The Indianapolis Colts are switching out quarterbacks. After back-to-back losses with veteran Joe Flacco under center, head coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday that Anthony Richardson will return as the team’s starter this Sunday against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. With the Colts still clinging to playoff hopes, the progress described by Steichen as “big-time strides”-could be instrumental in revitalizing their season.
“Big-Time Strides”: Why the Colts Are Turning Back to Richardson
Steichen didn’t just announce the quarterback change; he articulated the reasoning behind it.
“The classrooms, the walkthroughs, the practice, the weight room, all those little things just got to be at a higher standard,” Steichen explained to Sports Illustrated. “That’s what was talked about, and that’s where we went with it. Over the last two weeks, he’s made strides in those areas. Big-time strides. Becoming a pro’s pro.”.
This comes after Richardson was questioned for taking himself out of the team’s Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans because he was fatigued. While some began to question whether he was ready and bought in, Steichen’s comments suggest a reinvigorated belief in Richardson’s ability to take the reins. The young quarterback’s return is a defining moment for his career as much as it is for the Colts’ season.
Flacco Out, Richardson In: A Necessary Change
This decision to sit Flacco down comes in light of his really pitiful display against the Buffalo Bills, where he had four turnovers, including a pick-six, in a 30-20 defeat. Performance-wise, it really didn’t settle the Colts’ offense, even though he was a veteran in that short stint as QB1.
Richardson’s season stats indicate he is still a work in progress. In 133 pass attempts this season, he has a 44.4% completion rate, throwing for 958 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. He’s added 242 yards on the ground, with one touchdown, in six games. The numbers are not glowing, but the fresh approach and dual-threat ability of Richardson could be just what the Colts offense needs.
Steichen recognized growth from Richardson to this point, along with the work that’s still to be done.
“Is he a finished product? No. He’s not,” Steichen said. “It’s my job to help him get there along with the rest of the coaching staff. We’ve never lost faith or belief in him or his abilities. He’s shown strides. He really has. That being said, he will be our starter.”
Also Read: Diontae Johnson Returns to Pittsburgh: Can the Ravens’ Star Show Up Against His Former Team
The Stakes for Sunday’s Showdown
Still at 4-6, the Colts are not out of the playoff push as of yet, but a win against the 3-7 Jets is paramount. With Richardson back under center, this game offers him an avenue to show his growth and leadership in such a high-pressure situation.
The Jets, however, haven’t exactly shown much consistency this season. That said, their defense can still be quite intimidating, ranking in the top 10 in both interceptions and sacks this year. For Richardson, this is more a litmus test on how far he’s come since Week 8-and how far he still has to go.
Considering the storyline just got a lot juicier, with the Colts coming in as 3.5-point underdogs in Sunday’s contest, according to DraftKings Sportsbook, will the return of Richardson spark a resurgence in the Colts, or will the Jets’ defense prove too much to handle?
All Eyes on Richardson
With Anthony Richardson being reinstated, this is a clean slate and somewhat renews the investment in the growth of this young quarterback. Derided by Steichen as “becoming a pro’s pro,” Richardson now has a chance to prove he is ready to take over and fight with his teammates for a playoff spot. The Sunday matchup against the Jets will be much more than any other game for Richardson and the Colts.
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