Not lengthy after Colts head coach Shane Steichen left the door open to a quarterback change, the crew is certainly taking that route. Joe Flacco will get the nod over Anthony Richardson in Week 9, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler.
Flacco has already made 4 appearances and a pair of begins this season, however it will mark the primary time during which he sees motion whereas Richardson is wholesome. The latter has struggled with accuracy points in the course of the 2024 season, one during which expectations had been excessive for a notable step ahead. Richardson additionally drew criticism for his choice to drag himself from the sport in Week 8, one thing which was addressed by the crew Monday.
When chatting with the media on Monday, Steichen mentioned Richardson briefly remained atop the QB depth chart whereas including an analysis could be wanted earlier than naming a starter for the following contest. That course of has now taken place, with Flacco getting the nod. The 39-year-old will take over on offense because the 4-4 Colts look to stay within the thick of the AFC playoff race.
Flacco’s NFL future was very a lot doubtful till the halfway level of final season, when he took a depth position with the Browns. In brief order, he discovered himself in place as Cleveland’s starter and helped information the crew to the postseason. The previous Tremendous Bowl MVP most popular to stay in place, however the crew seemed elsewhere for depth choices below middle. With Gardner Minshew pricing himself out of Indy, the Colts grew to become the one crew to make Flacco a suggestion.
Whereas Richardson has struggled to seek out constant accuracy in 2024, Flacco has managed a completion share of 65.7% whereas throwing seven touchdowns (in opposition to only one interception). Avoiding turnovers – one thing which was a difficulty with Cleveland final yr – will probably be key shifting ahead because the Colts’ offense appears for stability. In fact, Flacco doesn’t provide Richardson’s speeding upside, however the return of operating again Jonathan Taylor ought to assist compensate for that.
Chosen fourth total final yr, Richardson was understood to be a long-term developmental challenge after a school profession which didn’t embrace many begins. Accidents restricted the Florida product to only six video games throughout his rookie marketing campaign, and an indirect ailment price him time this yr. In all, Richardson has simply 10 common season begins to his identify. After committing to a trial-by-fire strategy with the 22-year-old, Steichen hinted the Colts could change their philosophy shifting ahead. That has actually confirmed to be the case, and he’ll now be sidelined as Flacco (a pending free agent) takes over.
