In the NFL, where every snap’s a high-stakes drama. It’s no surprise that even the smallest blunder can lead to a chorus of opinions. Right now, Anthony Richardson’s caught in the crossfire. 

Colts LB Zaire Franklin turned the limelight on QB Richardson with a quote that’s buzzing louder than a referee’s whistle after a bad call. After the 22-year-old tapped out for a play, claiming he was “tired,” Franklin’s response was anything but subtle. He blasted, “LIE PLEASE. Lie like you stole something.” Oof! 

Franklin’s words seem to suggest that in the world of quarterbacking, vulnerability doesn’t fly. The Colts’ LB shared his thoughts: “The young boy—I mean, let me just say this bro, we were standing right there and watching, and I see it now he did throw that. I’m here to bump for young boy. But when he did throw a big a** D lineman off his back, he do that shit all the time—to get up out of the tackle… I thought something was going on.”

Indianapolis’ pivot to veteran Joe Flacco as their new QB1 has turned up all the heat. This sudden switch in the Colts’ strategy, though from nurturing a raw gem to seeking instant results with Flacco—has fans scratching their heads, and asking, “What gives?”

Indy owner Jim Irsay and HC Shane Steichen were all in on Richardson initially. Steichen previously alluded, “We’ve got to build this thing around the quarterback.” But now? With veteran QB Flacco steering the ship, it seems the plan’s shifted faster than an RB on a sweep play.

One NFL insider spilled the beans on what the Colts plan to do with the Florida Gators product. 

The Colts’ confidence in Anthony Richardson remains

The Colts are benching Anthony Richardson—and it’s not just a minor tune-up. After a bumpy ride against the Texans—10 of 32 passes for 175 yards, one TD, and an interception, all while getting sacked five times—the QB’s future looks pretty shaky. But don’t count him out just yet. NFL insider James Palmer dropped some wisdom. He revealed that Indy’s not ready to toss their fourth overall pick into the dumpster fire just yet.

“They can’t give up on him, and they’re not—at all. This was Shane Steichen, their head coach’s personal pick at the quarterback spot,” Palmer stated, reminding everyone that HC Steichen’s got a vested interest in Richardson’s development.

Despite the ups and downs, the Colts see a flicker of promise. The strategy now? Give Richardson some space to catch his breath, observe veteran Joe Flacco strut his stuff, and then return like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

That said, will Richardson rise to the occasion, or will this be another chapter in the Colts’ crazy ride? Time will tell. 

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