Are the Colts deluding themselves by playing Joe Flacco over Anthony Richardson? This question looms large after Indianapolis’ disappointing loss to the Vikings on Sunday, where they recorded their worst offensive showing of the season. Coach Shane Steichen stepped up to defend veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, asserting that he played “fine” and labeling the game as “just one game.” He reiterated his commitment to Flacco as the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, which leaves rookie Anthony Richardson on the sidelines.
Steichen praised Flacco’s ability to deliver the ball effectively, stating, “If you watch him, obviously in the games he’s played early on, obviously just throwing the football, he’s doing a hell of a job with that.” However, this raises a critical question: Are the Colts truly better off with Flacco under center?
The numbers suggest otherwise. In the recent game against Minnesota, Flacco completed only 59.3% of his passes for 179 yards, along with an interception and a lost fumble. The Colts’ performance was alarming, as they set season lows in first downs (13), total yards (227), and failed to score an offensive touchdown for the first time this season.
Looking beyond the Vikings game, the Colts have a mixed record of 1-1 in Flacco’s other starts. The loss came against a struggling Jacksonville Jaguars team, where Flacco had a strong individual performance with a 75% completion rate but ultimately could not secure the win. The victory against the Tennessee Titans also raised eyebrows, as the Colts managed only 269 yards of offense, their second-lowest this year.
Flacco’s completion rate of 64.4% is notably higher than Richardson’s 44.4%, yet this statistic does not translate into offensive effectiveness. In his five games, Flacco has thrown for 895 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions, but he has also lost two fumbles, raising concerns about his overall impact.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter acknowledged Flacco’s experience, stating, “Joe has played a bunch of good ball in this league for a long time.” Yet, the context matters. Last season, Flacco thrived with the Cleveland Browns, benefiting from a strong supporting cast, which included a top-tier wide receiver in Amari Cooper and a solid defense. In contrast, the Colts’ current defense ranks poorly in several categories, including 31st in rushing defense and 26th in passing defense.
The upcoming weeks will be telling for the Colts, as they face formidable opponents like the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions. This stretch will provide clarity on where they stand as a team. Steichen expressed confidence in his players, stating, “There’s never any quit in any of these guys,” highlighting the determination within the locker room.
The pressing question remains: Who can the Colts rely on for the long haul? If offensive struggles persist, a return to Richardson could be necessary. This scenario would highlight the futility of pursuing a playoff run without fully committing to the development of their promising young quarterback.
