INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen recently explained the decision to replace starting quarterback Anthony Richardson with veteran Joe Flacco. Steichen emphasized the immediate objective of securing wins for the team.
Following the announcement that the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, Richardson, would be sidelined in favor of the 39-year-old Flacco, Steichen addressed the media, making it clear that his choice was grounded in the best interests of the team. “It’s my obligation to 53 guys in this organization to win football games,” he stated. “Right now, Joe Flacco gives us the best chance.”
Richardson, only 22 years old, has faced challenges both on the field and with his health. His completion percentage of 44.4% ranks as the lowest in the league this season. He has managed to throw for four touchdowns but has also been intercepted seven times, resulting in a total of nine turnovers — tied for the third-highest in the NFL, considering he missed two games due to a hip injury.
Injury woes have plagued Richardson throughout his short career; he has missed 15 games out of 25 and has completed only five of his ten career starts due to various injuries, including a significant shoulder surgery last October.
This latest decision by the Colts comes on the heels of a disappointing performance against the Houston Texans, where a careless throw by Richardson led to a key turnover just before halftime. The Texans capitalized on this mistake and went on to win the game, enhancing their lead in the AFC South while compelling the Colts to reconsider their starting quarterback.
Adding to the scrutiny was Richardson’s brief exit from the game, where he signaled fatigue, drawing significant scrutiny from the coaching staff and his teammates. Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly discussed the importance of maintaining the expected standards among all players, suggesting that Richardson understands he needs to meet higher benchmarks moving forward.
Both Richardson and Flacco were set to address the media later that day. However, Steichen reiterated that his decision regarding the quarterback switch was solely his own and not influenced by Richardson’s momentary withdrawal from the game. “It didn’t,” he affirmed. “He knows he can’t do that in that situation. You know that’s part of the growth and development process that we go through.”
With this change, the Colts are opting for the experienced Flacco, who was named the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year last season and was also the Super Bowl 47 MVP. Flacco has already started two games for the Colts, boasting a record of 2-1 and completing 71 out of 108 passes (or 65.7%) for 716 yards, seven touchdowns, and a single interception. His ability to make quick decisions has helped the Colts maintain more effective offensive drives, which is critical as the team is eyeing a playoff berth.
Steichen expressed confidence in Flacco’s ability to lead the team to potential postseason success, just as he did last year with the Cleveland Browns. “I just feel that’s where our team is at, I feel Joe gives us the best chance to win right now,” he explained. “I’m responsible for the offense, the defense, and the special teams and we’re trying to win games.”
Even with this change, Steichen has not lost faith in Richardson. He believes that the young quarterback can regain the starting position in the future. “I think he’s going to handle it the right way, going forward being a professional about it,” he said. “I think right now, sitting back and seeing a veteran that’s done it at a high level for a long time, he can develop that as well.”