The Indianapolis Colts' No. 4 overall pick in last year's draft, Anthony Richardson, has gotten off to a slow start this year, and now the head coach Shane Steichen has made the decision to make a quarterback change. That is, the Colts (4-4) have announced 39-year-old Joe Flacco as their new starting quarterback (per ESPN).
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A QB change for the Colts: Indianapolis is benching former first-round pick Anthony Richardson and turning to veteran Joe Flacco, sources tell @FowlerESPN and me. Coaches met this morning and made the seismic organizational decision to change QBs. pic.twitter.com/uqANJwOwr4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2024
Richardson, who only appeared in four games last year due to injury, has played in six games this season, and has completed just 44.4% of his passes, while throwing for 958 yards to go with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. In addition, he has rushed for 242 yards and scored one rushing touchdown, however he also has fumbled six times (most in NFL).
On the other hand, 2023 NFL comeback player of the year, Joe Flacco, has played in three games this season and has completed 65.7% of his passes for 716 yards, to go with seven touchdowns and one interception (0 fumbles).
With this in mind, it seems like an easy no-brainer decision for the Colts. Furthermore, this is coming off of last week's controversy with Richardson, where he came out of the game early. When reporters asked why he did so, he replied, "I'm tired."
Anthony Richardson left the game because he was “tired”.
This is a 4th overall pick, franchise QB leaving a game because he is tired.
I can’t believe this is who you would want to believe in to win you games. pic.twitter.com/pZvwa68OkV
— J Peep (@TheJPeep) October 27, 2024
As many remember, Flacco just led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs in 2023, and the Colts are hoping the veteran QB can do the same this year.
For Week 9, the new look Colts will travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings on Sunday Night Football, November 3 at 8:20 pm ET.
Related: Colts Coach Shane Steichen Now Non-Committal On Anthony Richardson As Starting QB
