Why are the Colts starting Joe Flacco over Anthony Richardson for Week 9 vs Vikings?

After the Indianapolis Colts lost to the Houston Texans on Sunday, reporters asked head coach Shane Steichen if he planned to keep 2023 first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson in at quarterback for Week 9. At the time, Steichen bluntly said that they were “evaluating everything”.

Now, the Colts have announced that they will indeed be benching Richardson and starting veteran Joe Flacco for their Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday.

Why are the Colts benching Richardson for Flacco?

During the Colts' loss to the Texans, Richardson asked to be taken out in the third quarter. At first, it looked like he may have an injury. But after the game, Richardson told reporters simply that he felt tired and needed a break. That didn‘t sit well with either the fans or the staff.

Although that’s not officially been stated as the reason for benching him, Steichen did say it would be a factor in the decision.

Richardson finished the Week 8 game with just 10 of 32 completions (31.3%) for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 23-20 loss. After ten career games, Richardson has steadily regressed with a 44.4% completion percentage this season and has a 4:7 touchdown to interception ratio.

Flacco came to Indy as Richardson’s backup and filled in for him when he was injured, posting a 7:1 touchdown to interception ratio in three games (two starts), a 65.7% completion percentage, averaging 179 passing yards a game, and leading the team to two wins.