Sam Ehlinger will start for Colts vs. Commanders. How have the last 3 Texas QBs done in their NFL debut?
With Matt Ryan benched for the Indianapolis Colts, Sam Ehlinger will get a chance at leading team going forward. The former Longhorns quarterback will take the field Sunday in his first NFL start when the Colts take on the Washington Commanders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Taken in sixth round of the 2021, the Westlake High School alumnus saw limited playing time last season, only passing for nine yards on three attempts last year for the Colts. But after a 3-3-1 start, Colts head coach Frank Reich is ready to hand the reigns to the young QB.
“We’ve always thought, from day one, that Sam had some kind of special sauce,” Reich said. “I’ve been particularly impressed with Sam this year in practice, once the season has started. The look he’s given on scout team, the quality of his throws, the way he’s commanding himself out there has been the total package. I just feel like at this point, that’s the best decision for our team going forward.”
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As he prepares for his first NFL start, here's how the last three Longhorn QBs who got a chance at a starting job did in their league debut.
Garrett Gilbert's first start came six years after his NFL draft
Straight out of Lake Travis High School, Garrett Gilbert played quarterback for the Longhorns in 2009, stepping in for an injured Colt McCoy in the national championship game in 2010. He played with the Longhorns for another season before before transferring to Southern Methodist University.
Gilbert was drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL draft, and wouldn't get his first start in the league until 2020.
Signed to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squared at the start of the year, an injured Dak Prescott, a COVID-listed Andy Dalton, and a Ben DiNucci struggling the week prior gave Gilbert the starting job on Nov. 8, 2020.
He threw one interception, but passed for for 243 yards and one touchdown in the Cowboys loss 24-19 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the game. He backed up Dalton for the remainder of the Cowboys season.
As a rookie, Colt McCoy also faced Ben Roethlisberger in his first start
A four-year starter for the Longhorns, Colt McCoy was drafted in the third round at 8th overall in 2010 by the Cleveland Browns. In his rookie season, he won his first start against in Week 6 against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 17, 2010.
McCoy went 23-33, throwing a pair of interceptions, but passing for 281 years and a touchdown in his debut. But it wasn't enough in a 28-10 loss against Ben Roethlisberger who returned for his first game after a four-game suspension.
McCoy would hold onto the position, starting in eight games that season despite the Browns going 2-6 in the time.
Vince Young's first NFL was a loss, too
After leading the Texas Longhorns to a national championship in 2005, Vince Young was drafted third overall by the Tennessee Titans. He made his first start in Week 4 against Drew Bledsoe and the Cowboys on Sept. 17, 2006.
Young went 14-29 and threw two interceptions, passing for 155 yards and one touchdown, by the Cowboys dominated in the 45-14 win.
Despite the Titans poor start to the season, Young held onto the starting job and went 8-5 as a starter. He was named the 2007 Pro Bowl, too.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Sam Ehlinger to start for Colts. How other Texas QBs did in NFL debut
