New starting QBs become headliners for Colts Commanders

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INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  Sam Ehlinger spent his whole life preparing for this week.On Sunday, he'll finally be a feature attraction on the NFL's big stage.The 24-year-old quarterback, who spent more than 20 months as an understudy for the Indianapolis Colts, will make his first career start Sunday against the Washington Commanders. And like any young actor thrust into the spotlight, Ehlinger is eager, excited and, yes, even anxious.With every new opportunity theres new nerves, so navigating through those, trying to stay in the moment is going to be the challenge, he said. I dont think its weird. I think I always prepared in  Malcolm Brogdon Jersey the way that I was ready for the moment and Im really glad that I did because here we are. , from No. 3 to Colts starter in le s than two weeks, is only part of this week's surprising storyline.This game had been billed as a matchup between Washington quarterback Carson Wentz and Colts quarterback Matt Ryan, who replaced Wentz in Indy this season. But Wentz went on injured reserve last week with a fractured ring finger and after separating his throwing shoulder.Those moves opened the door for Ehlinger and over Green Bay last weekend, giving both a chance to prove they deserve the starting job.Perhaps nobody understands Ehlinger's situation better than Heinicke.Ive always been told I was too small, not strong enough arm, he said. "So I have to find something within me to make the leap and the grit has been carrying me for a long time. Its definitely a big part of my game.Indy (3-3-1) sees similar traits in Ehlinger. Coach Frank Reich says the 24-year-old former Texas star comes with a special sauce" and likes the notion of Ehlinger using his legs to evade pa s rushers and make plays T. J. Leaf Jersey  outside the pocket. Plus, Reich has been impre sed with Ehlinger's improved accuracy and increased arm strength after his offseason work with quarterback guru Tom House.Colts fans saw what Ehlinger could do during the preseason. The bigger question, of course, is whether Ehlinger can replicate that succe s on Sunday.Well, a young quarterback that has an exciting style of play doing everything he can to move the ball, put points on the board, Ehlinger said when asked what people should expect  T. J. Warren Jersey from him. Being smart with the ball, getting it out on time, limiting mistakes and playing to our strengths.DUELING OWNERSLast week, Colts owner Jim Irsay made his position about . He would rather not defend Snyder's actions and believes Snyder has done enough to warrant removing him as owner.On Sunday, they could both be at Lucas Oil Stadium  though they may not be on speaking terms.Irsay has been no stranger to controversy. The NFL imposed a six-game suspension and $500,000 fine in 2014 when he pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. MCLAURINS HOMECOMINGWhile Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin is playing his first NFL game in Indianapolis, he is very familiar with Lucas Oil Stadium. McLaurin grew up in Indy, won high school football state titles on the field and won two Big Ten titles there as an Ohio State teammate of Colts receiver Parris Campbell.I would be lying if I say its not kind of cool to be able to go back to where I grew up, kind of where my affinity  Justin Holiday Jersey of football started, he said. I grew up a Colts fan, sitting in Section 540 with my dad. The fourth-year receiver leads the Commanders with 440 yards receiving this season, averaging 16.3 yards on 27 catches. TAYLOR SLOWEDColts running back Jonathan Taylor hasn't been the same since winning last year's NFL's rushing crown. Despite mi sing two games with a sprained ankle, he ranks 21st with 386 yards rushing.But the other numbers aren't even close.His 4.2 yards per carry average is down dramatically from 5.5 last season and 5.0 as a rookie. He has scored one TD, none since Week 1, after leading the NFL with 18 TD runs and matching Austin Ekeler of the Chargers for an NFL-high 20 total TDs in 2021.THIRD-DOWN SUCCESSOne key this week: How Indy's offense fares on third down against Washington's improved defense. Green Bay was 0 for 6 last weekend on third down, marking the first time four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers didn't convert a third down. It was the first Myles Turner Jersey  time it happened to Green Bay since 1999.Everybodys understanding their role. ... Theyre doing their job. Thats the biggest thing. When you try to do too much, thats when the big plays happen, linebacker Cole Holcomb said. So we were like: Hey, lets just simplify it down. Lets get back to just doing our job, playing with good technique, tackling. And I think we keep improving every week.___A sociated Pre s Sports Writer Howard Fendrich also contributed to this report.___More AP NFL coverage: and    in this topic