Matt Ryan leading NFL’s worst statistical categories at QB
INDIANAPOLIS (BVM) – After a 9-8 season and narrowly missing the playoffs in 2021, panic ensued in the Indianapolis Colts’ organization.
The offseason prior, general manager Chris Ballard opted to give a conditional-first round pick, which would wind up conveying, to the Philadelphia Eagles for Carson Wentz.
Wentz, who looked like a MVP front-runner before his injury in 2017, seemed like a gamble at the time of the trade.
However, despite taking a brunt of the blame, his overall numbers for the Colts were not as bad as they were made out to be. In his one season with the Colts, he threw for over 3,500 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
But Wentz was used as a scapegoat for missing the postseason, and was shipped to Washington, ultimately only netting a third-round pick value for him.
The Colts’ answer to their quarterback problems: 37-year-old Matt Ryan.
Through five games of his Indianapolis career, Ballard would love a mulligan.
Not only has Ryan been worse statistically than the production they received from Wentz last season, the NFL veteran has arguably been the worst starting quarterback in the league thus far in 2022.
QB leaders this season:
Fumbles — Matt Ryan (11)
Interceptions — Matt Ryan (7)
Sacks tatken — Matt Ryan (21) pic.twitter.com/jHtVIMd1Wv— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 7, 2022
According to ESPN, Matt Ryan’s 11 fumbles are more than any player through 5 games since the 1970 merger.
And to make things worse, Ryan already has seven interceptions, matching Wentz’s season total from a year ago.
Ryan is not the only one to blame for the mess, as he has already taken 21 sacks this season.
Somehow, despite Ryan and the overall offense’s play the Colts remain 2-2-1 and can still attempt to play meaningful football late in the season if they can turn things around quickly.
But that is a big if.
With Ryan’s age, it is hard to see him miraculously turning things around overnight, and Jim Irsay will be watching very closely, which could result in the firing of Ballard and head coach Frank Reich.
The good news for Colts’ fans: It seems like there may be some intriguing arms in the upcoming draft.
