The Indianapolis Colts are facing an existential crisis. It was evident in the week 8 game against the Houston Texans. It was unbelievable. Their first-round pick (4th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, Anthony Richardson did something that no one anticipated, and no one ever will. The Colts lost the game. And they are making hard decisions.

In the third quarter, the quarterback did the unthinkable. He tapped out and took a breather for one play, but the Blue crew was flagger busted. Now, advice is coming in from all corners. Three-time Super Bowl winner Mark Schlereth recently shared his viewpoint on The Stinking Truth Podcast with Mark Schlereth.

While talking with Mark Evans, he said, “Let me ask you a question does Lamar Jackson run around a lot during the course of a game have you ever seen him the two-time MVP pull himself out because he was tired no. dude I listen man if that’s the you should at least lie about it right don’t admit that don’t admit that you are tired and you had to come out. Lord have mercy.”

The legend is right. Every player on the field is tired. But no one ever admits to it. And being the signal caller, Anthony Richardson has to lead with his actions. Once he tapped out, there was confusion everywhere. Most of his teammates were asking what he was signaling.

However, after the game, he revealed that he had told the head coach Shane Steichen that he was tired and needed a breather. But that’s not how you take it. The Colts QB could have lied there. The coach and the fans wouldn’t have felt betrayed then. However, he would learn the lesson the hard way now. Following the Texans debacle, they have benched the quarterback.

What else could they have done? After 8 weeks, the team is at a 4-4 win-loss record. It’s high time to make the correct moves.

Colts turn to experience after Anthony Richardson debacle

The coach recently announced that the veteran QB Joe Flacco would be the starting quarterback in the week 9 game against the Vikings. That’s a better choice, considering the recent scenario. The Super Bowl MVP knows how to turn the season around. He has seen enough such situations over his 17-year-long career.

There looks one more reason behind going with the Flacco instead of Anthony Richardson. In 6 games, the former has won 3 and lost 3. His 44.4% completion rate in 59 of 133 passes is the worst in the league. He also has 7 interceptions, with only 4 passing touchdowns. That’s also a red signal for the young signal caller.

The NFL is unforgiving at times. He has to learn how to lead the team and he has to learn it fast. It’s his 2nd season at the Colts. Though he missed the majority of the 2023 season because of the injuries, this season is his moment to shine. Can he pull himself back together? The Blue Crew believes he will.