The Colts' handling of Anthony Richardson's benching has raised questions about just how close this franchise really is to shedding its dysfunctional label, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
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The quarterback switch itself might be justifiable; after all, Joe Flacco brings experience that Richardson, as a developing young player, doesn't yet have. But here's the catch: the news wasn't broken to the players in the locker room — instead, they found out on social media, including team captain Michael Pittman Jr., per James Boyd of The Athletic.
That's not exactly how a well-oiled operation handles its affairs, as Florio wrote.
Sure, Tuesday is the players' off day, but that's no excuse. This is the NFL, a multibillion-dollar industry where effective communication is essential. For the Colts, a team supposedly trying to forge a new identity under head coach Shane Steichen, it's a slip-up that undermines the very stability they're aiming to build. Pittman, who's emerged as a leader on this roster, deserves better than to be blindsided by news affecting the direction of the offense.
Flacco's veteran presence might help the Colts in the short term, maybe even push them into playoff contention. But if the team wants to truly function at the level of the league's elite franchises, it's going to take more than just on-field moves. Ensuring the locker room is informed and in sync is a big step one. If they're serious about distancing themselves from the dysfunction that's plagued them, this kind of miscommunication can't happen again. Otherwise, the Colts will remain a few clicks short of the NFL's top tier.
