Ryan benched?

[Hoopsdoc]

Originally Posted by Chaka

It's terrible on several levels. First, and there appears to be differing accounts of this in the media, I'm troubled if Irsay is going to step in and force his GM and head coach to make changes. I like him much better as a hands-off owner. But clearly this was not Frank's (at least) idea because he stated the day before that Ryan was the Colts' QB. I think stepping in and forcing changes, to the extent that actually happened, undermines the guys he hired and that doesn't bode well.

Second, it undermines the experienced guys who came here as free agents. Not only Ryan but also guys like Gilmore, who I'm sure were assuming there wouldn't be an abrupt non-injury related change at the game's most important position only seven games into the season. As to Ryan, I know its been rough, but to give this guy only seven games seems a bit ridiculous. He's been an effective QB for 15 years and he's joining a brand new team and offense, new personnel, and has been running for his life. I think 15 years of quality QB play is enough to earn more than seven weeks. How does this look to other free agents who might consider coming here in the future?

Third, unless they truly believe that Elhinger is truly special, this suggests the Colts will be in development mode for the near future. The colts are 3-3-1 and the season is far from lost. It is not time to give up on the season.
Also, the Colts have built a quality, mostly home grown defense, and have (or at least had) lots of offensive pieces in place. If they have to wait for several years before contending, the Colts will lose all of these guys as they'll become expensive, overpaid free agents.

These are valid points but the thing to keep in mind is, as Bowen points out, Jim GENUINELY believes that this team will be BETTER with Ehlinger at quarterback. He thinks forcing this change will be the catalyst that sends this team to the playoffs.

He may be the only one who thinks that and he may actually be crazy, but his opinion is the only one that matters.