Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson Benched and Richardson’s Reaction

Anthony Richardson, Quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts is Benched/ Explanation and Reactions

Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Shane Steichen, had to make an executive decision earlier this week to bench the team’s starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson. This is coming as a surprise to some as the starting quarterback position has been filled by Richardson since he was drafted back in 2022. However, for many others, this decision should have been made at the beginning of Richardson’s career.

This decision is rumored to be a result of the Colts’ poor performance during their last game, during which Richardson subbed himself out for a play due to being “tired”. However, Coach Shane Steichen has been adamant about the fact that this occurrence was not a factor in his decision to bench the former quarterback.

Like most football coaches, Steichen simply wants the Indianapolis Colts to win, especially this upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings. He simply did not feel that with Anthony Richardson starting again, the team would win. He has replaced him with the football veteran Joe Flacco. However, since Flacco has not been able to prepare much at all for the upcoming game, at least in the quarterback position, will this decision make the chances of the Colts winning better or worse?

Many have commented about Richardson being benched. Among those who have commented is the former Rams quarterback Dan Orlovsky. Orlovsky has made it known that he is very opinionated on the subject. He has stated::

“It’s a tough decision… right now to win, it’s best to have Joe Flacco as their starting quarterback. The questions that I have are… What are you going to win? Is the goal to win nine, ten games and get into the playoffs? You’re not going to beat, with Joe Flacco, Kansas City, or Houston more than likely, or the Buffalo Bills. So what are we actually trying to go win?”

Time can only tell what is in store for the future of the Indianapolis Colts.

Anthony Richardson Speaks Out About Being Benched

Following the Indianapolis Quarterback’s benching, Anthony Richardson had a few comments to share. He has stated:

“I’m not starting this upcoming week. Of course it hurts. As a competitor, you definitely don’t wan to be told that you’re not the guy anymore for the upcoming week, but it’s all good. I’m using this moment as an opportunity to grow and just learn from my mistakes.”

Richardson is keeping his head up and being a good sport during this undoubtedly, hard time for him. However, when he was pulled into Shane Steichen’s office (Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts) to be told he was being benched, he was not given much of an explanation. Nor were the areas that Richardson needed to improve on clarified. Steichen did say, fortunately, that he was not going to give up on Richards forever.

Anthony Richards did have a little more to say after Steichen’s reassurance. He stated that:

“I’ve a lot of confidence in myself. I definitely believe that I will have the opportunity to do that again, but as of right now, we’ve got games to focus on, and I’ve got to step into my role and take advantage of it.”

Due to Richard’s absence from the starting position, his backup teammate Joe Flacco will be stepping up to fill his shoes. Flacco’s first game in his new position will be this Sunday (November 3rd, 2024) during the Indianapolis Colt’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.

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