Colts’ Shane Steichen on if QB Anthony Richardson will start in Week 9: ‘We’re evaluating everything’
October 29, 2024On the season, Richardson owns a league-worst 44.4% completion percentage and he’s tied third in the NFL with seven interceptions in six starts. The Colts QB’s two lost fumbles in 2024 also ties him third in the league in giveaways. Richardson has made plays with his feet, totaling 136 rushing yards and four TDs, but his inaccuracy issues, particularly on short throws, have stagnated a Colts offense that features capable playmakers.
Joe Flacco, who started two games (1-1) this season when Richardson was out due to injury, is the would-be starter should Steichen decide to bench the former No. 4 overall pick.
Steichen’s offense has been noticeably smoother with Flacco under center. The 39-year-old veteran has completed 65.7% of his passes for 716 yards with seven TDs and one INT in two starts and four total appearances in 2024.
Compared to Richardson’s season totals — 958 yards, four TDs, seven INTs (six starts) — there’s no wonder why Steichen is chewing on a potential QB change at the midway point.
Sitting at 4-4, the Colts enter a tough four-game stretch that begins with a road game in Minnesota (5-2) this Sunday, followed by home game against the Bills (6-2), at the New York Jets (2-6) and a home tilt versus the Lions (6-1).
Who will be leading the Colts offense into a potentially season-defining stretch will likely be made by the end of the week.