The Indianapolis Colts were hoping second year quarterback Anthony Richardson would show why they took him with the fourth overall pick in last year’s draft. Richardson an exciting product out of the University of Florida. During last year’s draft process Anthony Richardson was continually compared to the likes of Cam Newton or just a larger potentially more durable Lamar Jackson. None of these comparisons have come close to true for the young passer. Richardson has severely struggled to throw the ball with consistent accuracy. In fact, this season Richardson now has a 44.4% completion percentage on the year. He has four touchdown passes to go with seven interceptions this season, and although billed as a duel threat quarterback. Richardson only has 242 rushing yards and a single rushing touchdown so far this season.
Indianapolis Colts Should Start Joe Flacco over Anthony Richardson
The Indianapolis Colts looked like a completely different team with veteran signal caller Joe Flacco at the helm. Flacco gives the Colts a consistent in the pocket performance. Besides rushing yards, Flacco has better numbers in every single statistical category than Anthony Richardson. The Colts are currently (4-4), they are well within the playoff hunt. If the Colts want to make the playoffs’, starting Joe Flacco is the move Head Coach Shane Steichen is going to have to make.
Yes, Anthony Richardson is an exciting prospect. He oozes potential, between his freakish size and elite arm strength, all topped with his athletic and speedy burst. The only issue is, Richardson can’t seem to pull it all together. So far unable to be even close to consistent as a passer in the NFL. The most passing yards in a game this season for Richardson is only 212 yards. That would be only the second game of the season he even broke the 200-yard mark.
If the Indianapolis Colts are serious about making a playoff run, they need to take a serious look at their quarterback situation. Joe Flacco is older but has the experience in big games. Flacco still has the skillset that once won him a Super Bowl trophy in Baltimore. Richardson hasn’t done enough to be named the starter of this franchise. Whether the Colts’ staff and General Manager want to admit it or not, Richardson is holding the Colts offense back.
What Should Colts do With Anthony Richardson Moving Forward?
Unfortunately, the Indianapolis Colts haven’t had much consistency when it comes to their starting quarterback position ever since allowing Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning walk out the door. The Colts thought they found their next franchise QB in Andrew Luck, which at the time made perfect sense and looked good. The Andrew Luck era would be filled with injury though which would also lead to his early retirement.
That’s when the Colts found themselves picking fourth overall in the NFL Draft last year. Anthony Richardson was a very exciting, but raw prospect. Not having much playing time in college, Richardson didn’t come with that experience needed to start right away in the NFL. It was looked at as almost a positive thing last season when Richardson would suffer a season ending elbow injury. HC Shane Steichen would say how it was a good thing for Richardson to sit back and learn from then starter Gardner Minshew.
The extra year of learning doesn’t seem to have helped Richardson though. Indy fans have been hoping for a breakout performance coming anytime. The game where everything just clicks together, and Anthony Richardson becomes this athletic nightmare to defend. It just hasn’t happened, and at times this year you could argue Richardson looks like one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL right now. How long should the Colts be patient with Richardson before looking to find a better option to take this talented roster to the playoffs and contend for a championship?
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