Colts QB Breaks Silence After Benching: "I'm Disappointed Personally, But Here For The Team"

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan addressed the media for the first time on Wednesday after head coach Frank Reich announced his benching for first-time starter Sam Ehlinger earlier this week.

Ryan was initially acquired by the Colts this past offseason after they decided to move on from Carson Wentz after just one season. However, his run at starter came to a quick holt after a 3-3-1 record in just seven weeks, and throwing a league-high nine interceptions.

The former league MVP said he was shocked at the news, but understood the consequences of his poor play and will do what he can to help the team moving forward.

"Individually and personally disappointed," Ryan said, in response to being benched via Clark Wade of the Indianapolis Star. "As a player and competitor you want to be out there... It's part of the deal in this league you gotta produce and you gotta go out there and play. Frustrated that we weren't able to do that in the first seven games... Life in this league is week-to-week and the production has to be there. Obviously, disappointed personally but here for the team."

Ryan also iterated his faith in Ehlinger and believes the young quarterback will "do great for us" and is committed on mentoring him to ensure he succeeds in his new role, according to The Athetlic's Zak Keefer.

Matt Ryan: “I love Sam. He’s been awesome since the day I got here. My job shifts now — now I gotta do everything I can to help him. He’s gonna do great for us.”

Total pro.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) October 26, 2022