At the 2023 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts made a significant gamble by selecting Anthony Richardson from the University of Florida with the fourth overall pick. Richardson, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 244 pounds, was seen as a physically gifted quarterback with tremendous upside. However, he entered the professional ranks with just 13 college starts, tying him with Mitchell Trubisky for the fewest starts by a first-round quarterback in the 21st century.
The Colts hoped that Richardson's dynamic playmaking ability would translate quickly to the NFL. Unfortunately, as the 2024 NFL season reached its midpoint, the challenges of his inexperience began to surface. With a record standing at 4-4, the Colts decided to bench Richardson following a disappointing Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans.
By Week 9, the Colts turned to 39-year-old veteran Joe Flacco to lead the team against the Minnesota Vikings on "Sunday Night Football." In a closely fought contest, the Colts fell short, losing 21-13. While Flacco's presence was intended to stabilize the offense, it underscored the urgency of Richardson's need for further development and experience away from the intense spotlight of a starting role.
Despite the setbacks, there is still an air of optimism surrounding Richardson's future. His NFL journey may have encountered an early detour, but his potential remains undeniable. In fact, no contemporary quarterback comes close to matching Richardson's league-leading 16.2 yards per completion, an indicator of his capacity to make explosive plays.
Yet, with a completion rate languishing at 44.4%—the second-lowest for starting quarterbacks this century—Richardson's accuracy issues have impeded the Colts' offensive consistency. For a young quarterback, the steep learning curve of the NFL can often be bridged by patience and perseverance, both of which Richardson will need in abundance.
Richardson's benching marks him as one of 25 first-round quarterbacks from 2000 to 2022 who have been benched during their rookie contracts. There is precedent for young quarterbacks to rebound from such situations, given time and support. And support is something Richardson has in significant supply.
Kevin O'Connell, head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and a former NFL quarterback himself, delivered an inspiring message to Richardson. After their Week 9 matchup, O'Connell told the young quarterback, "Hey, do me a favor and remember something: You're a bad dude. And you're going to play a long time in this league. Go to work every day. Good things will happen for you. I still believe in you. I know these guys do. Shane does, too. Man, this organization love you. Go to work." O'Connell's words resonate with empathy and reassurance, a beacon of support from someone who understands the pressures a quarterback faces.
The Indianapolis Colts organization, including head coach Shane Steichen, also reiterates their belief in Richardson's capabilities. Time and experience could be the keys to unlocking his potential. For now, Richardson's focus will likely be on honing his skills, increasing his comfort within the offense, and preparing for another opportunity to prove he belongs on football’s biggest stage.
As the Colts navigate the remainder of the 2024 season with Flacco at the helm, the hope for Richardson is that the benching is simply a temporary setback. With the right guidance and continued faith from his team, Anthony Richardson’s story in the NFL is far from finished—its most exhilarating chapters may still be waiting to be written.