At this point of the season, there are certain players that could use a new team to play for. Among those guys is Indianapolis Colts’ Anthony Richardson.
The Colts’ decision to bench Richardson came as a surprise, both to fans and within the organization. After just ten starts, the coaching staff viewed the benching as a necessary timeout for Richardson, aiming to provide him with an opportunity to better understand the responsibilities of being a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Reports indicate that the Indianapolis believe Richardson needs to improve his game preparation, a factor they considered more significant than his actual performance on the field. Sources close to Richardson revealed that he was taken aback by the benching, as he hadn’t realized he was falling short in preparation.
The coaching staff collectively discussed this decision, indicating it was not solely the choice of head coach Shane Steichen. Following the benching, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco took the reins in a challenging matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, but Indianapolis struggled, ultimately losing 21-13. Flacco’s performance highlighted the trade-off; while he is a more experienced passer, Richardson’s dynamic rushing ability was sorely missed.
Anthony Richardson’s Situation With the Indianapolis Colts Gets Reality Check in Bleacher Report’s NFL Analysis
With his situation not getting any better in Indianapolis, Richardson could use a change of scenery soon. This is explained more in David Kenyon’s analysis for Bleacher Report.
After a controversial decision to temporarily take himself out of a game because of fatigue, Richardson has been benched. He certainly hadn’t played well in 10 starts, and performance still matters. Indy, however, showed a total lack of patience in what everyone agreed—or so it seemed—was always a long-term deal. Richardson is just 22 years old. This is not a eulogy on his career. But if Indianapolis is willing to abandon a self-recognized project after 10 measly games, it’s clear he’s not valued as highly anymore. Good luck repairing the mutual confidence and trust in each other now.
As the Colts navigate this transition, questions linger about when and if Richardson will return to the starting role. With upcoming games on the horizon, including a significant matchup against the Buffalo Bills, the organization faces tough decisions about its future at quarterback.
The hope is that this time away from the field will allow Richardson to grow and prepare for a successful return, ultimately benefiting both him and the team in the long run.
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