INDIANAPOLIS – The seismic decision came down to one overriding issue.
Going forward, Joe Flacco – not Anthony Richardson – is the best quarterback option for the Indianapolis Colts.
That’s the reason Shane Steichen – after talking with owner Jim Irsay, general manager Chris Ballard and the offensive staff – decided Tuesday to bench Richardson and turn to Flacco.
“Joe will be our quarterback going forward,’’ Steichen said Wednesday. “Tough decision, but one I felt was in the best interest of our football team. I feel Joe gives us the best chance to win right now.
“With that being said, we’re not giving up on Anthony. We’re really not. He’s a young player with a ton of talent. He can use this time to develop and grow as a professional.’’
The present is in the hands of a 39-year-old quarterback who’s started 187 games and won a Super Bowl over 17 seasons. Flacco’s 188th career start comes at Minnesota on NBC’s Sunday Night Football stage.
Richardson will serve as Flacco’s backup. The demotion comes after he completed 44.4% of his passes with a 57.2 passer rating in his six starts. He’s also turned the ball over nine times.
A question that must be made at some point: What happens in the future? The Colts unquestionably tied their future to Richardson when they selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft.
“I can’t predict the future,’’ Steichen said.
Can he envision Richardson regaining his starting spot, even if that’s in 2025?
“That’d be great,’’ he said. “We’ll see.
“Obviously, it’s a difficult thing. But again, it’s my obligation to 53 guys in this organization to win football games. And right now, I’m focused on the present, winning football games. We’ll get to the future when we have to get to the future.’’
The tough decision, as Steichen phrased it, was his alone.
He was asked if he has the final say on who starts at quarterback.
“Yes, I do,’’ Steichen said. “It was my decision, yes.’’
It was made after talking with Irsay.
“We had conversations but ultimately, it’s my decision,’’ Steichen said.
On several occasions, Steichen mentioned every decision comes down to what’s best for the team at this time.
“I’m just looking at where we’re at as a football team,’’ he said. “We’re .500 with a lot of football left and just feel Joe gives us the best chance.’’
Steichen insisted Richardson “tapping out’’ for one play in last Sunday’s loss at Houston didn’t influence his decision.
“It didn’t,’’ he said. “He knows he can’t do that in that situation. That’s part of the growth and the development you go through.’’
The news clearly was a surprise to Richardson. He’s started every game – 10 in all – when he’s been healthy.
“It’s tough,’’ Steichen said. “Anytime you get that news, it’s tough, you know what I mean? To not be the starter anymore, it’s tough.
“But I think he’s going to handle it the right way going forward, be a professional about it, grind, get ready, prepare like you’re the starter.
“Shoot, he’s still one play away.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.