Joe Flacco was ready when his number was called.
The Indianapolis Colts have grown accustomed to relying on the backup quarterback over the last season plus. It started last year when Gardner Minshew received the lion’s share of the snaps in the wake of Anthony Richardson’s season ending injury. Not only did Minshew fill in, he took the Colts to within a play or two of reaching the postseason. While it is never ideal for your backup quarterback to see significant time, there is a sense of peace that accompanies knowing you have a good one waiting on the bench. Joe Flacco was ready when his number was called on Sunday.
Flacco has been around this league a long time. He has reached the ultimate pinnacle and had plenty of time to make a lot of money. He has been around so long, he is only eight days younger than Richardson’s mother.
“[Anthony Richardson’s] mom is 8 days older than I am, so there’s no chance in the world he thinks I’m cool.”
– Joe Flacco with an ALL-TIME interview with @AKinkhabwala pic.twitter.com/773ilbNIDz
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) September 29, 2024
Flacco may be old by NFL standards at 39, but he can still perform at a high level.
When he was thrust into action late into the first quarter, he came in and immediately threw a touchdown to Josh Downs. That extended the lead to 14-0. From there, he tacked on another touchdown along with 168 yards. The team struggled to hold on to that early lead, but he continued to convert big third downs and put enough points on the board for the Colts to nab their second victory of the season.
Would I prefer to not see Flacco for the rest of the season? Yes. Do I feel comfortable going into week five if he has to start against Jacksonville. Yes. This is why the Colts brought Flacco in and made him one of the few free agents they acquired. Richardson has had some injury concerns during his short career. It is unfortunate, but it means the team has to have a quality plan B. Flacco is much more than that, and it was on full display on Sunday.
Will Joe Flacco have to play again this week? We don’t know yet. It seems like Anthony Richardson will ultimately be fine, but that doesn’t mean his is good enough to play on Sunday. Flacco is the ultimate professional. He will be ready regardless. That is good news for Colts fans as the team looks to make it three in a row.
