Anthony Richardson was the Indianapolis Colts’ first-round choice in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, the 22-year-old is being benched in favor of a veteran.
The 39-year-old Joe Flacco will be at the helm of the Colts going forward. However, fans did not take this decision calmly.
Anthony Richardson Will Sit as Joe Flacco Leads
In his rookie season, Richardson managed to play only four games before getting injured and missing the entire season. In his second year, after six games, the quarterback has registered 958 yards for four touchdowns while being intercepted seven times.
Richardson’s darkest moment came last week against the Houston Texans when he tapped out. The QB was thoroughly called out for this act. But nobody expected that he would be benched.
ESPN’s NFL insider confirmed the news on X (previously Twitter). “Colts HC Shane Steichen clarified that Joe Flacco is Indianapolis’ starting QB ‘going forward.’ This is not an experiment,” he tweeted.
Colts HC Shane Steichen clarified that Joe Flacco is Indianapolis’ starting QB “going forward”. This is not an experiment. pic.twitter.com/WvyuQEgpER
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
All hell broke loose for Colts fans after this tweet. “What the f**k are yall doing, Richardson has played 10 games in the NFL and you’re already jumping ship?” replied one fan.
“This is gonna backfire when we miss the playoffs and become the laughing stock of the NFL again. Bookmark it. You don’t leave $20 mil sitting in cap space if you want to win now. Shattered org,” another fan added.
This is gonna backfire when we miss the playoffs and become the laughing stock of the NFL again. Bookmark it. You don’t leave $20 mil sitting in cap space if you want to win now. Shattered org https://t.co/9HUPeAbPRz
— mr. mcjames (@mcjames242)
“NFL don’t have the patience to develop QBs anymore. Coaches are so terrified of getting fired after a year and a half that they can’t afford to be patient. Complete organizational failure,” another fan replied.
“Clown organization. Used to be the standard other teams wanted to rise to,” one fan tweeted.
Clown organization. Used to be the standard other teams wanted to rise to. https://t.co/3OEkCItTJK
— Tony Adragna (@CoachAdragna)
“This is seriously so dumb… Why not just roll with Richardson the rest of the year so you have a better idea on if he is or isn’t your guy?” one fan added.
“Never mind don’t agree with the decision,” one fan responded.
Never mind don’t agree with the decision https://t.co/aIbb9cJSiA
— Topher Davis (@TopherDavis3)
Anthony Richardson Reveals the Reason for Tapping Out Against the Texans
The Week 8 clash ended with the Colts losing 23-20. However, after the game, everybody wanted to know the reasons behind Richardson opting to miss a snap. Richardson spoke to the media and highlighted his reasons.
“I was tired,” Richardson said. “I ain’t gonna lie. That was a lot of running right there. I didn’t think I was going to be able to go that next play, so I just told Shane I just needed a break right there.”
Colts head coach Shane Steichen agreed with his QB in front of the media. However, not even a week has passed and now Steichen has benched the man he drafted last year.
