Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts lost 23-20 to the Houston Texans in Week 8. The second-year quarterback had a tough outing, completing only 10 of his 32 throws, throwing an interception, and leaving the game for a while after he got “tired.”
Colts head coach Shane Steichen addressed the media about the quarterback situation, and he mentioned that the team is currently evaluating Richardson’s standing. This means there is a possibility that the fourth overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft might get benched next week in favor of Joe Flacco.
Fans did not like Steichen’s approach to Richardson’s struggles and called him out on social media.
Fans Are Upset With Shane Steichen’s Approach With Anthony Richardson
Steichen’s uncertainty about Richardson’s chances of continuing as the Colts’ starting quarterback sparked a lot of reactions from fans. Some even mentioned that the head coach is not doing his job properly.
This can’t be good
— james turner (@hoosierdocious)
“We need to re-evaluate Steichen as head coach as well,” said one fan.
“If you bench him, you are admitting you screwed up your evaluation and should be fired (along with [general manager Chris Ballard]); tired of this incompetence,” added another fan.
I’ve been a Shane defender but this is bad. You can’t feed your guy to the wolves with all the national media attention. It’s been 8 full games for the kid, who was always going to need some time. Even if you are evaluating, tell the world you have the utmost confidence in him.
— Mitch Jacobs (@Mitch_Jacobs)
“If you bench him, you are [waving] the white flag with him,” wrote a fan.
“Maybe Shane Steichen isn’t the coach that we thought he was. What is this?” added another fan.
He's young and will grow. At some point in time there should be questions to the coach on why he's not running the ball more. He continues to put the young man in long yardage situations. Time of possession is lobsided. Running game and defense solid.
— Douglas Chadwell (@DouglasChadwel4)
After a successful stint as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator, Steichen became the Colts head coach in 2023. Owing to his success with Jalen Hurts, the Colts gave the 39-year-old the responsibility of developing Richardson.
The Florida product played only four games in his rookie season but looked quite promising. Steichen led the Colts to a 9-8 season last year with Gardner Minshew II, but things have not been smooth this year.
The Colts are 4-4, and Richardson is playing way worse than he did in his rookie season. Benching him is not the solution, as his confidence could take a permanent hit, and that would be bad for a player the Colts drafted with the fourth overall pick.
A Look at Richardson’s Struggles This Season
Richardson has missed two games this season due to an oblique injury. In six games, he has thrown for 958 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions with a passer rating of 57.2.
He is completing only 44.4% of his throws and is ranked last in the league in that category among the starting quarterbacks. At one point during the game against the Texans, Richardson was 2-for-15 for 85 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
He has the all-world ability to make explosive plays, but his inconsistency and poor decision-making are quite concerning. In his three appearances this season, Flacco has thrown for 716 yards, seven touchdowns, and just one interception while completing 65.7% of his throws. The offense has looked better with Flacco as the quarterback, which is why Steichen is evaluating the position.
The Colts fans will hope that the 22-year-old quarterback gets back on track. They have high hopes for him, and once it starts clicking, Richardson has the physical tools to become one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Hopefully, now that Jonathan Taylor is back healthy, things will get easier for the entire offense.