INDIANAPOLIS – <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/nfl-raiders-defeated-chargers-in-final-play-in-overtime/" title="NFL: Raiders defeated Chargers in final play in overtime”>Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Wednesday that the decision to bench starting quarterback Anthony Richardson in favor of veteran Joe Flacco is his own, and that it offers the team ” “a better chance of winning immediately”.
Stecihen defended his choice to replace the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft after just ten NFL starts, including six this season.
Asked if he was torn between the need to achieve concrete collective results and Richardson’s long-term development, Steichen admitted he had to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
“It’s not something easy,” he admitted. But it is my obligation to the 53 players in this organization to win games, and right now, that’s what matters, winning games. We will think about the future when it matters most. »
For his part, Richardson must digest the choice of his instructor, of which he was informed during a meeting Tuesday morning.
“Of course it hurts, as a competitor,” Richardson admitted. “Definitely, we don’t want to be told that we’re no longer the guy for the job. But it will be fine. I’m using this moment as an opportunity to grow and learn from my mistakes. »
Flacco, who will take control of the Colts (4-4) offense Sunday night at the home of the Minnesota Vikings (5-2), admitted to having mixed emotions.
“The thing to keep in mind here is that Anthony is very young,” Flacco insisted. I know that when I was young, I would not have been able to take the necessary step back to accept this decision and make it the right way. But 17 seasons later, I have this perspective. »
The decision is made more difficult by the fact that Steichen, general manager Chris Ballard and owner Jim Irsay have all mentioned in the past that Richardon’s path to progression would be through repetition.
He entered the NFL having the fewest starts in the college ranks by a quarterback drafted in the first round, tied with Mitch Trubisky (13), who was selected second overall in 2017.
“I know I said that,” Steichen recalled. Things are changing. I think now seeing what a veteran who has had success over a long period of time can do for us can help us move forward as a group. »
