LeSean McCoy has some strong words about Colts benching Anthony Richardson after his tapping-out controversy

The Indianapolis Colts bench Anthony Richardson following a controversial tapping-out during the third quarter against the Houston Texans.

LeSean McCoy has some strong words about Colts benching Anthony Richardson after his tapping-out controversy

Anthony Richardson, LeSean McCoy (Images via Imago)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen recently announced that the Colts will move forward with Joe Flacco for the foreseeable future. The Colts, with this move, also decided to bench their 2023 NFL Draft franchise first pick Anthony Richardson, drawing the ire of many.

Former American cornerback LeSean McCoy is one of them. He has strongly criticized the Midwestern team and Shane Steichen for their controversial move. McCoy highlighted that the move affects quarterback development and decreases the confidence of the players.

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Speaking on The Facility, LeSean McCoy disagreed with the team’s move. He looked bamboozled understanding the dynamics behind the benching and also noted that it is a bad look on the team.

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It’s a bad look on the team. How is he going to feel being benched after 10 games?

LeSean McCoy said

Anthony Richardson, part of an elite list of players who have achieved a perfect RAS, started four games in 2023. In 2023, he won two games before he sustained an injury that put him out of the field. The player started the season with surgery, followed by a concussion, and was taken out by an AC joint sprain in 2023 October.

Richardson couldn’t have predicted how much of an impact Flacco’s return wouldn’t play in his future. He opened doors for the veteran Super Bowl champion when he missed two games due to an oblique injury. The Week 8 game against the Houston Texans was the last blow. As much as quarterback development is important, the ultimate aspect is results and numbers.

Furthermore, a player tapping out in the third quarter also doesn’t look good and later justifying it as being tired sometimes adds to the fuel. As per CBS Sports, Richardson had the lowest completion percentage among qualified quarterbacks in the last twenty years with a meager 44.4%. The Colts are 3-3 when Richardson started.

Joe Flacco thinks Anthony Richardson’s benching shouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing

Joe Flacco took the opportunity to provide perspective and advice to Richardson following his demotion. The 39-year-old veteran expressed his intention to share the knowledge he has gained throughout his career. He encouraged Richardson to view being benched as an opportunity for growth and productivity.

Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco (Image via)

The thing we have to remember here is that Anthony’s really young. I know when I was that young, there’s no chance that I would’ve been able to have the perspective and the right head on my shoulders to handle it and take it the right way.

Joe Flacco stated

Flacco emphasized that Richardson is a young guy with a bright future. He also added that there are many players who doesn’t enjoy instant success. The 39-year-old veteran and the Colts have some strong opponents in the next couple of weeks, starting with the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9.