The Colts-Steelers game on Sunday saw the Steelers’ three-game winning streak come to a screeching halt. This isn’t necessarily an indictment of Justin Fields’ leadership on the field or even of Mike Tomlin’s coaching. If anything, Fields’ performance in the second half gave the Steelers hope they could actually win. Ultimately, despite Tomlin’s boys’ best efforts, the game ended 27-24, with the Indianapolis Colts the victors.

Mike Tomlin made some interesting comments in the aftermath of the defeat, which raised a few eyebrows. The Colts dominated the first half of the game, ending the second quarter 17-3. They managed this despite losing their starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson, about 10 minutes into the first quarter at 7-0. It was really under Joe Flacco, the replacement, that the Colts sealed the deal and established an even stronger lead. But was it because of Flacco’s gamesmanship or because of how the Steelers treated him? Tomlin, the Steelers coach, speaking of their approach towards the quarterback, said “Flacco is a much more proficient passer than Richardson, and so blitzing doesn’t necessarily help you. A veteran guy makes quick and prudent decisions didn’t feel good. And obviously, we’ve got experience competing against Joe Flacco.” Tomlin’s not the only one hyping up Flacco, Pat McAfee’s pitched in too.

There’s valid reason to respect Flacco, he’s a former Super Bowl MVP after all. But that was back in 2012, and at 39, he’s the second oldest quarterback in the league, after Aaron Rodgers. Their lack of determination to blitz Flacco let him get off a number of passes that a more aggressive mindset would have prevented. Flacco passed on average 6.5 yards per attempt, compared to Richardson’s 17.8, but he seemed at ease on the field.

Makes sense they’d have very different play styles. Talking to CBS, Flacco said of 22-year-old Richardson, “He told me his mom is 8 days older than I am, so there’s no chance in the world he thinks I’m cool.” Joe Flacco hasn’t played a full season for the NFL since 2017 with the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, he’s been the perennial backup, a well of experience to draw from for rookies, and a failsafe to turn to when the situation calls for it. He’s served in this role for the Ravens, the Broncos, the Jets, the Eagles, the Jets (again), the Browns, and finally the Indianapolis Colts. After the win yesterday, it’s clear he can still perform on the field.

Richardson or Flacco, who’s the Colts’ man?

Though Anthony Richardson had to walk off the field after a hip injury, it doesn’t seem to have been a major one. He was back jogging and stretching on the sidelines before the end of the game, though Flacco saw it through. It’s clear the young man’s eager to get back on the field, especially after his 2023 season was cut short. He managed only 4 games his rookie season last year, after a concussion, and then an AC-joint sprain hit him.

Eager to keep his spot, Richardson’s done all he can to make 2024 his year. In just the first 4 games he justified his near $34 million dollar rookie contract. He’s had 4 touchdowns (3 passing, 1 rushing) and 654 passing yards, even with his injury last night. He’s clearly got what it takes to play at this level, makes sense he was the 4th overall pick last year.

And then you’ve got Flacco. The old man’s clearly still got fight in him. And maybe he does deserve a swansong year? He’s certainly got Pat McAfee excited, hyped to the moon and back for the Colts. But it’s likely he’s going to go back to being the backup. After his injury-filled 2023 and his second close brush last night, Richardon might be inclined to play carefully. So even less chance he’ll be out with injury and we’ll see Flacco on the field. Well, we’re glad to have seen as much of him as we did.