The Indianapolis Colts put together their best offensive performance all season long, as Joe Flacco managed to lead them to 34 points in a slim defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In an odd twist of fate, the offense looked much more efficient when Flacco was in and No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson was out.
While they were playing a very poor Jaguars defense, Flacco did manage to throw for 359 yards and three touchdowns in a narrow road loss. Richardson has played just eight games in the pros after a very brief stint as a starter at Florida, and he has a major injury to his name.
This performance from Flacco has ignited a controversy in Indianapolis, but head coach Shane Steichen did not seem willing to indulge those who want to see Richardson sent to the bench for a while.
Steichen confirmed that Richardson will be the team's starting quarterback whenever he is healthy, sending Flacco back to the backup role. While Flacco did excel to the point where he is well beyond most garden-variety backup quarterbacks, Richardson's high-end potential is still very much worth developing for Indianapolis.
#Colts HC Shane Steichen made it clear today that Anthony Richardson will be the starting quarterback once he's fully healthy. Joe Flacco is the backup. pic.twitter.com/223RkOiQUm
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 7, 2024
Colts coach Shane Steichen makes right call starting Anthony Richardson over Joe Flacco
Even the Richardson supporters will have to admit that Flacco currently has a better understanding of an NFL offense. The Colts are by no means eliminated from competing in the postseason, and Flacco might give them a boost in the passing game the inexperienced Richardson won't be able to.
However, the Colts will learn nothing about the No. 4 overall pick by sitting him on the bench and letting Flacco take the reins. Richardson needs reps; that much was known when they drafted him. Thre will be plays where fans throw their head in their hands, but that is part of the experience.
Richardson is just 22 years old is coming off an injury, and has just 21 starts to his name in college and the pros (eight) combined. He's going to be raw and inaccurate. That doesn't mean throwing away a one-of-a-kind athlete who throws footballs like javelins should be discounted so soon.
Richardson is a roller coaster, but the future of the Colts hinges on him. Flacco can play mop-up if things get really hairy, but Indianapolis made a promise to Richardson to stick with him through the ups and downs. One game against Jacksonville by no means changes that.