Anthony Richardson, the former starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, recently spoke about being benched and how it is a challenging situation for him. The 22-year-old player, who was drafted from Florida with the No. 4 pick in 2023, has faced various injuries and setbacks in his young career but has always managed to reclaim his starting position. However, the recent decision to start Joe Flacco instead of Richardson has left him feeling disappointed and hurt.
Richardson expressed his feelings, stating that as a competitor, it is tough to be told that he is not the starting quarterback for the upcoming game. Despite the setback, he is using this moment as an opportunity to learn and grow from his mistakes. When asked about the areas he needs to improve, Richardson mentioned that he did not receive clear reasons for the benching from the coaching staff.
While Richardson remains optimistic about his future opportunities, he now has to adjust to his new role as Flacco’s primary backup. This role requires him to focus on scout team repetitions during practice and be prepared to step in whenever needed. Flacco, a seasoned veteran in the NFL, understands the challenges Richardson is facing and has offered his support and guidance during this transition period.
The decision to bench Richardson was based on the team’s need to win games immediately, as his performance this season has been below expectations. Despite leading the league in yards per catch, Richardson’s completion percentage, passer rating, and interception percentage are among the lowest in the NFL. The tap-out incident during a crucial moment in a recent game also raised concerns about his leadership and decision-making on the field.
Looking ahead, Richardson is determined to work on his preparation, leadership, and overall performance to be ready for any future opportunities that may come his way. While Flacco is set to be the starter for the foreseeable future, Richardson remains focused on improving himself and proving that he can excel in the role he was drafted for. His contract with the Colts and his young age indicate that he has time to develop and showcase his talent on the field.
As Richardson navigates this challenging period in his career, he is grateful for the support of his teammates, coaches, and fans. He understands the importance of learning from setbacks and using them as motivation to become a better player and leader in the future. While the path ahead may be uncertain, Richardson’s determination and resilience will undoubtedly guide him through this challenging phase and help him emerge stronger on the other side.