Not every week you could see a player in the NFL going out to take a little breather. But it did happen on Sunday when the Colts QB Anthony Richardson went for a small break while the veteran QB Joe Flacco took the snaps. Although the 22-year-old did return to finish the game, it brought a whirlwind of criticism from every corner in the NFL.

Well, his post-game comments of him saying, “I was just tired” didn’t help his case either. And now the sophomore has found himself sacked to the bench while Flacco takes upon the reigns in Indy. Although this decision didn’t surprise many in the NFL, considering the way it came. Colts WR Josh Down still believes in Richardson: “At the end of the day, Joe (Flacco) is like 40 years old. So, he only has so many more years, I’d say. AR is 22 or 23. He’s still the No. 4 overall pick. …I know he’s gonna start again.”

While Down was correct in pointing out the age gap between the QBs in Indianapolis. Richardson hasn’t really impressed with his numbers this season. Over the six games he has started this year, the Colts have only managed to win 3 out of those. The 22-year-old has also just completed 44.4% of his passes while throwing more interceptions (7) than TDs (4). However, Flacco’s numbers give weightage to his name as the starter going forward.

For the two opportunities he got to play as Richardson recovered from an oblique injury, Flacco was simply brilliant. As he completed 65.7% of his passes while recording seven TDs and just one interception. And to add value as a starter, he also led the Colts to a narrow 27-24 victory over the then-undefeated Steelers in week 4.

After losing his place as the designated starter for the Colts, Richardson opened up about his feelings. “It’s another opportunity to grow, look back and reflect on things I could have done better for the team and for the squad.” He even echoed the criticism he received from former Colts punter Pat McAfee, who called him for tapping out, “I know I can’t do that as a leader, especially as the quarterback of this team. As a football in general. I can’t necessarily just bring myself out of the game like that, especially in key moments like that. But you live and you learn. You’ve just got to grow from it.”

As the 22-year-old vacates his position as starter, Joe Flacco gets yet another surprise opportunity to lead a franchise into the playoffs this season.

Anthony Richardson shocked as Joe Flacco gets named starter in Indy

From relying upon a 22-year-old to lead their franchise this season. The Colts, after 8 weeks, have found themselves handing the keys to their 39-year-old QB Joe Flacco, “I feel like Joe gives us the best chance to win. I’m just looking at where we’re at with the team. We’re at .500. It’s my obligation to 53 players in the locker room to win football games,” as per head coach Shane Steichen. Well, it was a pleasant surprise for a QB who hasn’t been a regular starter since 2019 Baltimore days.

“Ultimately, when I’m preparing to start football games, that is where I feel most comfortable, even though I haven’t consistently done that for the last five years. This is where I feel at home.” He even talked about the preparations that Indy fans could expect from him going forward this season, “It is a lot easier to prepare when you know you’re the guy. Even though you try to keep everything the same when you’re coming off the bench, just mindset-wise, there’s something that changes just a little bit.”

While Flacco still has two months on his hands before turning 40 in January, he would surely want the Colts to thrive under him. But the question is, will he bring an instant boost to their games? Well, considering the two wins they got under him, there are signs of positivity in Indy.

As we wait for the next Colts clash against the Vikings on Sunday. Check out our latest Think Tank exclusive with Emily and Erin Griffin, who are busy shaping the NFL’s Global game.