Was benching Anthony Richardson the right decision taken by Steichen? A lot of us might think that the decision might have been in the pipeline for a while but the Colts QB bailing out in the game against the Texans might also have added more fire to the fuel. But there’s a narrative that benching him will hinder his growth as a QB, which might not be the case.

Former NFL coach Jason Garrett weighed in on Shane Steichen’s decision to put Richardson in the backseat. He thinks that playing a young QB is like holding the Colts “hostage.” Perhaps his lack of starting experience in college also had a part to play in the Colts’ current condition.

Garrett sees the Colts head coach benching Richardson to be in “the best interest of the team.” Though Richardson was drafted to be the franchise quarterback of the future, the team has to focus on winning games now and worry about the future later. As it happens, the Colts are 4-4 and still have a chance to make it to the playoffs.

Last year, the Browns hired Joe Flacco in the middle of the season. Also, he turned things around for a while. Maybe the Colts are hoping for the same result. It’s rare to see rookie QBs like Jayden Daniels, make an immediate impact on their respective teams. Daniels has started 55 games in college so his transition to the NFL was a bit easier. For Richardson, it wasn’t.

The Colts QB got his starting opportunity in his last year with the Gators. So, it really feels like he should just hang in the backseat and watch Joe Flacco take over and learn a few things from him. It might be the same as Justin Fields getting benched for Russell Wilson.

It’s time for the Colts to bring the big guns out. Or is it something else? Check out what the former Dallas Cowboys head coach has to say about the decision to bench the former Gators QB.

“The macro evaluation of this is, pull back, understand where this guy was. If you really believe that this guy is the best quarterback to take at number 4 in the draft, you have to understand that this is a ten-year decision,” Jason Garrett told Mike Florio on Pro Football Talk.

We also have to understand that Richardson played only 4 games in the last year due to a season-ending injury. That hindered his experience a lot and now that he’s back, it’s like he’s re-living his rookie year. The QB has played 6 games so far and hasn’t even completed 45% of his total passes.

Richardson is tied for 32 in the league in terms of touchdowns. The Colts might not want to sabotage their season. That’s because they have an adequate roster that can carry them to the playoffs. If anything, benching Richardson gives him a chance to hone his skills. A lot of QBs have done this. Patrick Mahomes and Jordan Love, for example.

If you’re still worried about Richardson’s growth, take a look at what Shane Steichen thinks of his decision.

Shane Steichen clarifies his stance on Richardson’s benching

The coach confirmed the narrative of letting him learn from Joe Flacco. Steichen said that watching Flacco play at a “high level” will be a huge help to Richardson. For the second time, the Colts HC asserted that Richardson tapping out wasn’t an influence in benching him. Right now, he just wants to win games and has a lot on his plate.

“I think he just needs to keep developing and growing as a professional,” Steichen said. “Every little thing, all the details, all those little things, we go through that. He’s a young player; I think he’s the second-youngest player in the league at the position.”

Joe Flacco looks like he can make the Colts better. And if the team has a veteran at their disposal, they shouldn’t be shy of using him. The Colts will be playing the Vikings in a couple of days and Richardson’s learning days start then.

While you’re thinking about the Colts’ condition, check out how these women are changing the game of football that we love so much.