The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback situation in 2024 has been anything but predictable.
A series of highs and lows, coupled with a mid-season quarterback change, has left fans and analysts alike wondering what the future holds for second-year signal caller Anthony Richardson.
After a rough start to the season, Richardson was benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco. However, following Flacco’s underwhelming performance, Richardson has been reinstalled as the Colts’ starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, a decision that has sparked hope for his continued development.
Richardson’s time on the bench, while surprising to some, may have been just what he needed. Sources close to the situation believe that the benching served as a wake-up call for the young quarterback, one that he needed in order to understand the level of preparation and attention to detail required to succeed at the NFL level. Colts head coach Shane Steichen acknowledged that Richardson is still a work in progress but expressed confidence in his ability to develop into the franchise quarterback the team envisions. “Is he a finished product? No,” Steichen said this week. “But we’ve got a lot of faith that he’s going to be our franchise quarterback.”
Richardson’s return to the starting role marks a key turning point in his career and the Colts’ season. Just two weeks after Steichen had named Flacco the starter for what was expected to be the remainder of the 2024 campaign, Richardson is back under center. While Flacco’s experience and leadership were seen as a potential boost for the Colts’ playoff aspirations, his struggles—including turnovers—left the team with a 4-6 record, prompting the decision to return to Richardson. Despite his early-season inconsistencies, the Colts are still committed to Richardson’s long-term development, recognizing that his growth may not always be linear.
The Colts’ decision to bench Richardson wasn’t made lightly, but it was one that the team believes will benefit the young quarterback in the long run. Steichen made it clear that the benching was not about punishing Richardson but about giving him the space to focus on the details that will make him a better quarterback moving forward. According to Steichen, the focus during the two weeks on the bench was on “the attention to detail in everything he does,” from the classroom to the weight room. Richardson needed to take ownership of his preparation in a way that matched the intensity expected at the NFL level.
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Richardson’s age (22 years old) and inexperience are factors the Colts have always taken into account, both in their evaluation of his play and in their long-term outlook. In his lone season at the University of Florida, Richardson started just 12 games, and injuries have kept him from playing a full season in the NFL thus far. His rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury, and while the Colts were prepared for some growing pains in his second season, the team believes that the benching and subsequent conversations about preparation were key to Richardson’s maturation process.
What the Colts need from Richardson now is for his on-field performance to reflect the strides he has made off the field. Sources say that Richardson’s approach during his two-week stint as a backup quarterback has been noticeably different. He has taken the lessons from his time on the sidelines to heart, improving his understanding of the game and refining his approach to preparation. Now, the team hopes that those improvements will translate into better decision-making and execution when he returns to the field against the New York Jets this week.
While Richardson’s development may not be a smooth ride, the Colts remain committed to the process. The front office and coaching staff are fully invested in his long-term success, understanding that growing pains are part of the equation when developing a young quarterback. Richardson’s potential is still evident, and the Colts believe that if he can maintain the focus and attention to detail that has improved during his time away from the starting lineup, he will continue to show progress.
Steichen has emphasized that Richardson’s development isn’t just about what he does on game days but also about his preparation during the week. The Colts have seen an increase in Richardson’s dedication to studying film, understanding the offense, and preparing for opponents. These are all positive signs that the young quarterback is starting to fully grasp what it takes to be successful in the NFL. The hope is that his increased focus will begin to show up on Sundays, helping the Colts finish the season strong despite their playoff chances becoming increasingly slim.
While Richardson’s performance has been up and down in 2024, it’s important to note that his development isn’t just measured in wins and losses. The Colts are viewing this season as a critical learning experience for their young quarterback. If Richardson can prove that he can handle the pressure of being the franchise quarterback and show continued growth in his decision-making and mechanics, the Colts will have a solid foundation for the future, regardless of how the remainder of the season plays out.
For fantasy football managers, Richardson’s return to the starting lineup is an intriguing development. His rushing ability, combined with his potential to develop into a reliable passing threat, could make him a valuable asset in the second half of the season. If his on-field play begins to match the improvements he’s made off the field, Richardson could be a breakout candidate for those looking for upside at the quarterback position.
As the Colts continue their season, all eyes will be on Richardson to see how he responds to the coaching changes and the lessons learned during his brief time on the bench. The team has placed its faith in the young quarterback, and now it’s up to Richardson to prove that he can live up to that belief. With his future in Indianapolis on the line, this is a pivotal moment in Richardson’s career, and the rest of the season could be the stepping stone he needs to become the franchise quarterback the Colts have long hoped for.
For now, Steichen and the Colts are hopeful that Richardson’s time off the field was exactly what he needed to take his game to the next level. The coming weeks will determine whether the changes in his preparation will lead to the growth the Colts are banking on. If it does, Richardson’s development could be the key to the Colts’ future success.