This weekend’s matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets features two quarterbacks with a big age difference.
When 22-year-old Anthony Richardson steps onto the field for the Colts on Sunday, he’ll face 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers of the Jets, making it a game between the NFL’s second-youngest starting QB and the oldest.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen decided to bring Richardson back this week after a two-game benching. Without Richardson’s return, the game at MetLife Stadium would have seen two of the league’s oldest quarterbacks—Rodgers, who turns 41 next month, and 39-year-old Joe Flacco.
Richardson, the fourth overall pick last year, said he wants to prove he can be the franchise quarterback for the Colts. “I have to make sure I’m doing the right thing and keep showcasing to Shane that I can be the guy and that I am the guy for this team,” he said.
“It’s not really up to him. I felt like the past couple of weeks was up to me as well. I just have to showcase the work and just keep showing them that I’m willing to be the quarterback for this franchise.”
Richardson has faced challenges in his second season, completing only 44% of his passes, throwing seven interceptions, and just four touchdown passes in six games. He started the first four games, missed two due to a hip injury, and then played two more before being benched.
“Sometimes it gets overlooked how young he is,” Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner said. “The grace you have to give some of these young quarterbacks coming into the league.”
Flacco was expected to provide a spark for the Colts, but the team has struggled. Entering the game with a 4-6 record, they’ve lost three straight and are falling behind in the AFC playoff race.
The Jets, with a 3-7 record, have had an even worse stretch, losing six of their last seven games. They’ve also gone 1-4 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, who took over for Robert Saleh on Oct. 8.
Rodgers, the 40-year-old QB, is hoping a win this weekend will provide momentum going into the bye week.
“This is a chance for us to go into the bye week feeling good about ourselves, getting everybody back healthy, and then looking realistically at the last six games,” Rodgers said. “There’s a lot of things to be hopeful for, but we’ve got to win this weekend.”
A lot of the Jets’ success will depend on how Rodgers performs. He threw three second-half touchdown passes in a win against Houston, but struggled in a 31-6 loss to Arizona, going 22 of 35 for 151 yards.
“The verdict’s still not out on this season yet, but I think it’s always a challenge when they’re singing your praises or tearing it down outside the building,” Rodgers said. “It’s an important challenge.”
