Will the Indianapolis Colts make a quarterback change from Daniel Jones to Anthony Richardson? That seems unlikely, even though after Indy's 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, head coach Shane Steichen suggested he would re-evaluate every position on the team.
The robot that is Steichen gave the same answers he always gives: He needs to coach better; the players need to play better; blah blah blah. His words have no real meaning, and he answers in a way that he knows that there is little meaning. Answer the question and move on. Don't dwell because he might accidentally let slip the truth.
But what people really want to know is whether Steichen would really make a change from Jones to Richardson. Those who hope he will just take heed of his reasoning for putting Richardson in the game in Week 8.
Any QB change by Shane Steichen is too late for the Indianapolis Colts
That wasn't because Jones was playing poorly, which, once again, he was, but because the Jaguars were ahead by so many touchdowns that leaving Jones in made little sense. Had Steichen inserted Richardson in hopes of getting an offensive spark, that would be one thing. That isn't what Steichen did.
One of Steichen's weaknesses has been making difficult decisions. He obviously has little control over the defense, and instead, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has full control. Steichen is just a glorified offensive coordinator, but one who is now 7-26 against teams at .500 or better.
Great coaches can overcome weaknesses in a roster and limit the exposure of those. Steichen can't. As bright an offensive mind as he is supposed to be, he also can't seem to come up with a game plan that allows the team to throw the ball deep down the field consistently with wide receiver Alec Pierce out.
Seriously. One player has seemingly had such a drastic effect on the scheme that the entire unit is vastly diminished without Pierce. A good coach wouldn't allow that to happen.
But Steichen shouldn't have kept claiming such faith in Daniel Jones when everyone else could see how much the quarterback was struggling. That makes it seem as if Steichen can't see what most other people are seeing, and that's very bad for the coach.
Through eight games, Jones has thrown five touchdown passes but nine interceptions. His quarterback rating is an atrocious 68.7. He hasn't been good since the first half of last season. For a head coach who should have felt the pressure to keep his job, Shane Steichen's unwillingness to replace Jones is why he shouldn't keep it.
Is there a chance Shane Steichen starts Anthony Richardson in Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys? Sure. Is it unlikely? Yes. Either way, a change is too late for the Indianapolis Colts.
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