NFL insider expands on why Colts benched Anthony Richardson

The Athletic's James Boyd wrote on Tuesday that Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen benching second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson in favor of veteran Joe Flacco was about Richardson's "on-field performances" rather than the fact that Richardson took himself off the field during this past Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans because he was "tired." 

Mike Sando of The Athletic noted on Wednesday that Richardson's play isn't the only reason the 22-year-old may remain a spectator until further notice. 

"Those on the inside see things differently," Sando explained. "To them, the Colts decided the price for leaving Richardson in the lineup under these circumstances was higher than the price for replacing him. They chose to save the locker room now, in hopes of saving Richardson later, because they understand the tricky dynamics at work." 

Steichen and Indianapolis center Ryan Kelly revealed they made it known to Richardson that a QB1 tapping out during a game for even a play is unacceptable. Former NFL signal-caller Chase Daniel subsequently said he felt Richardson lost the respect "of every football player and every quarterback and every offensive lineman to ever have played the game" this past weekend. 

Per Pro Football Reference, Richardson heads into Week 9 ranked last in the NFL with a 57.2 passer rating, a 44.4% completion percentage and a 32.4% passing success rate on the campaign. Such numbers likely made it easier for Steichen to turn to Flacco, but one "former high-ranking executive with extensive NFL playing experience" suggested the coach could've faced a locker-room mutiny had he let Richardson start for the 4-4 Colts this Sunday night. 

"That position, rightfully or wrongfully, defines your whole team," the former executive told Sando. "And if he is defined as that guy that raises his hand and comes out when it gets tough, you can’t have that."

One executive from another team told Sando that Steichen risked "dividing [his] team" by not punishing Richardson via a benching. Such takes indicate Flacco could hold onto the starting job beyond the first Sunday of November unless he has a nightmare outing.

As of late Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Colts as five-point underdogs against the Vikings.