In Week 8, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was coming off a ho-hum performance in last week's win over the Miami Dolphins. The Colts may have gotten the win, but fans were less than inspired by Richardson's 41.7 completion percentage and erratic play.
Week 8 couldn't have gone any worse than last week, right?
Wrong.
Richardson's performance in the loss to the Houston Texans was just as erratic, but the entirety of the game plan was equally confusing. At one point on the day, Richardson was just 2-for-15, with one of those completions being a long touchdown to Josh Downs. Without that big play (which Richardson is known for), he would have been only 1-for-14.
Erratic, boom-or-bust play is the name of the game for the young passer, and on this day, it showed in a massive way. Richardson was inaccurate, and made highly questionable decisions all afternoon. He ended the game going 10-of-32 for 175 yards, one touchdown and one pick. He was given an overall rating of 48.3.
It was arguably his worst game as a pro. Now, Shane Steichen's play calling didn't exactly do him any favors. There could have been even more involvement by Jonathan Taylor and far less deep shots, but that only added to Richardson's bizarre day.
The reason it was so bizarre, over anything else, was because of the polarizing play on a goal-to-go situation in the third quarter, where Richardson subbed himself out of the game. On the previous play, second down, Richardson went down and appeared to get injured.
Later, though, it was confirmed by the Colts sideline that Richardson subbed himself out because he was "out of breath."
Immediately, social media took over and was absolutely buzzing with hot takes, opinions and questions. Why on earth would a quarterback need to exit the game because he was out of breath? It's something most of us had never seen before, including former Colts punter Pat McAfee.
I had never seen an NFL QB tap out while still being healthy until watching Anthony Richardson.. The QB is your franchise. The message it sends is loud and influential.
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 27, 2024
As for the rest of fans and media? There were plenty of reactions to be had, and most of them had to do with just how poorly he played ... not the weird-timed, temporary exit.
Social media went wild over Anthony Richardson's bizarre, poor performance
Anthony Richardson is the worst starting QB in the league. Just horrendous accuracy, decision making, and awareness
— Dylan Lorenzen (@dlo2411) October 27, 2024
This seems a bit harsh on the surface, but many fans currently feel this way.
The Anthony Richardson experience: Drifted like 15 yards behind LOS, then threw 295-lb Folorunso Fatukasi off his body like he was a backpack after school, then ran all the way back to the LOS before getting hurt
— Conor Orr (@ConorOrr) October 27, 2024
On every play there is something both maddening and awe inspiring.
At this point, some fans might be wishing for more of a Jameis Winston, Jay Cutler type ... and that's saying something.
Alright…. Anthony Richardson has possibly the worst clock management i’ve seen
— Melek Robinson (@MRobinsonJRSM) October 27, 2024
Just another critique.
We are going to waste years trying to develop Anthony Richardson… @Colts
— Zachary (@zacharyy_foster) October 27, 2024
This one is also harsh, but ... it's a fair assessment for a guy who hardly started football games before getting drafted into the NFL.
Jayden Daniels is who the Colts wish Anthony Richardson was.
— Justin Bauerle (@justinbauerle) October 27, 2024
That is ... pretty accurate.
I’m out on Anthony Richardson.
— Jack (@IndySportsTalk) October 27, 2024
Exhibit A: many fans feel this way.
Anthony Richardson is a bad QB right now. That can change, obviously, and he’s obviously still very young but it’s been very rough this year.
— Cody Felger (@CPFelger55) October 27, 2024
And, here we see a kind, level-headed approach with a smidge of optimism.
I still don’t see what everyone else does in Anthony Richardson. Cannot be counted on to make the simple plays, how can you count on him at the end of the game?
— The Real Avery Lynch (@YoungBull_Lynch) October 27, 2024
Indy needs to be serious this offseason.
Some of us are already looking ahead to the offseason.