Why Indianapolis Colts should consider starting Richardson

The Indianapolis foals (4-6) is on a brutal three-game losing streak with QB Joe Flacco after losing to the Buffalo Bills. However, while the Jets from New York (3-7) is an easier matchup for Week 11, the Colts can’t afford to lose at MetLife if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. If they drop that match, they will must consider starting with the fourth overall draft pick in 2023, Anthony Richardson.

Here are three reasons to support the cause.

The playoffs may be out of reach

Shane Steichen decided to start Flacco over Richardson at QB to “win now” and push for the postseason. However, after the 30-20 loss According to the Bills, Indianapolis’ odds are an abysmal 27.74% per Pro football network, already putting them in a difficult position to qualify.

However, if the Colts lose to the Jets and lose for the fourth time in a row, it’s hard to say how low their odds are. If this happens, Steichen should consider benching former Super Bowl MVP Flacco for Richardson. Even if the smallest margin (10% or less) is still alive, Steichen should still make this move.

While the Colts still have the Detroit Lions in week 12 the schedule becomes much more flexible. Following the lions are the New England Patriots, Denver BroncosAnd Tennessee titans. The rest of the post-Jets schedule is a great test for Richardson, as he could potentially regain lost confidence and momentum as the 2024 campaign comes to a close.

Flacco will have lost three in a row

When Flacco against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguarsand Titans earlier in 2024, he looked calmer, in sync with the attack, and at ease. Since being named starter, Flacco has gone 42/62 (67.7%) for 451 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 fumble recoveries and 4 interceptions. Needless to say, Flacco seems close to regressing.

What happens next for the Colts? Don’t miss news and analysis! Take a moment and Sign up for our free newsletter and get the latest Colts news delivered to your inbox every day!

If the Jets get their fourth win over Indianapolis on Sunday, Flacco will have lost his third straight win as a starter. Considering he’s 39 and doesn’t come up fast with releases or foot speed, this could also be a sign Richardson should start. What happens if Flacco racks up more losses while Richardson watches from the sidelines? Nothing progressive… This makes it an even easier decision for Steichen as the situation unfolds.

Richardson cannot learn from mediocrity

Flacco has had an illustrious career with numerous wins, playoff berths and a Super Bowl championship, MVP (Baltimore Ravens – 2012). However, Flacco has looked terrible in recent weeks, and Richardson can’t learn from a veteran who may fall off the proverbial “QB cliff.” Unless Flacco can go on the road and get a win against the struggling Jets, Richardson will only realistically learn to get better by playing at that stage.

It’s hard to understand why Steichen has stayed with Flacco the way he is until now has already confirmed that the vet will be the starter against New York.

This game has a lot going for it for Flacco to continue leading Steichen’s offense. While the second-year head coach stands by his decision on Flacco, he can’t deny the mounting pressure as another loss follows and the Colts fall to a terrible 4-7 record. We’ll see what happens on Sunday in a must-win game for Indy if they’re serious about the 2024 playoffs.

Want more Colts content? Watch the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

To follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook And Xand subscribe to YouTube for multiple Colts livestream podcasts per week.