The Indianapolis Colts are at 4-5 outside the AFC playoff picture after losing on Sunday Night Football to the Minnesota Vikings. That came after Joe Flacco's first start since being benched by head coach Shane Steichen of Anthony Richardson, the second-year quarterback.
A much stiffer performance by Richardson prompted Steichen to insert Flacco into the starting lineup. The defense led by the Colts, however, kept the offense out of the end zone and left the fans wondering if Steichen made the right move. After the game was over, a special meet-up was held between Colts quarterback and Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. During the meeting, instead of Flacco, O'Connell went after Richardson with words of golden encouragement.
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Anthony Richardson's second NFL season has been the worst possible, but there is one on the sideline who believes that he has talent and possibilities. That is Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell. And his enthusiasm has encouraged him and his teammates after the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9.
O'Connell hugged the Colts' now-backup quarterback and said, "Hey, do me a favor, and remember something. You're a bad dude. And you're going to play a long time in this league. Go to work everyday. Good things will happen for you. I still believe in you. I know these guys do. Shane does too. Man, this organization loves you. Go to work.”
Despite having never been on the same NFL team, Steichen and O'Connell are close friends. O'Connell said he believes Steichen believes in Richardson. Steichen said earlier that the end was not Richardson, that they still believe in him. The head coach said Flacco is the right man for the job, and Richardson will get his chance someday. Steichen might even send him back to Richardson earlier, depending on whether Flacco does enough to hold onto the job.
Richardson was benched after Indianapolis suffered a Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans. It is not known if he will again take the spot for the Colts at center. Indianapolis drafted Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 NFL draft, but he has not done much. He completed 44.4 percent of his passes in six games during the 2024 season for 958 yards and four touchdowns with seven interceptions. He has a passer rating of 57.2 and a QBR of 36.9 and ranks 29th among NFL quarterbacks.
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