Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Wednesday that veteran Joe Flacco would be the team’s quarterback moving forward. This was after Anthony Richardson exited early during Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans.
When Richardson was asked why he left on his own terms for one play, he simply said he was tired.
Before Steichen confirmed that move of benching Richardson, at least one former NFL QB suggested it. On the Scoop City podcast he co-hosts with Dianna Russini of The Athletic, current FS1 analyst Chase Daniel (who played in the NFL from 2009-22 with eight teams) said that didn’t sit right with him.
“Anthony Richardson, what are we doing? You take yourself out of the game and you do the pat on your head,” Daniel said.
“He took himself out of the game and admitted he was gassed, right?” Russini responded.
Daniel said that was Richardson’s opportunity to lie to the media. He didn’t have to admit he was tired.
“Do not ever say that again in your entire career,” Daniel said. “You just lost the respect of every football player and every quarterback and every offensive lineman to ever have played the game. I’m being harsh, Diana, but that’s what this is called for. I’ve never seen this in my entire life. It is inexcusable, it is inexplicable, and he should be seriously thought about getting benched.”
Well, talk about foreshadowing.
Steichen said it was a difficult decision to make, but it’s what was best for the Colts.
“A tough decision, but one that I felt was in the best interest in our football team,” Steichen said, via Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan (h/t NBC Sports). “Joe gives us the best chance to win right now. With that being said, we’re not giving up on Anthony by any means. We’re really not. He’s a young player with a ton of talent. He’ll use this time to continue to develop and grow as a professional.”
Daniel wasn’t the only former pro fed up with Richardson’s comments. During the game, former NFL punter turned ESPN analyst Pat McAfee said he’s never seen anything like it.
“I had never seen an NFL QB tap out while still being healthy until watching Anthony Richardson.” McAfee wrote on Twitter/X Sunday. “The QB is your franchise. The message it sends is loud and influential.”
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.