The Facts: The Colts are the only team in NFL history to have a different QB start 15-plus games in four consecutive seasons, per NFL Research. Indy is on track to extend that remarkable stat after acquiring longtime Falcons QB Matt Ryan, who hasn't missed a game in 12 seasons. Frank Reich, who's been the Colts head coach for every one of those four seasons, believes Ryan is the QB to not only end that trend but also help take Indianapolis to the promised land. "I think everyone saw from the outside that this is a good fit," Reich said during an interview at the Annual League Meeting on Sunday. "Like, people can universally agree you got a guy who's still playing at a high level with a team and roster that is built to make some noise. We needed each other."
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Ryan wasn't initially on the Colts radar after trading Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders on March 9, according to Reich. Once the rumors of Deshaun Watson landing in Atlanta arose, the Colts began to formulate the idea of acquiring the 2016 AP Most Valuable Player. Despite Watson ultimately choosing the Cleveland Browns, the Colts persisted with their pursuit of Ryan once deciding he was an ideal fit. Ryan, who will turn 37 years old by the time training camp starts, was just 32 passing yards short of eclipsing the 4,000-yard mark for the 11th consecutive season in 2021. With All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor blossoming into one the NFL's best ball-carriers, a young corps of wide receivers and a roster with seven returning Pro Bowlers, Reich is excited to see what he believes will be a seamless transition into the Colts' offense. We'll see how fantasy managers feel about the move as drafts begin in earnest in coming weeks.