Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts lost by a 24-6 score to the Detroit Lions in Week 12 and are 5-7 on the season. The Colts quarterback didn’t have a good game, as he completed only 39.2% of his throws, and the team was limited to just two field goals.
Moreover, Richardson has also been fined $22,511 for unnecessary roughness and the use of a helmet against Lions safety Brian Branch. The NFL‘s decision to fine him surprised many fans, and the league was criticized for it.
Fans React to NFL Fining Anthony Richardson
Players around the league have been fined multiple times this season for plays on which they ideally shouldn’t have. This has developed a feeling among the fans that the NFL is just trying to extract money from the players without any valid reason, which is bad for the game.
Fan expressed their frustration via posts on X and called out the NFL. Here’s how they reacted:
So he got fined for playing football? Got it.
— Serhan Dayi (@SerhanOnX) November 30, 2024
“22k for playing football,” said one fan.
Another fan added, “Just wage theft. NFL knows what it’s doing, and it would surprise no one if it came out later that they have a quota for fines assessed every week.”
They stealing money https://t.co/XAYBxFHZXe
— Adam Daniel (@AdamD_2001) November 30, 2024
“NFL can be the most stupid organization in the world at times,” said a fan.
“So, he’s supposed to stand straight up and get his ribs broken?” questioned another fan about the incident.
You can see Branch also lower his head. Smh. Buddy got run over and fined. https://t.co/cewUNAaZsO
— #RIPKobe (@shaqnosis1) November 30, 2024
In the same game, Lions wideout Jameson Williams was also handed a $19,697 fine for a celebration that the NFL termed obscene. Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit was fined $11,255 for unsportsmanlike conduct/taunting, while Seattle Seahawks cornerback Coby Bryant has to pay $6,594 as a fine for an obscene gesture.
The league cares about the players’ safety and wants to keep them on the field. However, imposing such fines for non-aggressive plays might not be the best possible solution.
The NFL’s guidelines for imposing fines on players have confused everyone throughout this season. Hopefully, the league will provide much more clarity on what specific behaviors warrant a fine soon; otherwise, the players and the fans will remain puzzled by their decisions.
Colts Are Favored To Win in Week 13
The Colts were blown out by the Lions last week, but they are a 2.5-point favorite to win against the New England Patriots in Week 13. It will be a road game for Indianapolis, and the AFC South franchise needs a win to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Richardson has played much better since getting his starting job back, but he needs to have a big game against the Patriots. The 2023 third overall pick has thrown for 1,402 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions in eight games while completing just 47.1% of his throws.
Richardson has made big plays with his legs and arm this season, but his completion percentage has been a major stumbling block. The 22-year-old quarterback has the potential to become one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but it will take some time to become consistent. The Colts have to show patience with Richardson and avoid benching him for an older quarterback like they did earlier this season.
The Patriots are 3-9 this season and are allowing 23.5 points, 224.4 passing yards, and 123.1 rushing yards per game. It is the perfect opportunity for the Colts to get their sixth win of the season, ideally on the strength of a noteworthy performance from Richardson.