After huge backlashes over the week on Anthony Richardson’s breather mid-game. It looks like the Colts’ head coach, Shane Steichen, has had enough of his QB. On the back of a Colts coaching staff meeting on Tuesday, they have decided to make an urgent change in their QB position.

As per ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler, the Colts have decided to bench Richardson for their upcoming clash against the Vikings. Instead, they would start with veteran QB Joe Flacco. Well, this change doesn’t really surprise us, considering the reason for which Richardson left the game.

In his place, Joe Flacco came on and handed a 5-yard pass to Jonathan Taylor. This allowed the Colts to set up for a field goal that Matt Gay converted to keep in the game. Although the Colts QB did come back on the next drive, he couldn’t help his team get the better of the Houston Texans. While they clinched their 6th win, the Colts fell to their 4th loss after just 8 games into the season.

Even after taking a short break, Richardson wasn’t great either, as he only managed to complete 10 of the 32 passes he made on Sunday. He racked up 175 yards, 1 TD, and just 1 interception in the process. But his struggles are quite evident this season. After starting six games for the Colts, he has only managed to complete 44.4% of his passes. Well, his four TDs and seven interceptions aren’t helping his case either.

Elsewhere, the 39-year-old Flacco continues to impress whenever he gets an opportunity to represent the Colts this season. Over the four games he played with two starts, Flacco has completed 65.7% of his passes. And his seven TDs with just one interception completely contrasts with Richardson’s numbers this season.

This would be Flacco’s first full-time starting opportunity since he vacated his position to reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson in 2018 for the Ravens. Meanwhile, he gears up for his first official start without playing the role of a back-up. We can’t help but wonder whether the decision that came out of Indianapolis is in any way related to Pat McAfee’s bashing on Sunday.

Pat McAfee rips apart Anthony Richardson after tapping out on Sunday

Richardson going out for a quick breather in the third quarter didn’t bode well for former Colts punter Pat McAfee. Taking to his X, Pat posted, “I’ve never seen that before in my life out of a quarterback. Legitimately. And I know I echo the sentiments of everyone else who has tweeted, talked about it, or done anything about. An NFL quarterback does not tap out of a game, especially if they’re able to go play.” While questioning Richardson’s capability as a QB in the NFL, McAfee also questions the message he sends to the locker room.

“That’s kinda part of the position. You’re the face of the franchise. Whenever you’re tapping out when you’re healthy. What message are you sending to everyone in the building, everybody in the locker room, the entire city, the fanbase? You’re 22 years old! It’s the middle of the season! It’s Week 8! You’re supposed to be in mid-season form.” 

But after today’s news on benching, Anthony Richardson ahead of the Vikings clash may not be the face of the franchise anymore. Even his teammates may have lost respect for him as the Colts QB gets sacked to the bench.

Although, Joe Flacco has been allowed to steer the Colts for the rest of this season. His age might be a negative for the Colts, as Flacco would surely suffer to get out of certain positions. However, he remains the Colts’ best option to reach the playoffs. Will the 39-year-old be able to step up as the organization looks up on his shoulders while putting their sophomore QB on the bench? Guess we will find out next week as the Colts take on the Vikings in Minnesota.