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Given the fact the Indianapolis Colts were depleted at quarterback, they had no business winning their regular season finale against the Tennessee Titans. However, the Colts found a way to pull off a 30-24 victory with quarterbacks Josh Freeman and Ryan Lindley splitting time. Their play today should give both guys a shot at beginning the Colts’ backup next season.
Obviously, the Colts’ situation at quarterback was not ideal this week. They were playing without starting quarterback Andrew Luck and backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Additionally, third-string quarterback Charlie Whitehurst was placed on injury reserve earlier this week. Both Freeman and Lindley were signed this week and barely had time to dissect the team’s playbook. Fortunately, both guys played well considering they were playing for the first time this season.
Freeman started the game and completed 15 of his 28 pass attempts. More importantly, he threw for 149 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one interception. This is pretty good for a guy who just got a hold of the playbook three days ago. Meanwhile, Lindley completed six of his 10 pass attempts. One of his completions was an 18-yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson that came before halftime. Both guys played well enough to deserve a shot at fighting for the backup quarterback position next season.
With the Colts committing to Luck as their franchise quarterback, both Freeman and Lindley might not be in the team’s long-term plans. However, the Colts should not be willing to let these guys go because one of them could develop into the backup quarterback next season. Hasselbeck will be 41-years-old next season and might not be able to physically manage another NFL season. Do the Colts really want to have him as their primary backup next year? Hasselbeck has been great for the Colts, but it is time for the Colts to bring in a younger backup quarterback.
Every NFL football franchise is always analyzing its talent year-round, and the Colts should think about keeping Freeman and Lindley. Although the Titans’ defense is terrible, it is hard to ignore what these two quarterbacks accomplished Sunday because of the circumstance. Freeman and Lindley helped deliver the Colts a victory with only three days of practice in the Colts’ offense. For this reason, both guys deserve looks during the Colts’ 2016 training camp.
Kyle Nishida is an Indianapolis Colts beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kyle_Nishida, “Like him” on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
