As the 2023 NFL Draft unfolded, the Indianapolis Colts took a leap of faith by selecting Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick. Richardson, a towering presence from the University of Florida at 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds, brought with him a unique blend of size and potential, despite a relatively short college stint of just 13 starts. This statistic ties him with Mitchell Trubisky for the fewest starts by a first-round quarterback in the 21st century, raising both eyebrows and expectations about his readiness for the pro level.
Fast forward to the 2024 NFL season, and the Colts found themselves at a crossroads. Sitting at a middling 4-4 record halfway through the season, Richardson's struggles under center became a focal point of the team's narrative. His performance drew criticism, notably with a completion rate of just 44.4%, the second-lowest for starting quarterbacks of this century. Yet, there were flashes of promise, as evidenced by his league-leading 16.2 yards per completion, suggesting an untapped explosiveness.
Despite these glimpses of brilliance, the Colts' patience wore thin following a Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans, which led to a significant change. Richardson was benched, paving the way for veteran Joe Flacco, at 39, to take the helm. The shift was indicative of the team's urgency to stabilize their season, opting for Flacco's seasoned experience over Richardson's unpolished potential.
The subsequent week proved challenging yet again, as the Colts suffered a 21-13 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings on "Sunday Night Football." Led by head coach Kevin O'Connell, a former NFL quarterback himself, the Vikings capitalized on their opportunities, underscoring the Colts' ongoing struggles. In a poignant moment of sportsmanship and mentorship, O'Connell reportedly reached out to Richardson with words of encouragement. "Hey, do me a favor and remember something: You're a bad dude. And you're going to play a long time in this league. Go to work every day. Good things will happen for you. I still believe in you. I know these guys do. Shane does, too. Man, this organization love you. Go to work," O'Connell advised. His words reflect the respect and belief that transcend team rivalries, emphasizing the broader fraternity among NFL professionals.
For the Colts, the decision to bench Richardson isn't an entirely unprecedented move. Historically, out of 66 first-round quarterbacks drafted from 2000-2022, 25 have been benched during their rookie contracts. This context offers some solace to Richardson, illustrating that early benchings in a quarterback's career don't necessarily dictate their future trajectory.
The situation presents a complex challenge for the Colts' coaching staff and front office. Balancing the long-term development of Richardson with immediate team performance requires careful consideration. Richardson’s athletic potential is undeniable, and with guidance and growth, there remains optimism about his capabilities. Whether this current setback is a detour or a defining moment for Richardson will unfold as both he and the Colts navigate these uncharted waters.
As the season progresses, the Colts' strategy will need to be both reflective and forward-thinking. With a seasoned veteran in Flacco under center, the team can stabilize its immediate position, while still cultivating Richardson’s talent for future success. The narrative of Richardson's early career remains unwritten, echoing O'Connell's belief that with perseverance, "good things will happen."