The future of the Indianapolis Colts still might be Anthony Richardson. But the here and now is Joe Flacco — for better or worse.
Earlier this week, Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced Richardson would be benched in favor of Flacco for this Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. The move arrived after Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, controversially removed himself from last Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans.
Let’s look at some of the reactions to Indianapolis’ QB change, including one from a former Flacco teammate.
Did Colts Make Right Call Benching Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco?
After Sunday’s loss, Richardson admitted he removed himself before a 3rd-and-goal play because he was “tired” after the previous play.
“That was a lot of running right there that I did, and I didn’t think I was gonna be able to go that next play,” Richardson said. “So, I just told [Steichen] I needed a break right there.”
The stunning admission generated immense criticism from around the NFL, with many calling for Indy to bench Richardson. And the Colts did just that, although multiple reports indicate the benching wasn’t just due to Richardson’s remark about being “tired.”
#Colts WR Josh Downs on Anthony Richardson tapping out:
“I really think everybody’s blowing it out of proportion. He was tired, and I know he was tired cuz he had just done a lot of running. They was pressuring him bad. … He could’ve just worded it better.” pic.twitter.com/Pl8MiHFEs3
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 30, 2024
Richard’s actual play also warranted a benching.
Though incredibly athletic and capable of making big plays, Richardson played poorly in his first six starts. His 44.4% completion percentage ranks last among all quarterbacks, and he ranks near the bottom of the NFL in both EPA per dropback and passer rating against pressure, per TruMedia.
Richardson currently owns the third-worst Pro Football Network QB+ metric season grade, ranking ahead of only Deshaun Watson and Bryce Young.
In box-score stats, Richardson averaged 159.7 yards, 0.7 yards, and 1.2 interceptions per start. He also ran 41 times for 242 yards and a score.
Meanwhile, Flacco, who joined the Colts in the offseason, played well in his three starts while Richardson dealt with an injury. The 39-year-old QB posted a 65.74% completion percentage along with 716 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception.
Retired center A.Q. Shipley, who played with Flacco while with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013, believes the Colts made the right call.
“They’re better with him,” Shipley said Wednesday during a “Pat McAfee Show” appearance. ” … I’ve said it forever: He’s the best deep-ball thrower I ever played with. … He’s a phenomenal teammate — he really is.
“He’s great in the locker room, he’s great with the guys. I mean, the whole team has to love him; they have to love this move because the offensive line knows balls are gonna get completed.”
"Joe Flacco is the best deep ball thrower that I ever played with..
He's a phenomenal teammate and he's great in the locker room" ~ @aqshipley #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/JnTJPQngSJ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 30, 2024
Whether the Colts return to Richardson this season remains to be seen. If Flacco plays well and leads the 4-4 Colts to wins, he likely will keep the job.
But the veteran also will have a short leash. And if Indy starts to fall out of playoff contention, Steichen could call upon Richardson at any moment. You also have to wonder how the front office feels about all of this after using a high draft pick on Richardson.
After visiting the Vikings on Sunday, the Colts will face the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, and New England Patriots in their next four games before enjoying a Week 14 bye.
How Richardson Reacted To Being Benched
On Wednesday, Steichen revealed how Richardson took the news of his benching.
“Tough,” Steichen told reporters. “Anytime you get that news is tough. To lose, to not be the starter anymore, it’s tough. But you know what, I think he’s going to handle it the right way going forward. Be a professional about it, grind, get ready, prepare like you are the starter, because, shoot, he’s still one play away.”
Richardson acknowledged being disappointed but put a positive spin on the benching.
“Of course, it hurts,” he said. “As a competitor, definitely don’t wanna be told that you’re not the guy anymore for the upcoming week. But it’s all good. Using the moment as an opportunity to grow and just learn from my mistakes.”
.@mchappell51 asked #Colts QB Anthony Richardson if being benched could shake his confidence:
“Nah, of course not. I’m blessed and highly favored. I got God on my side. … He always with me, so this is another (challenge), just something for me to jump over.” pic.twitter.com/8dPFKH2FdW
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 31, 2024
Richardson also insisted his confidence wasn’t shaken.
“Nah, of course not,” he said. “I’m blessed and highly favored. I got God on my side. … He always with me, so this is another (challenge), just something for me to jump over.”
Richardson also claimed Steichen didn’t give him an explanation for the benching.
Flacco Puts Positive Spin on Richardson Benching
While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Flacco said he was impressed by Richardson’s handling of the situation.
“The thing we have to remember here is that Anthony’s really young,” Flacco told reporters. “I know when I was that young, there’s no chance that I would’ve been able to have the perspective and the right head on my shoulders to handle it and take it the right way.”
#Colts QB Joe Flacco on Anthony Richardson:
“When I was that young there’s no chance that I would’ve been able to have the perspective … and take it the right way.”
Now, 17 years in he has that perspective and will offer it to AR.
“This doesn’t have to be a negative thing.” pic.twitter.com/TC68wTC9Ur
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 30, 2024
Flacco also shared his message for the second-year quarterback.
“This doesn’t have to be a negative thing,” Flacco said. “There’s a lot of positives on his end that can come from this. … He’s very young with a bright future.
“There’s a lot of guys that come into this league and don’t play right away.”
The Colts are doing their best to downplay Richardson’s benching and maintain a positive outlook. But there’s no denying this is a potentially disastrous turn for a franchise that, just a year ago, thought it had its quarterback of the future.