INDIANAPOLIS – The latest phase of Anthony Richardson’s growth process took an unexpected twist last week. It ran into a roadblock.
Shane Steichen benched the Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback of the future and placed the team’s immediate success in the hands of Joe Flacco.
Instead of preparing for Sunday’s meeting with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills by running the first-team offense, Richardson is handling the scout team. He’s giving Gus Bradley’s defense the best imitation possible of Allen.
“Damn near built the same,’’ tackle DeForest Buckner said Thursday. “And he’s elusive with his legs and throws the deep ball. He’s given us a great look this week.’’
But that never was part of the plan as Richardson headed into year 2.
No longer is he developing week-by-week by experiencing the incredible highs and maddening lows everyone anticipated. Richardson is the backup and apparently will remain in that role unless or until Flacco no longer is considered the better option “going forward.’’
His teammates made it clear they had his back after the demotion.
After Sunday night’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, support came from an unexpected source.
As players were milling about the field, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell approached Richardson at midfield. NFL Films shared the otherwise private moment.
They shook hands, then were locked in a man hug for several seconds. Positive reinforcement flowed from O’Connell.
“Do me a favor and remember something.’’
OK
“You’re a bad dude . . .’’
Yes sir.
“. . . and you’re going to play a long time in this league.’’
For sure.
“All right. Go to work every day. Good things will happen for you. I still believe in you. I know these guys do. Shane does, too. And this organization loves you. Go to work.’’
Appreciate that.
“Always. All love, man.’’
They clasped hands again. There was a parting embrace and then they went their separate ways.
Richardson returned to his second week as No. 2 on the depth chart.
“Not much different,’’ he said Wednesday. “I’m still preparing as if I am having an opportunity to play. And so, whenever there is an opportunity and chance, if they call my name, I’ll be ready.’’
He admitted watching from the sidelines Sunday was difficult. It was the first time he’s been healthy but didn’t step on the field.
“You always want to play, always want to get out there,’’ Richardson said. “You’re always hyped up, got energy. You want to get out there and just ball out, but it comes with it. You’ve just got to be prepared.’’
Questions swirled about whether one of the reasons for the demotion involved Richardson not approaching his starting responsibilities with the proper level of commitment. It might be easy to forget the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft is 22 and has started just 23 games since high school.
That would have complicated a shaky on-field performance: 44.4% completion rate and 57.2 rating, both worst in the league, along with nine turnovers in six starts. And there was that one-play “tap out’’ at Houston.
Steichen repeatedly dismissed any notion that part of Richardson’s development had been compromised by his work ethic.
“With any young player, it does take time to develop, and we go through that process week-in and week-out and that’s where it’s at,’’ he said last week. “This is going to be a great learning experience for him. Just to keep developing in a different way. Not giving up on him by any means.’’
A source reinforced that stance, insisting the team anticipates Richardson will be needed at some point this season and in the future.
Steichen was asked last week what Richardson needed to do to regain the starting job.
“He just needs to keep developing and growing as a professional,’’ he said. “All the little things, details . . . we go through that. I mean, he’s a young player. Just keep developing.’’
Wednesday, Steichen added Richardson has handled the demotion as well as possible.
“He’s been great,’’ he said. “Had a good conversation, brief conversation with him this morning. He’s been good. He’s taken it in stride. Continue to develop and learn.’’
It doesn’t appear as if Richardson’s confidence has been shaken.
“Just knowing who I am, knowing what I stand for,’’ he said. “I trust in the Lord. I trust every process and everything He brought me through and brought me here so far. So, I’m just continuing to trust in on that, lean in on that, just knowing that the storm shall pass.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.