The Indianapolis Colts have spent the last 24 hours getting flamed on social media, as fans seem to be livid after head coach Shane Steichen made the stunning decision to bench former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson. Veteran Joe Flacco will start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
This decision comes after Richardson completed just 10 of his 32 passes and took himself out of the game in a loss against the Houston Texans. This was a tough week for Richardson, but Steichen may have made it even worse by seemingly ripping his franchise player status away.
The Colts may have set off a PR firestorm when they did this, but they made things even worse by failing to properly notify the entire team. Steichen seems unconcerned about this move possibly dividing the locker room, which could make life tough on a team that has been through a lot in the last few weeks.
Steichen said that he "can't speak for our team" when asked if everyone is on board with Richardson benching. Quick question, Shane. Shouldn't you speak for the team? You're the head coach, after all!
#Colts HC Shane Steichen on whether the team is unified in the decision to bench Anthony Richardson:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 30, 2024
"I can't speak for our team."
Steichen repeatedly said that Joe Flacco gives them the best chance to win.pic.twitter.com/UAo08MM81j https://t.co/wtGZRZVqyU
Colts HC Shane Steichen has brutal message after Anthony Richardson benching
Steichen seems to believe he is coaching for his job. With a winning record as Colts head coach despite playing all of his games with either the inexperienced Richardson or backup Gardner Minshew as his quarterback, anyone seriously considering firing Steichen needs to reexamine things.
This decision looks even more rash by the hour. Richardson himself said he never got an explanation as to why the Colts decided to move off from him, while wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said he didn't learn of the switch to Flacco until he saw it on social media. The messaging has been a complete tire fire.
This comes not even 20 months after the Colts selected Richardson, which led to a press conference in which Steichen and GM Chris Ballard were both in lockstep by agreeing the best way to develop a player with his traits would be to let him get as many reps as possible. So much for that!
Steichen's hunch better work out, as the Colts need to make some headway in what has quickly become a very below-average AFC South. If they miss the playoffs, the decision to play Flacco will continue to look worse by the minute for Indianapolis.