Chris Ballard can smell it. Aah…that playoff feeling that has eluded him for the entirety of his Indianapolis Colts stint might be within touching distance. They will have to work for it. Nonetheless, everything hangs by the thread named Anthony Richardson.

Week 8. Houston. After throwing for 175 yards on a 10-18 shooting and 1 interception, Anthony Richardson took himself ‘out for a breather‘. Little did he know that his little breather would last 3 games. He was benched. The 39-year-old veteran Joe Flacco started as QB for the Colts. Doubts were raised if Chris Ballard had a strong team-building approach around youngsters.

3 losses in a row opened doors for the return of the 22-year-old QB from Gainesville. Richardson did not just make a return. He made a statement and so did GM Chris Ballard in response to the Richardson’s insane run. Chris took to X to address what he was subjected to after Richardson’s benching: “I was so upset at the bullsh*t” and his pride in the youngster who now shines as a beacon of hope for the Colts’ playoff chances.

Looks like the ex-Gator needed to recharge his arm. He has been on a roll since his return, throwing for 553 yards, completing 43 of 82 attempts (>50% completions), and scoring 3 touchdowns on the way.

Playing away against the Jets, Richardson dashed into the end-zone to win by a point in Week 11. 2 weeks later in another away game, the Colts #5 got his team over the line to win by a point again. He threw a 3-yard touchdown against the Patriots and took his chances at a 2-point play to take the lead and register a W to keep the Indy Blue Crew alive in the season.

For a team focused on building a roster around young players, benching a 22-year-old QB might seem harsh. Especially when the benching came after Richardson requested a breather. Was it really about his performance? Or was it part of a bigger strategy by the coaching staff?

Anthony Richardson’s benching was a lesson?

The role of a QB1 is serious. It brings a lot of expectations. And when it is a sport that averaged 18.6 million views during the first 3 weeks of it 2024 season, you can assume all eyes are going to be on you. Is it too much a 22-year-old just out of college could ask for? The answer would vary for different individuals. But the person in question here is Anthony Richardson- the youngest starting QB in the NFL. 

“It’s the attention to detail in everything he does, from the classroom to the walk-throughs to practice to the weight room — all those little things…It’s just got to be at a higher standard.” HC Shane Steichen said on Wednesday. 

A request for something as simple as a breather in Richardson’s world could carry much larger implications in Steichen’s, and thus the ‘need for attention to detail.’ The Colts’ job required somebody who could rise to Pro Bowl standards quickly. Richardson’s job description required him to put in extra hours in the building, watching films and planning games while spending more time with the coaching staff. 

Well, the need for extra attention to detail reaped benefits for the Colts franchise. With the Colts now 6-7 in the season and Richardson carrying out big plays in crucial moments, would it be too much to say Colts would be eyeing a possible wild card spot or even the playoffs?