If you’re an Indianapolis Colts fan, “quarterback carousel” are two of the most dreaded words to hear. Sadly, that’s what the team has been known for over the past few years.
The carousel was supposed to end, though, when the Colts landed Anthony Richardson. Indy selected the Florida product fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, his career has gotten off to a miserable start thus far.
Richardson missed all but four games as a rookie last year due to injuries. Then he has struggled mightily this season, completing just 44.4 percent on his passes. Accuracy issues combined with his “tap out” play led to him being benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco.
Flacco has struggled as well since becoming the starter. And it’s looking like neither he nor Richardson is the Colts’ answer at the quarterback position.
Will the Colts Quarterback Carousel Ever End?
The Andrew Luck Curse
August 24, 2019, is one of the saddest days in Indiana sports history. That was when 29-year-old Andrew Luck abruptly announced his retirement two weeks before the start of the season.
Indianapolis had drafted Luck first overall in 2012. The former Stanford star would replace Peyton Manning as the Colts’ franchise signal-caller.
The team has had a quarterback carousel ever since Luck’s retirement. Jacoby Brissett started 15 games and Brian Hoyer started once during the 2019 campaign. The Colts finished with a 7-9 record that year and missed out on the postseason.
Indianapolis signed Philip Rivers as a free agent the following offseason. The former San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers star wound up playing just one season in Indy. Yet, it was a successful season as the Colts went 11-5 and made the playoffs. The team still hasn’t reached the postseason since Rivers was under center.
Carson Wentz was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021. During his lone season as a Colt, the team finished 9-8 and nearly made the postseason.
Indianapolis traded for veteran Matt Ryan the following year. The 2016 NFL MVP was expected to get the Colts back on track. However, the 2022 season would prove to be a nightmare. The Colts went 4-12-1 as Ryan, Sam Ehlinger and Nick Foles all got starts.
Gardner Minshew was signed in 2023. He ended up starting 13 games, replacing the injured Richardson. Surprisingly, the Colts finished with a 9-8 record and almost made the playoffs last season.
Who Will End the Revolving Door?
This past offseason, Flacco replaced Minshew as Richardson’s backup. Flacco is currently the starter, and no one knows if Richardson will start again this season. You never know, Richardson may never play another game in Indy. It’s possible that the Colts could trade him in 2025 and look for someone else.
Honestly, it seems like the team’s revolving door will never end. Replacing Luck has been a really difficult task. Guys like Wentz and Ryan just haven’t been the solution.
Richardson might eventually become the franchise star that the Colts hoped he’d be. The 22-year-old possesses a ton of potential. While he’s certainly athletic, he needs to improve his accuracy and shake off the injury bug. Colts fans are hoping he can do that and finally end this frustrating carousel.
Main Photo Courtesy of Grace Hollars – USA Today Network Via Imagn Images
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