It was last Wednesday that Anthony Richardson had his first practice as the Indianapolis Colts’ backup quarterback, after the team made the decision to bench him in favor of Joe Flacco.
So now, one week later, as the Colts head back to the practice field in preparation for Buffalo, how have things been different for Richardson over the last week?
“Not much is different,” said Richardson at his locker. “I’m still preparing as if I am having the opportunity to play. So whenever there is opportunity, if they call my name they call my name, I’ll be ready to play.”
Following the team’s decision to bench Richardson, head coach Shane Steichen and GM Chris Ballard sat down with Richardson to discuss why they were making the move.
“They told me they were going to go with Joe,” said Richardson of the conversation. “I have some things to clean up and just get better at. So I took that and I ran with that, so now I’m just trying to focus on that.”
On the season, Richardson had completed a league-low 44 percent of his passes with four touchdowns to seven interceptions. While both on the ground and through the air he brought explosive playmaking potential to the offense, consistency was lacking, resulting in a very boom-or-bust Colts’ offense.
With the Colts still in the thick of the AFC playoff race, even at 4-5, one of the key reasons that the Colts made the switch to Flacco was that he gave them the best chance to win and make a playoff push.
However, while things can still turn around with eight games remaining, after the Colts put all eyes around the NFL on themselves with this move, they then followed it up with a dud of an offensive performance on Sunday night against the Vikings.
In several key statistical areas, including the all important points column, the Colts had their worst performance on offense of the season.
But even so, as the Colts chase the seventh seed in the AFC while Richardson remains on the sidelines, they remain committed to Flacco.
As far as Richardson, he’s going to continue working on his craft so when his next opportunity comes–whenever that may be–he’s ready to take advantage.
“Just focus on the minute details,” Richardson added. “Just working on being a pro. Just trying to master everything that comes with it and just continue to learn and step into the territory just whatever they throw at me just be ready for it.”