Just two weeks after being relegated to the bench, Anthony Richardson makes his return! It was Colts head coach Shane Steichen who announced that his young quarterback would be the starter for the rest of the season. A decision and timing which were surprising as Steichen announced on Monday that Flacco would remain the starter.
“I spoke to Jim (Irsay). I spoke to Chris (Ballard). But, ultimately, it's my decision. »
The interim provided by Joe Flacco will therefore not have been satisfactory. Defeated by the Minnesota Vikings then by the Buffalo Bills, the veteran threw only 2 touchdowns for 4 interceptions in the last two games. Much less convincing than his appearances at the start of the season, he notably weighed down his team with three interceptions against the Bills this Sunday. With two quarterbacks experiencing various difficulties, the Colts are therefore choosing youth.
Anthony Richardson, the real long-term solution?
Although he is already in the middle of his second season in the NFL, Anthony Richardson has only started 10 games in the big league. Quickly injured last year, he found himself on the bench after only six games this season. Author of questionable performances, notably with a completion rate of 44.4%, he had raised many doubts about his ability to reach the level of the NFL. Doubts with which the Colts will have to deal. Shane Steichen seems confident in any case, noting that the 22-year-old pitcher had made real progress over the past two weeks.
“You have to pay attention to the process every day. He's a great person, a phenomenal human being. Like I said, I will never lose faith or trust in him. We're going through a process right now, and this is where we are. »
First test for Anthony Richardson 2.0? The New York Jets and their terrible anti-aircraft defense.