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    • Anthony Richardson benched: Colts HC explains decision
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    Anthony Richardson benched: Colts HC explains decision

    Umito Posted on

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    THE Colts having put Anthony Richardson on ice, with no signs of thawing any time soon.

    Head coach Shane Steichen officially named at 39 Joe Flacco the starting quarterback told reporters Wednesday, “Joe gives us the best chance to win.”

    The move officially relegates Richardson to backup and could eliminate any quarterback controversy for an Indianapolis team trying to make the playoffs.

    Steichen noted that it was his decision to make this decision, not team owner Jim Irsay.

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    This decision marks a significant change in philosophy compared to Colts coach. After drafting Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Steichen said on-field experience is necessary for a player’s development.

    “I think with player development comes more experience,” Steichen said at the time. “When you play more, that’s when you develop.”

    Moving Richardson to the bench ensures there won’t be any match reps available for the 22-year-old – barring Flacco injury – but his coach doesn’t seem to think that will be any more of an issue.

    “I know I said that and things are changing there,” Steichen said. “So I think right now, sitting back and seeing a veteran who has been doing it at a high level for a long time, you can grow that way as well.”

    While there is no standard way to develop a player, it remains to be seen what Richardson would need to do to regain the starting job. More importantly, no one knows if he will return to Indianapolis.

    “I can’t predict that, but I don’t lose confidence in that,” Steichen said when asked if Richardson could do it again. “I promise.”

    Steichen, however, would not commit to saying whether the team plans to reinsert the young signal-caller into the starting job at some point.

    “I can’t predict the future, but I mean, it would be awesome. We’ll see.

    It’s been a tough sophomore season for Richardson. After missing most of the 2023 season due to injury, Richardson has been plagued in 2024 by poor play, another injury and now poor optics. In Week 8, the 22-year-old retired from the game because he was tired. Although it probably didn’t make a difference in what became a loss to the Houston Texanseveryone was quick to pounce on Richardson in the aftermath.

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    As outrage dominated headlines Monday, head coach Shane Steichen fanned the flames by not committing to making Richardson the starter, saying “we evaluate everything,” before officially putting the passer on the bench Tuesday.

    Considering just how well Richardson has played, the benching isn’t that surprising. He has started six games in 2024 and is 3-3. He completed 59 of 133 pass attempts (44.4% completion rate, lowest in the NFL) with 958 passing yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions.

    Richardson also has 41 rushing attempts for 242 yards and one rushing touchdown this year.

    Umito
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