Sam Ehlinger had a terrific career at Texas. He started nine games as a freshman and continued as the Longhorns starter through his senior season. He completed over 62 percent of his passes and threw for 94 touchdowns along with 11,436 yards passing. Last season, he limited interceptions to just five through 10 games and while he could’ve completed more passes, he still did a solid job all year long.
But with all that said, Ehlinger was a 6th round pick for the Colts and wasn’t expected to be anywhere close to the starter’s job in Indianapolis. Once Carson Wentz went down with an injury, someone had to step up and take the quarterback position. As of now, it looks like Ehlinger is going to be that guy. The sixth-rounder got first-team reps at Colts practice and it looks as though he’s seriously fighting second-year player Jacob Eason for the starting job.
Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters on Tuesday that he has been liking what he’s seen out of Ehlinger and that he’ll continue to get reps with the first team. “It wasn’t Jacob doing anything wrong,” Reich said, per The Athletic. “This is a meritocracy, and Sam has looked good, so we decided to split it up. The good news is they both looked sharp today.
We’ll continue to split those reps.” Eason was a fourth-round selection in last year’s draft and hasn’t taken an NFL snap in his career. Eason has all the ability from an arm standpoint but doesn’t always make the right reads and decisions, which then lead to getting intercepted. On the other hand, Ehlinger doesn’t have that arm that Eason has but can do more with his feet and obviously his touchdown-to-interception ratio was way better in college.
Ehlinger threw for over 11,000 yards but also rushed for 1,903 yards with 33 touchdowns for Texas. He’s more versatile and can make things happen for the Colts. It’s funny enough that Eason actually lost 126 yards rushing the football in college so it just goes to show you what Ehlinger actually brings to the table. At this point, the Colts truly believe that Ehlinger has more potential than Eason or they wouldn’t be giving him this opportunity.
Ehlinger has shocked the front office and staff and looks ready to go to training camp. We’ll have to watch the Colts through their pre-season games. Both quarterbacks will get a chance to showcase their abilities in real, live situations against other competition. On August 15, the Colts will welcome the Carolina Panthers to town.
The unofficial depth chart was released for this game with the starter being Eason. The reserves on the depth chart are Ehlinger and Brett Hundley. This doesn’t mean Eason will start in Week 1. Both will get their chance. Eason has the arm while Ehlinger has the playmaking and IQ. If one of these two breaks out during their pre-season games, it’ll be a rap. I’m excited to watch Colts pre-season football. There is real competition at the quarterback position and I’m ready for it.
