As much as people were cheering for a successful Carson Wentz and Frank Reich reunion with the Indianapolis Colts, it is time to face facts.
Wentz is injury-prone, before and during the season.
Let’s factor in the season is one game longer this year so that compounds the risk.
The Colts seem content to fill the void of Wentz’s absence in-house.
That puts Jacob Eason in the spotlight to carry the baton.
Who Is Jacob Eason?
Eason is the Colts’ fourth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
He played college ball at the University of Washington.
Eason was a backup for Philip Rivers and Jacoby Brissett last season.
Rivers talked about Eason’s arm.
#Colts starting QB: Philip Rivers, on Jacob Eason:
"He made a throw the other day, I shook my head and said, 'I can't do that. I can't make that throw'." pic.twitter.com/gl0HWVZeHT
— Lawrence Owen (@Colts_Law) September 2, 2020
Eason’s work ethic got rave reviews last season also.
Word from the Colts' facility: Encouraging start for rookie QB Jacob Eason, who's been consistently staying late for extra workouts and film review w/ position coach Marcus Brady. Remember, Eason looked strong at the end of camp, even wowing Philip Rivers with a few throws.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) September 28, 2020
Eason’s Performance In Colts Preseason Game
As the starting quarterback in the Colts’ game against the Carolina Panthers, Eason had a very strong showing.
Jacob Eason’s 94.5 PFF grade ranked 1st among ALL QBs in Week 1 of the NFL Preseason 👀 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Tr6ZFMk6Sj
— PFF IND Colts (@PFF_Colts) August 16, 2021
He completed 15 out of 21 passes for 183 yards.
Though he did not throw any touchdown passes, it is important to note that he also did not throw any interceptions either.
Coach Reich was pleased with Eason’s performance including the two minute drive that ended the first half.
“Jacob (Eason), the two-minute drive was a clinic reel. He does a great job and he hit some really nice throws the whole first half. He had a couple of lasers and really looked good. He put the ball on the ground one time and made one or two errors, mental mistakes we’ll clean up but was proud of Jacob. I thought he went out there and showed himself well.”
As with any inexperienced NFL quarterback, there is always room for improvement as noted by Reich:
“Well, we’re always working on having the right timing, but like you said, speeding it up and getting it to the right timing with the play is important. I think Jacob (Eason) has done well there. There are times where it needs to be better, I think you’re seeing that right at times, but I think he’s making good progress, he’s very coachable and I think he’s getting better each day and each week.”
How Long Is Temporary?
Since it sounds like the Colts are committed to Eason, the question remains how long will Wentz be out.
The news in Indianapolis so far has been positive so the Colts may very well get Wentz back much earlier than expected.
Good vibes all around @Colts.
Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger are competing for the backup role.
Yes, the backup role.
Carson Wentz trending to open the season as the starter with All-Pro G Quenton Nelson on same path after foot surgeries.
The Colts open season vs. Seahawks.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 11, 2021
Wentz could be starting Week 1.
But what if he is not, and Eason needs to start?
If he plays well, would the Colts bench him to bring back Wentz?
Could this be one of those transitions like Drew Bledsoe to Tom Brady in New England or Trent Green to Kurt Warner in St. Louis?
Those transitions started out as temporary arrangements that became permanent because the quarterback who came off the bench played too well to ever see the bench again.
Is a Wentz to Eason transition possible?
Time will tell.
NEXT: Colts Have Something Special In QB Sam Ehlinger