There is still time to salvage this situation. All Shane Steichen needs to do is admit he was wrong.
For fans of the Indianapolis Colts, the last two weeks have been hard to watch. It has been unbearable. It has made many become disinterested. It has been downright torturous. Losing is never preferred, but sports fans understand that sometimes it is part of the process. As teams rebuild or develop young talent, having a few rough seasons can be part of it. Fans get that. We understand and accept it. What fans can’t get behind is mediocrity and being directionless. When there is no clear plan going forward, fans tend to become disillusioned and check out. Shane Steichen is entering that dangerous territory, but there is still time to change course.
The idea behind making Joe Flacco the starting quarterback was that he would give the team the best chance to win. Two things are becoming abundantly clear, however. First, based on Flacco’s play over the last two weeks, that simply is not the case. He is making too many careless mistakes. A veteran should at least be seen to protect the ball, make the smart play, and not make a game altering error. The following stats are not indicative of winning at all, however.
It has been two games since Anthony Richardson was benched for Joe Flacco. Two #Colts losses.
Coach Shane Steichen: “Until I say otherwise, Joe is the starter.”
Flacco’s stats:
Comp Pct: 67.7
Pass TD-INT: 2-4
Pass YPG: 225.5
Pass Yds/Att: 7.3
Passer Rating: 72.7
Sacked: 7…— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 10, 2024
The second thing that is coming to light, if it wasn’t clear before, is this is not a championship roster. Winning shouldn’t have been the sole focus this year. Getting Anthony Richardson and the young players reps and used to each other’s rhythm should have been mission number one. This team isn’t one player or quarterback away. Steichen appears to disagree because he is still rolling with Flacco going forward. I am not sure what he is watching out there, but Flacco isn’t the answer. I would rather things be rocky with Richardson than watch a non-future with Flacco.
Steichen doesn’t seem to be backing down from his decision. If it was his decision alone to make, then that is extremely unfortunate. A good leader has to be able to admit when they were wrong. Using a season to develop a young gun is much more exciting, meaningful, and practical than running out an old veteran to limp along. It is still unclear at this point, but if there is more to the decision or it is being made by others in the building, that is another situation. It would be one that is even more concerning and damaging long term for this franchise.
If Shane Steichen is truly calling the shots, he needs to swallow his pride and go back to Anthony Richardson. The season is slipping away because Joe Flacco can’t save this team. Let’s get Richardson some run time and see if he has matured to a point where he is ready to lead this franchise. If not, cut him loose. The only way to find out, however, is if he actually sees the field. So, come on, Shane. I’m begging you. Shane! Shane!
