The Indianapolis Colts lost to the Houston Texans by just three points in Week 8, in a game that was - to many analysts and fans - surprisingly competitive. Despite how close the final score was, though, they might as well have lost by a mile. The Colts fell behind by another game for the battle to win the AFC South, and the ever-present issues swirling around quarterback Anthony Richardson are now more pressing than they have been at any other point so far this season.
To make matters worse, the Colts' difficulties are only going to grow; their slate of upcoming opponents include the Minnesota Vikings and the Buffalo Bills, two teams sure to make the playoffs, and, very possibly, the Super Bowl.
The Colts could end up pulling off a series of stunning upsets over the next few weeks, but it's a big ask for this struggling team. The power rankings for Week 9 are in, and they don't spell good things for this embattled Indianapolis team.
Stephen Holder, ESPN: #21 (-1)
Indianapolis had as quiet an offseason as any team in the NFL, so newcomers were scarce. But first-round draft choice Latu is showing flashes of being a staple for the Colts. He's third among rookies with 11 pressures and is second among first-year players with 17 pass rush wins. According to ESPN tracking, Latu's pressure has created three sacks even though he has faced double-teams on 20.3% of his pass rush snaps.
Eric Edholm, NFL.com: #19 (-1)
Anthony Richardson’s 10th NFL start onSundaywas much like his previous nine, with highly encouraging moments cloaked aroundlarge swaths of inconsistency. At the half, Richardson was 2-for-15 passing (not a misprint) for 81 yards, a touchdown and a pick. He found some second-half rhythm and had two big scrambles for first downs, but Richardson also had totap outfor a third-and-goal play (from the Houston 23-yard line) after he ran around and wore himself out the previous three plays. It wasn’t Richardson’s fault that his receivers couldn’t haul in all of his passes or that the pass protection failed him more than once (five sacks). But the Colts remain well behind Houston in the AFC South, in part, because they can’t get more consistent play out of theQB position. Each of Richardson’s six starts this season have been one-score games, but the Colts have now let three of those get away.
Josh Kendall, The Athletic: #21 (-1)
Something Scary: Anthony Richardson’s completion percentage
Indianapolis’ second-year quarterback has completed 44.4 percent of his passes this year. That ranks 813th out of 814 qualifying quarterbacks, according to TruMedia. Richardson was 10 of 32 for 175 yards Sunday. At halftime, he was 2 of 15 for 81 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Colts backup quarterback Joe Flacco is 71 of 108 for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception while filling in for Richardson this season, which he had to do for one play Sunday after Richardson removed himself from the game because he was tired.
Mike Florio, NBC Sports: #19 (+/- 0)
The ultimate cardiac quarterback apparently needs to do more cardio.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: #21 (-3)
The inconsistency at quarterback shows up weekly. Joe Flacco might be a better option if they really want to push for a playoff spot.
Conor Orr, SI: #16 (-1)
I’m keeping the Colts relatively high because I’m anticipating a switch at the quarterback position this week. That’s not a report, that’s just common sense. I respect Anthony Richardson for taking himself out for the betterment of the team and as a reporter, I have to love his candor in admitting that he was simply tired, which is why he called for the hook. That said, I am not someone who requires oxygen and an ice bath to block for this guy all game without the luxury of doing the same. Steichen has to move now—and I don’t think winning the division is out of the conversation.
Frank Schwab, Yahoo! Sports: #23 (-4)
The Colts are finally entertaining the idea of going to Joe Flacco. Anthony Richardson needs experience, but the Colts are struggling right now with him and his 44.4% completion percentage. Do the Colts play for the present or the future?
Bleacher Report: #21 (-4)
The Colts may have an Anthony Richardson problem.
That Richardson has struggled throwing the ball this year is hardly a secret, and those struggles were once again glaring in Week 8. Richardson attempted 32 passes Sunday...and completed 10. His two completions in 15 attempts in the first half was the lowest completion percentage (minimum 15 attempts) by a quarterback in 30 years, according to CBS.
And yet, despite another miserable day throwing the ball, Richardson told reporters after the loss that his accuracy is a non-issue.
"I feel like I'm a great passer," Richardson said. "I've been playing quarterback pretty much my whole life. I'm just a different quarterback from everybody else, so people are going to try to point out that I'm not as efficient as everybody else."
Richardson also pulled himself out of the game in the third quarter, claiming that he was fatigued after scrambling.
"Tired, ain't gonna lie," Richardson said. "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. So, I just told [head coach Shane Steichen] I needed a break right there."
Add it all together, and the Colts are quickly falling out of the AFC South race. And fans in Indy are growing impatient with last year's fourth overall pick.
Analyst's Take
"Anthony Richardson's 44.4 completion percentage is a blight upon those who appreciate good football. At the same time, it's not nearly as bad as it appears. Multiple drops and excellent plays by defensive backs led to a staggeringly low 33.1 completion percentage against the Houston Texans. Yet Richardson delivered multiple passes that were catchable and even made a few big-time throws. This all-or-nothing approach hinders the Colts offense, but the alternative is placing Joe Flacco in the lineup and hoping to achieve mediocrity." -- Brent Sobleski
Nate Davis, USA Today: #21 (+/- 0)
Meet the first team in league history to have each of its first eight games decided by no more than six points. Indy can be exhausting to watch … just don't tap out for a play.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: #21 (-1)
The Colts are getting sloppy play from Anthony Richardson, and it's costing them in close games. Shane Steichen needs more time to give AR a full second-year evaluation, but like the Browns, Indianapolis might need to go to Joe Flacco to save its fading playoff hopes.