The Indianapolis Colts are right in the hunt of the AFC playoff race, largely thanks to the play of the defense as well as superstar running back Jonathan Taylor. Head coach Frank Reich was asked whether he thought quarterback Carson Wentz would have to step up and be the X-factor in a Colts win down the stretch, to which Reich gave a brutally honest reply, via Zak Keefer.

Reich admits that if the Colts are going to make a deep run in the postseason, Wentz will need to step up down the stretch. The team can't continue to hand the ball off to Jonathan Taylor every play if they hope to stay successful, no matter how good the Wisconsin product has been.

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In order for the Colts to be a real threat in the playoffs, Wentz will have to prove he's a leader and take over some games. He's ultimately shied away from doing that in 2021, in part because he hasn't really needed to amid Taylor's takeover, but Reich is challenging the team's quarterback to put the team on his back when need be.

On the year, Wentz has completed 62.7% of his pass attempts for 3,006 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. While he's limited his turnovers, he's ultimately taken the backseat to Taylor in terms of being the offensive star. It's worked out for Indy thus far, but Reich is envisioning a scenario in which Wentz will have to step up and use his arm to earn the Colts a crucial win.