Thornhill).

1st & 10 at KC 44

(3:03 - 4th) (No Huddle, Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short middle to P.Campbell to KC 36 for 8 yards (N.Bolton, D.Harris).

2nd & 2 at KC 36

(2:30 - 4th) (Shotgun) N.Hines right tackle to KC 29 for 7 yards (J.Reid, J.Thornhill).

(2:30 - 4th) Two-Minute Warning

1st & 10 at KC 29

(2:00 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short left to M.Pittman to KC 24 for 5 yards (F.Clark). PENALTY on IND-M.Pryor, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at KC 29 - No Play.

1st & 20 at KC 39

(1:55 - 4th) (Shotgun) J.Taylor left tackle to KC 26 for 13 yards (L.Sneed).

2nd & 7 at KC 26

(1:15 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass short right to A.Pierce to KC 12 for 14 yards (Ja.Watson).

1st & 10 at KC 12

(0:33 - 4th) (Shotgun) M.Ryan pass incomplete short middle to A.Pierce (Ja.Watson) [J.Reid].

2nd & 10 at KC 12

(0:24 - 4th) Jelani Woods Pass From Matt Ryan for 12 Yds TOUCHDOWN. C.McLaughlin extra point is GOOD, Center-L.Rhodes, Holder-M.Haack.

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


(vs. JAGUARS, 10/16)


Ryan was not sacked for the entire game, until he tripped over his own lineman's leg very late in the 4th quarter.

Overall he was 42-for-58 for 389 yards, 3 TD's and 0 INT's.

o

[ChaosTheory]

o


(vs. JAGUARS, 10/16)


Ryan was not sacked for the entire game, until he tripped over his own lineman's leg very late in the 4th quarter.

Overall he was 42-for-58 for 389 yards, 3 TD's and 0 INT's.

o

Put Sam Ehlinger in. At least he'll get some experience.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


(vs. JAGUARS, 10/16)


Ryan was not sacked for the entire game, until he tripped over his own lineman's leg very late in the 4th quarter.

Overall he was 42-for-58 for 389 yards, 3 TD's and 0 INT's.

o
o



Colts' Player of the Game vs. Jaguars: QB Matt Ryan

(By Kevin Hickey)

https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/16/indianapolis-colts-matt-ryan-player-of-the-game-jaguars-nfl-week-6/

o

[Colts And Orioles]

o


Colts' Player of the Game vs. Jaguars: QB Matt Ryan

(By Kevin Hickey)

https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2022/10/16/indianapolis-colts-matt-ryan-player-of-the-game-jaguars-nfl-week-6/

o
o


One week later ......


Matt Ryan Costs Colts a Chance to Lead AFC South

(By Joel A. Erickson)

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2022/10/23/colts-vs-titans-matt-ryan-costs-colts-a-chance-to-lead-afc-south/69566857007/

o