“Took himself out!” – Anthony Richardson being benched for Joe Flacco after controversial ‘tired’ substitution has fans in splits

Indianapolis Colts bench 1st round pick Anthony Richardson for veteran QB Joe Flacco after substitution controversy.

“Took himself out!” – Anthony Richardson being benched for Joe Flacco after controversial ‘tired’ substitution has fans in splits

Veteran QB Joe Flacco will take over from Anthony Richardson as starter (Image via Imago/X)

Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season was a surprise to many as plays and games flipped the script, leaving fans with their hands over their heads. But it was Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson who, instead of bringing excitement, made football folk smack their heads in disbelief.

Pat McAfee led the disbelief commentary when he questioned the drive of the second-year quarterback. Generally, no starting QB in his memory has pulled himself out of a game for anything other than an injury. Richardson tapped out after running to avoid a sack and gain some yards.

YouTube video

But what made it worse for him and all the football fans watching was when he confirmed to reporters that he was tired. Hearing this, veteran stars had to chime in and suggest that he should have lied to the media. Accepting that a professional football player aged 22 should not have the wind kicked out of him in a game.

FS Video

It seems the Indianapolis Colts coaching staff observed and heard everything. Add to that his questionable play so far and they decided they had to step in. The result of that came about when ESPN’s Adam Schefter received crucial information from his sources at the Colts.

A QB change for the Colts: Indianapolis is benching former first-round pick Anthony Richardson and turning to veteran Joe Flacco, sources tell Jeremy Fowler and me. Coaches met this morning and made the seismic organizational decision to change QBs.

Adam Schefter wrote on X

Joe Flacco coming over to start is an insurance cover the Indianapolis Colts cashed in on. The veteran pocket passer has shown countless times that he is a reassuring presence compared to the inconsistency of their young 1st round pick.

Fans lose their minds on receiving news about Anthony Richardson

The franchise rotated on several veteran quarterbacks since Andrew Luck retired. But after years of trials, they finally thought to have found their franchise cornerstone. But so far, Anthony Richardson has not given any indication of being one. Some might give him the benefit of the doubt that he does not have the experience of being a franchise QB.

Anthony Richardson will now sit and learn while on the Indianapolis Colts bench
Anthony Richardson will now sit and learn while on the Indianapolis Colts bench (Image via Open Source/X)

But even then, substituting himself out was inexcusable. The one trait he had that he could exploit well was scrambling. Fans, knowing this and watching everything transpire, took to social to leave their thought.

It might serve Anthony Richardson well if he sits on the bench and learns from the Super Bowl-winning veteran. As now, with the heat on his shoulders, it could help him if he does not fan the flames. The young QB has a lot to learn before stepping back onto the field.