Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson found himself injured at the moment he learned he would be benched.
In his place, 39-year-old Joe Flacco stepped in, aiming to maintain perspective amidst the changes.
The day after the announcement that Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, had been demoted, head coach Shane Steichen spoke to reporters, stating that Flacco would be the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Steichen explained his reasoning: “It’s my obligation to 53 guys and to this organization to win football games. It was a tough decision, but one I felt was in the best interest of our football team. I believe Joe gives us the best chance to win right now. That said, I’m not giving up on Anthony by any means.”
The Colts, currently at a 4-4 record, drafted Richardson to end their prolonged search for a stable quarterback, hoping he would serve as a long-term solution. However, the 22-year-old has encountered difficulties with both his performance and health.
Richardson’s completion rate of 44.4% is the lowest in the NFL this season, along with four touchdown passes and seven interceptions. His total of nine turnovers ties for the third most in the league, even with him missing two games due to a right hip injury.
Richardson’s absence from the field isn’t new; he has missed 15 of the 25 games in his career and has completed only five of his ten career starts, primarily due to various injuries, including season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder last October.
This past Sunday, Richardson struggled against the Texans (6-2), throwing a poor pass into double coverage that was intercepted just before halftime. The Texans converted the turnover into a touchdown, ultimately winning 23-20 and establishing a two-game lead in the AFC South while sweeping the season series against Indianapolis.
Richardson briefly left the game in the second half after signaling for a break but returned on the next series. His decision to leave during a play that Steichen indicated would be a handoff faced criticism. Richardson acknowledged his mistake but did not specify when he realized it was wrong.
“Regarding that play, I know I can’t do that as a leader, especially as a quarterback of this team,” he said. “As a football player, I can’t just take myself out of the game, particularly in crucial moments like that. But you live and you learn. You’ve got to grow from it.”
As a result, the Colts are moving from one of the youngest, least experienced quarterbacks in the league to one of the oldest.
Flacco, the previous season’s AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP, has already started two games and holds a 2-1 record in three appearances with the Colts. He has completed 71 of 108 passes (65.7%) for 716 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. His quick decision-making has helped maintain offensive consistency for Indianapolis.
With the Colts still in contention for a playoff spot, Flacco appears capable of leading a postseason run, similar to his experience with the Cleveland Browns last year. His biggest contribution to Richardson’s growth may come from sharing insights that few quarterbacks in the NFL can offer.
“We have to remember that Anthony is really young,” Flacco noted. “When I was that age, I wouldn’t have had the perspective or the mindset to handle this situation. In my 17th year, I have that perspective. This doesn’t have to be a negative experience; there are many positives for him to gain from it.”
This shift is significant for Steichen, who just last week expressed the need to help Richardson with better play-calling. At that time, the Colts seemed determined to let Richardson learn from his mistakes, regardless of the results.
What prompted the change? Steichen clarified that the decision to switch quarterbacks was not solely related to Richardson leaving the game because he was “tired”; it was primarily about what was best for the Colts.
Richardson was taken aback by the decision. “Of course, it hurts,” he admitted. “As a competitor, you don’t want to hear that you’re not the guy anymore for the upcoming week. But I’m using this moment as a chance to grow and learn from my mistakes.”
For now, Flacco is set to take the reins.
“I’m fired up, man,” Flacco said. “Whenever you get a chance to play football in this league, you have to feel blessed. I’m really fortunate to be with this team and in this situation, and I’m excited to get it done.”
