Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen insisted Anthony Richardson will remain the starting quarterback despite the impressive play by Joe Flacco in relief of the sophomore.
On Sunday, the Colts once again fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars , who emerged 37-34 in a thriller at TIAA Bank Field. While the loss to the previously winless Jags was undoubtedly frustrating for fans, particularly a defeat to an AFC South rival, Flacco enjoyed another fine display.
Last season, the Cleveland Browns stormed to the playoffs behind Flacco after the veteran took the reins of the offense once Deshaun Watson underwent season-ending surgery. After coming in for Richardson and leading the Colts to a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4, Flacco completed 33 of 44 passes for 527 yards and three touchdowns in the loss in Jacksonville.
His high-level performances, paired with Richardson’s inconsistent form so far this season, have led to murmurs that Flacco should be handed the starting role until his form drops off. However, Steichen insisted Richardson will return to the lineup once he is medically cleared.
“He is our starting quarterback,” Steichen said, via Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan, of Richardson on Monday. “We are trying to win football games. That’s the bottom line. We are trying to win football games. Obviously, when Anthony is out there, he makes a lot of big plays for us. That’s where it’s at.”
Richardson is 39-of-77 for 654 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions across the 2024 NFL season so far. Despite the sophomore’s inconsistent showing, his talent and potential means the Colts are happy to continue putting him onto the field to ensure his development continues.
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Selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft , Richardson impressed during his brief rookie campaign before his season ended prematurely due to season-ending shoulder surgery. But he showed enough promise to thrill Colts fans who finally believe the franchise has finally replaced Andrew Luck.
However, it remains to be seen if the Colts are sacrificing a chance to win now to develop Richardson for the future. Flacco, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, is playing some of the best football of his career but was ultimately brought to Indianapolis to guide Richardson using his wealth of experience.
Flacco, a traditional pocket passer, does not possess the same skillset that Richardson wields. However, he is a Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP, and was named the 2023 AP Comeback Player of the Year having inexplicably led the Browns to the playoffs against all odds last season.
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Richardson was a limited participant in practice last week. The 2-3 Colts will hope to have him healthy and available to face the 1-3 Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in another AFC South clash on Sunday, Oct. 13.
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