The Indianapolis Colts surprised the football world when they decided to remove 2023 No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson from the starting lineup in favor of the aging Joe Flacco. After just a handful of starts, Richardson was kicked to the bench despite the Colts knowing he was a raw player when they drafted him.
Shane Steichen could have been validated if Flacco started putting up crazy numbers on the stat sheet, but the Colts lost their last two games against the Vikings and Bills. Flacco threw two touchdowns and four interceptions, which failed to spark the team's passing game.
Steichen was originally adamant that Flacco would remain the team's starting quarterback. Not even a full week later, the Colts decided letting Richardson get reps was more important than trying to claw out wins with Flacco under center.
The Colts have announced that Richardson will once again be inserted as the starting quarterback against the New York Jets. With Indy now 4-6 on the season and the playoffs looking less likely than it did just a few weeks ago, Steichen and the Colts are trying to see if Richardson can be the franchise passer he was drafted to be.
Per Coach Steichen, Anthony Richardson will start at QB in Week 11. pic.twitter.com/iwLCNxQ0M5
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 13, 2024
Colts name Anthony Richardson starting QB vs. Jets after benching
Indianapolis has seen the full spectrum of what Richardson is capable of, both good and bad. His arm is one of the strongest in the league, which has led to him uncorking some preposterous throws deep down the field. However, his arm has also gotten him into trouble.
Richardson's struggles have been related to accuracy, as he has completed just 44% of his passes while tossing just four touchdown passes against seven interceptions. Indy's loss to Houston seemed to be as bad as it could be, as Richardson was 10-32 and infamously took himself out of the game.
While the immediate results looked grim, the Colts gain nothing for 2025 and beyond by letting Flacco take the reins. Richardson is an elite athlete for the position with a bazooka for a right arm. Those traits are worth developing, even if it comes at the cost of some immediate efficiency in the passing game.
The Colts' future is tied to Richardson, and they gain nothing from letting him wither away on the bench. After Flacco stunk it up, the fact that Richardson is the best quarterback option for this team has been crystallized.