After drafting Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts had high hopes. Richardson was touted as a raw but immensely talented quarterback who, with proper development, could become a Josh Allen-like force.
However, just eight games into his second season, the Colts benched Richardson in favor of the 39-year-old veteran Joe Flacco. Colts fans are left wondering: why now, and what does this mean for Richardson and the team’s future?
Let’s break down the reasoning behind the switch, Richardson’s performance so far, and what Flacco brings to the table.
Why Did The Indianapolis Colts Bench Anthony Richardson?
Head Coach Shane Steichen didn’t sugarcoat his reasoning: “Joe gives us the best chance to win.” While Steichen previously stressed the importance of Richardson getting reps to improve, he acknowledged that “things change.” The Colts are on the cusp of a playoff push, and Steichen believes Flacco’s veteran experience can give them the stability they need to secure a postseason spot.
Richardson’s initial 2024 season has been filled with flashes of potential but overshadowed by inconsistency. With a 3-3 record in his six starts, Richardson completed only 44.4% of his passes for 958 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Although he contributed 242 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, his struggles in the passing game have held him back, and ultimately, his inconsistency was enough for Steichen to make a bold change.
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Anthony Richardson’s Struggles: Growing Pains In The Passing Game
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Richardson’s numbers tell a story of potential mixed with inexperience. Completing just 44.4% of his passes, he has had difficulty finding his rhythm in the passing game. His 958 passing yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions highlight young quarterbacks’ common ups and downs. Despite his athleticism and rushing ability—242 rushing yards on 5.9 yards per carry—Richardson’s passing inconsistency has stymied the Colts’ offense.
Richardson’s passer rating of 57.2 ranks low among NFL starters, and his tendency to turn the ball over has cost the team momentum in critical situations. His numbers, when projected over an entire 17-game season, would be concerning: just 2,174 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and a staggering 20 interceptions. While the rushing stats (686 yards and three touchdowns) show his mobility, his struggles in the passing game have become too prominent to ignore.
Why Joe Flacco? Veteran Leadership And Passing Precision
Joe Flacco may not have the same mobility as Richardson, but his experience and accuracy make him a safer option in the pocket. Steichen’s offense relies heavily on short, precise passes over the middle of the field, an area where Flacco has excelled. In 2024, he has completed 65.7% of his passes for 4,057 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just six interceptions when projected over a 17-game season. His passer rating of 102.2 is a significant upgrade over Richardson’s, and he has consistently shown an ability to deliver on the Colts’ offensive strategy.
Flacco’s comfort with short, middle-of-the-field throws has been particularly valuable. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Flacco has completed 24 of 27 passes in that area for 183 yards, two touchdowns, and a near-perfect passer rating of 119.6. Richardson, in contrast, completed only 13 of 18 passes for 119 yards and an interception in the same range, with a passer rating of just 66.7. Flacco’s efficiency in this zone explains Steichen’s confidence in him to execute the offense’s core concepts.
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Steichen’s Long-Term Vision For Anthony Richardson
Though the switch to Flacco may seem like a setback, Steichen insists that he hasn’t lost faith in Richardson. Steichen explained, “I think right now, sitting back and watching a veteran who’s performed at a high level for a long time can also help develop him.” Observing a seasoned quarterback allows Richardson to gain insight into game nuances that live action doesn’t always teach.
Steichen hinted that Richardson’s time as a starter isn’t over, though he declined to provide a timeline. “I can’t predict the future, but that would be great,” he said when asked about Richardson potentially reclaiming the starting role. Clearly, the Colts still view Richardson as their future quarterback; this move is more about maximizing their chances in 2024 than giving up on his development.
What Does This Mean For The Colts’ Playoff Hopes?
The Colts are eyeing the postseason, and Flacco’s experience and stability offer a better chance of making that dream a reality. His ability to run Steichen’s passing offense effectively provides a critical boost in a competitive AFC. Richardson’s mobility and explosiveness brought an exciting element to the Colts’ game plan, but at this stage, Flacco’s consistency is more valuable for a team on the edge of a playoff berth.
For Colts fans, the decision may be bittersweet. Richardson’s athleticism and raw potential were part of the team’s exciting rebuild, and many hoped he’d thrive sooner rather than later. However, with a coach focused on immediate results and long-term growth, prioritizing winning in 2024 with Flacco under center makes sense. And if Richardson can absorb valuable lessons from the sideline, he may emerge even more prepared to take the reins next season.
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