The Indianapolis Colts are in a bit of disarray. Following their Week 7 loss to the Titans, the team made the decision to bench former NFL MVP Matt Ryan for the remainder of the season. The Colts are ranked 30th in the NFL in scoring, averaging just 16.1 points per game.
The team then turned to second-year pro Sam Ehlinger, the former Texas Longhorns star, going forward. In Ehlinger’s debut as the starter, a 17-16 loss to the Washington Commanders, he showed promise. That didn’t stop head coach Frank Reich from pulling the plug on talented offensive coordinator Marcus Brady after a 3-4-1 start.
On Tuesday, just one season after the 43-year-old was lauded as one of the bright offensive minds in the game, he was relieved of his game-planning duties midway through his second season on the job. During his weekly presser, the aforementioned Reich told reporters why the move was made and that he wishes Brady the best.
“This was an incredibly hard decision, but one I felt was needed to be made in the best interest of the team. I appreciate Marcus’ commitment to the organization, and he made a significant contribution to our offensive success over the last five seasons. I wish him the best going forward.”
This is the classic case of Brady being the scapegoat for bad decisions made by the upper management. He was given a grand total of 25 games to make something happen. And yes, that’s a solid sample size, but let’s delve into why Brady didn’t succeed.
This morning we relieved Marcus Brady of his duties as Offensive Coordinator. I wish this good man all the best.👍
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) November 1, 2022
Colts QB Decisions Have Been Questionable At Best
Brady was a protégé of current Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, and when Sirianni left for the City of Brotherly Love Brady was immediately promoted. But let’s take a look at some of the things that hindered Brady’s growth as a play-caller.
In 2020 when Brady was the QB coach, the team brought in over-the-Hill Philip Rivers, who had some moments, but it was apparent early on that he could no longer push the football down the field.
With Rivers retired at season’s end, the Colts traded for Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, and while he did toss 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, the team missed the playoffs by losing its final two games. Last offseason, in a sign that the team believed Wentz was the reason for missing the playoffs, they traded the former MVP candidate to the Washington Commanders.
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So please tell us how these QB decisions are on Brady? This looks more like he was blamed for a shoddy, underachieving offensive line, average receivers and a defense that can’t stop anyone in crucial situations.
Brady doesn’t even call the plays, Reich does. Again, Colts brass needed a scapegoat for their shortcomings, and Brady fit the bill.
Brady Was One Of Four Current Black Offensive Coordinators In The NFL
In a league with just three Black head coaches, there’s also just three offensive coordinators; Eric Bieniemy (Chiefs), Byron Leftwich (Bucs), and Pep Hamilton (Texans). Hiring minorities is a problem around the league and the few fortunate hires seem to be out the door the minute things go awry. That same quick hook, short leash we have been referring to for years when it comes to leadership positions in the NFL. And in Brady’s case it wasn’t his fault, as his superiors put him in multiple no-win situations.
#Colts fire their OC Marcus Brady…Reich calls the plays. https://t.co/I32P1lf0TI
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) November 1, 2022
Brady should land on his feet. His relationship with Sirianni could see him end up in Philly and the only unbeaten team in the NFL. Sometimes getting axed from an organization that couldn’t provide you with the resources needed to show your talents is a blessing in disguise. That may very well be the case with Brady.
