The Indianapolis Colts will be making a change at quarterback. Veteran Joe Flacco will take over the starting role from second-year player Anthony Richardson.
In the Colts’ Week 8 post-game press conference, Richardson admitted feeling tired before taking himself out in the third quarter against the Houston Texans. He finished the game completing 31.25 percent of his throws (10 of 32) for 175 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
While that defeat dropped Indianapolis’ record to 4-3, they still have a chance to enter the postseason for the first time since 2020. However, they feel Flacco gives them the best opportunity to win, even if he is 17 years older than Richardson.
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
Flacco has won two of the three games he played this season. In those victories, he had a combined 38 completions for 357 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. Even in their Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, he was sensational with 33 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns.
Colts fans should look at how Flacco turned the 2023 Cleveland Browns season around as a sign of hope. After taking over from Deshaun Watson, Flacco led the Browns to four victories in five starts. While his magic ran out during their Divisional Round game against the Texans, the one-time Super Bowl champion proved he can still win in the NFL.
Flacco will start playing extensively once more as the Colts visit the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9.
-Lance Fernandez