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 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 promise Ehlinger displayed didn’t stop head coach Frank Reich from pulling the plug on offensive coordinator Marcus Brady, after a 3-4-1 start. 

On Tuesday he was relieved of his duties, in just his second-year as the playcaller. During his weekly presser the aforementioned Reich, told reporters why the move was made and that he wishes Brady the best. 

“This was an incredible 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 grant 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. 

Colts QB Decisions Have Been Questionable At Best:

Brady was a protege of current Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni, and when he 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 playcaller. 

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 the team believed Wentz was the reason for missing the playoffs, they traded the once MVP-candidate to the Commanders. 

So please tell us how these QB decisions are on Brady? This looks more like he was scapegoat for a shoddy underachieving offensive line, average receiver play and a defense that couldn’t stop anyone when they had to late in the season. 

Also Brady doesn’t even call the plays, Reich does. Again Colts brass needed scapegoat for their shortcomings, and Brady fit the bill. 

Brady Was One Of Four Current Black OCs In The NFL:

In a league with just three Black head coaches, there were also only four melanated offensive coordinators prior to Brady’s dismissal. That number has now shrunk to three with Eric Bieniemy (Chiefs), Byron Leftwich (Bucs), and Pep Hamilton (Texans). Hiring minorities is a problem around the league and the few fortunate seem to be out the door the minute things go awry. And in Brady’s case it wasn’t his fault, as his superiors put him in multiple no-win situations.

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.