Colts head coach Shane Steichen made a controversial decision to bench rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, choosing veteran Joe Flacco to start instead. Steichen explained that the move was driven by the need to focus on immediate success, with the team standing at 4-4 and vying for a strong season finish.
This decision comes after only six games this season for Richardson, who was selected fourth overall in the 2023 draft. Though Richardson had been viewed as the long-term answer for the Colts, Steichen ultimately believed that Flacco’s experience would offer the team the best chance to win games now, despite his original commitment to Richardson’s rapid development.
Richardson responded with mixed emotions, revealing that Steichen informed him about the decision in a personal meeting. He admitted that being sidelined was difficult to accept, as he had embraced his role as the Colts’ primary quarterback. However, Richardson emphasized his determination to grow from this experience and learn from the challenges he has encountered so far this season.
He acknowledged that this setback would fuel his development, highlighting his commitment to bettering himself as a player, despite the disappointment of being benched so early in his career.
Flacco, who will now lead the team in the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings, also weighed in on the situation. Reflecting on his long career, Flacco sympathized with Richardson, understanding how difficult such a decision would be for a young quarterback. Having played in the NFL for 17 years, he felt better equipped to handle the pressures that come with being benched or called upon unexpectedly. His past performances filling in for Richardson showed he could effectively manage the offense, making him a stable choice for Steichen at this pivotal moment in the season.
Within the Colts’ locker room, reactions were varied, but players voiced strong support for Richardson. The young quarterback had come under scrutiny for briefly exiting a recent game after feeling fatigued, but Steichen clarified that this incident was not a factor in the benching decision. Richardson himself admitted he needed to improve his awareness and resilience in such situations, understanding his role as a team leader. Players like linebacker Zaire Franklin and receiver Josh Downs backed Richardson, feeling that his choice to exit the game was being blown out of proportion by the media, and affirmed their belief in his ability to lead the team.
News of Richardson’s benching spread quickly, with many Colts players hearing about it on social media. Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. expressed surprise but remained optimistic about Richardson’s future, viewing this setback as a potential turning point. Pittman, along with Franklin, encouraged Richardson to keep pushing forward, as they still consider him the future of the Colts. This show of confidence from his teammates underscores their continued belief in Richardson’s potential and ability to eventually return to his role as the Colts’ starting quarterback.
