New Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan is trying to do what Philip Rivers couldn’t: win the franchise’s third Super Bowl trophy.
The quarterback-needy Colts acquired Ryan via a trade with the Atlanta Falcons in March.
Essentially, it came down to him or disgruntled Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Granted, Mayfield could’ve helped the Colts after they dealt the inconsistent Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders.
However, Mayfield’s brash attitude wasn’t a good fit for the Horseshoe.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard picked his spots and eventually landed Ryan, the 2016 NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowler.
For the third straight offseason, the Colts have acquired a NEW veteran starting QB:
2020: Signed Philip Rivers
2021: Traded for Carson Wentz
2022: Traded for Matt Ryan pic.twitter.com/VpXpMAvyoB— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) March 21, 2022
With Ryan and Rivers, the Colts have had two quarterbacks who averaged 37 years of age in two of the past three seasons.
A 38-year-old Rivers ended his legendary 17-year NFL career on a high note in Indy.
He threw for 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2020.
It seemed Old Man Rivers was far from finished.
He thrived behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
He also developed tremendous chemistry with receivers T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal.
Alas, the Buffalo Bills ended the Colts’ season and Rivers’ career with a 27-24 victory in the AFC Wild Card Round.
Ryan will now try to do what Rivers couldn’t.
He Still Has Plenty Left In The Tank
Ryan is on the cusp of turning 37, but he’s far from finished.
We’re talking about the quarterback with the eighth-most passing yards in NFL history after all.
Ryan is still good for 25 touchdowns per season, as his last few seasons in Atlanta have attested.
However, for Ryan to succeed, the Colts need to address holes at wide receiver and tight end.
Hilton has been banged up the past couple of seasons.
If he hangs up his cleats, could Ballard potentially reunite Ryan with Julio Jones?
That sounds like an exciting possibility for Colts fans everywhere.
With Jack Doyle‘s retirement, former basketball player Mo Alie-Cox is primed to become Ryan’s main target at tight end.
The Colts must also shore up their offensive line play in 2022.
In terms of pass-blocking efficiency, their O-line was one of the worst in 2021.
If Ryan were to thrive in the Circle City, Indy’s offensive line must get it together.
Ryan Is Out For Redemption
One thing has eluded Ryan his entire 17-year NFL career: a Super Bowl ring.
Rivers also had a shot at that elusive Vince Lombardi Trophy in his first and only season with the Colts in 2020.
Alas, he fell short.
You can be sure Atlanta’s heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI is still on Ryan’s mind.
First look at Matt Ryan in his new colors, via @Colts. Kenny Moore, DeForest Buckner, Parris Campbell and Michael Strachan among those in town for the first week of offseason workouts. pic.twitter.com/Z9WWRWMqXB
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) April 19, 2022
If Ryan couldn’t get a Super Bowl ring in Atlanta, he’s in a good position to do so with the Colts.
With Ryan at quarterback, it’s hard to imagine Indy falling apart at season’s end and eventually missing a postseason spot just like they did in 2021.
If Ballard acquires the right pieces before the season kicks off, Ryan can help the Colts become Super Bowl contenders once again.
NEXT: 3 Problems Other Than Carson Wentz The Colts Must Solve