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Stephen Holder, ESPNNov 4, 2024, 02:07 AM ET
- Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.
MINNEAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts‘ quarterback move didn’t exactly play out as expected, with the team’s offense producing its fewest points, yards and first downs of the season in Joe Flacco‘s first game since being named the starter over Anthony Richardson.
But coach Shane Steichen did not appear ready to revisit his much-debated decision, saying in the wake of Indianapolis’ 21-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night that Flacco will remain the Colts’ QB1.
“Right now, yes,” Steichen replied when asked if Flacco is still his starter.
Steichen’s decision was under scrutiny after he initiated the change Tuesday and, on Wednesday, told reporters the call was made because Flacco “gives us the best chance to win right now.”
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Instead, the Colts fell to 4-5, and their offense seemed to take a step back, producing season lows in offensive points (six), yards (227) and first downs (13) while struggling to find any consistency against the Brian Flores-led defense.
The Colts were particularly unproductive in the first half, generating just 92 yards of offense and 62 passing yards.
Indianapolis was 3-for-11 in third-down efficiency for the game, with Flacco going 3-of-9 for 47 yards in those scenarios.
“You know coming in here against a team like that, it’s going to be difficult,” Flacco said. “But I don’t think you ever anticipate something like that.”
Overall, Flacco completed 16 of his 27 passes for 179 yards with one interception, the result of a questionable decision that allowed Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to undercut Colts wide receiver Josh Downs on a third-down outbreaking route.
Steichen said Flacco “was fine.”
“Obviously, he’s played in environments like this before,” the coach said. “But again, it starts with myself … I’ve got to keep looking at what we’re doing offensively. We have eight [games] left, and I’ve got to look at scheme stuff and see what we’re doing and go from there.”
Richardson’s struggles were well-documented, especially his NFL-low 44.4% completion rate and seven interceptions. But the Colts missed the attributes the 22-year-old quarterback provides, including his dangerous deep-ball throws and running ability.
Flacco on Sunday generated just two completions longer than 20 yards. His 7.7 air yards per attempt was the lowest by the Colts in a game this season. Explosive plays is an area where Richardson excelled, with an NFL-high 12.3 air yards per attempt in 2024.
As for the running game, the Colts struggled to produce any consistent success against the Vikings’ formidable run defense. Richardson, a dual-threat quarterback, has given the Colts a boost on the ground that they perhaps missed on Sunday. Indianapolis finished with a season-low 68 rushing yards in Minneapolis, with running back Jonathan Taylor (48 yards) matching his lowest output of the season one week after rushing for 105 yards in a loss at the Houston Texans.
The change in quarterback “definitely changes up the plays that we run,” Indy wideout Alec Pierce said. “We’re not doing as many [run-pass option] types of things.”
The offensive performance overshadowed a defensive surge by the Colts, who produced three turnovers, including a strip sack by Grover Stewart that was scooped up and returned for a touchdown by Kenny Moore II. It was the Colts’ only TD of the game.
