Reich backs Matt Ryan: 'I could not be happier that he's our quarterback'

The Indianapolis Colts are off to an 0-1-1 start, but head coach Frank Reich is still confident in quarterback Matt Ryan.

"What I love about Matt is that he takes responsibility. He's the leader. I could not be happier that he's our quarterback." Reich said Monday while reflecting on his team's 24-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2.

Ryan, 37, has four interceptions and five fumbles to start the season. He's also been sacked seven times through two games, the third-most in the NFL.

Reich pointed out that the players around Ryan have to be better if the signal-caller is to succeed.

"The protection yesterday wasn't our best effort. He was under duress a number of times," Reich said. "There's still mistakes that he made, that we all make, but I think overall - listen, I understand how the quarterback position is: You're really dependent on everybody else on there, but you're at the center of it, so you have to make it work."

He added: "We've all got to pull it together. We all have got to carry our own weight, each one of us, including him and everybody on that offense."

Injuries in the Colts' wide receiver corps have contributed to Ryan's poor start this season. Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie wide receiver Alec Pierce both missed Sunday's contest against the Jaguars.

Reich said he prepared for the game believing Pittman and Pierce would play; their absences derailed Indianapolis' game plan.

The Colts will look to get their first win of the season Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3.