The start of the 2022 season hasn’t gone much to plan for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan, but owner Jim Irsay sees qualities in the veteran similar to that of legend Peyton Manning.
Even through the offense’s early struggles to open the season, Ryan’s leadership in the locker room and on the field never faltered. It’s an attribute not easily attained, and Irsay told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network that he sees a lot of Manning when it comes to Ryan’s leadership.
“I’ll tell you, he is a steely-eyed missile man,” Irsay this week via NFL Network. “I’ve been around a lot of leaders and I’d put him right up there with Peyton Manning. A really outstanding, tough guy who doesn’t back down. Often the best in fourth quarter and you don’t ever want to count out Matt Ryan. He’s a winner, he’s a fighter and our team is taking on that temperament around him, which is exciting. More will be revealed, no question about it. But we’re encouraged, we really are.”
Through the first five weeks of the season, Ryan’s 21 sacks were tied for the most among quarterbacks. His seven interceptions are the second-most among quarterbacks behind only Matthew Stafford (eight).
But Ryan turned things around in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He completed 42-of-58 passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns while setting the franchise record for completions in a game and passing Dan Marino on the all-time passing yards list.
It was the first time we really saw vintage Ryan, and it was the fourth time in six games he led a fourth-quarter comeback.
Irsay attributed the slow start to the season to the fact that the team has a limited preseason now with the new setup.
“I really think these days with two preseason games and 17 regular season games, you really don’t know who you are until about midseason,” Irsay said. “I’m encouraged. We have to run the ball better, which will help us protect better. But I’m very encouraged.”
The Colts have a big matchup coming up against the Tennessee Titans (3-2) for the top spot in the division, and they will need to rely on Ryan to help lead the charge in what will be their final division game until Week 18.
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