Richardson has not completed more than 50 percent of his passes in any game this season as he has attempted more than five throws and has yet to reach the 220-yard passing mark. There have been flashes of the 2023 first-round pick, including some deep bombs and athleticism with his legs, but they haven’t been consistent enough.
The benching also comes after Richardson admitted coming out of the game on Sunday because he was “tired”. The honest answer has raised questions about the QB’s dedication. Even teammate Ryan Kelly suggested it was not the “standard” Richardson needed to play to. While offensive production issues are a more significant concern, opting out could have played a role in the decision.
The switch to Flacco, who went 1-1 as a starter and helped lead a win over Pittsburgh, shouldn’t come as a surprise. The offense has been more on schedule with the veteran quarterback. In a Week 5 loss at Jacksonville, Flacco’s 359 yards and three TDs was the offense’s most productive day in 2024. Last year, we saw that Stechien’s offense could move the ball if the QB stayed on schedule and made the right reads.
As he showed in 2023, the 39-year-old Flacco can run the offense, isn’t afraid to stretch the field, and provides a calming presence.
A year ago, Flacco took over in Cleveland and led the Browns to a playoff berth down the stretch, going 4-1 to start. The Colts, who sit at 4-4, a half-game out of a wild-card spot, hope to turn to the veteran for a similar reward.
When Indy drafted Richardson, they knew there would be growing pains given his minimal college starting experience. With the playoffs still within reach, the Colts are not ready to look past those struggles. Instead, they’ll turn to Flacco.
It’s a quick turnaround from an organization that has loudly supported Richardson since making him a top-five pick a year ago. The question is how long he rides the pine and what kind of future awaits him in Indy if or when he returns to the starting lineup.
