Did the Colts make the right call to bench Anthony Richardson?
Did the Colts make the right call to bench Anthony Richardson?
By Levi Coovert November 04, 2024 18:36
After the Colts uninspiring 21-13 loss on Sunday Night Football, fans are asking the question, did the team make the right decision to bench young QB Anthony Richardson in favor of Joe Flacco?
Sunday Night Struggles
Joe Flacco struggled against a tough Minnesota defense on the road on Sunday Night, and Colts fans were quick to pounce on head coach Shane Steichen for making the move to Flacco.
Flacco threw no touchdowns and one interception, and the Colts struggled to move the ball and score points. They trailed 21-10 late in the game, and only managed a field goal with 30 seconds left due to a pass interference penalty.
Kicking problems
The Colts did miss a field goal earlier in the game that Flacco set them up for. Perhaps had they made the kick, things would have gone differently. Instead of kicking a field goal and attempting an onside kick, the Colts would have had the ball down by eight with a chance to tie the game.
QB Controversy
Despite his poor showing, Flacco still has a much better TD/turnover ration than Richardson. In four games, Flacco has seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Meanwhile, Richardson has five touchdowns and nine turnovers in six games.
Does that mean Flacco is definitively better than Richardson? Not necessarily, but it's impossible to deny he has better stats.
Long term plans
Many Colts fans are worried that the team is jeopardizing it's long-term plans by benching their 22-year old signal-caller. Richardson is believed to be the future of the franchise, while Flacco is 39.
Fans might not care that Flacco is better; they want to see the kid play and develop. These fans might not care about making the playoffs in 2024 if it leads to long term success down the road.
Next week
Next week, the Colts have another difficult game against the Buffalo Bills. If Flacco can lead them to victory, he will have secured his status as starter. But another loss could lead the Colts to turn back to Richardson. After all, he is the future.