The Indianapolis Colts have looked better on offense with Joe Flacco under center than they did with Anthony Richardson earlier in the year, but there is not going to be a quarterback controversy going forward.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Monday that Richardson will start against the Miami Dolphins in Week 7 as long as the second-year quarterback does not suffer a setback with his hip injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“I think he’ll be ready to go,” Steichen said.
Flacco took over for Richardson after Richardson suffered a hip injury in Week 5. Flacco played extremely well in relief of the former Florida star and led the Colts to a 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The following week, Flacco played like a Pro Bowl quarterback. He went 33-for-44 for 359 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 37-34 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Flacco played well enough to win again on Sunday when he finished 22-of-38 for 189 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a 20-17 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
In total, Flacco has 716 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception across three games. The Colts are 2-1 with Flacco as he played the majority of Week 5. Before he got hurt, Richardson threw three touchdowns compared to six interceptions in three-plus games. The Colts were 1-2 in those games.
There is no question Indy’s offense has been sharper with the 39-year-old Flacco under center. Despite that, Steichen has maintained that Richardson is not in danger of losing his starting job. Even if an argument can be made that Flacco gives the Colts their best chance to win, the team is fully committed to Richardson as their franchise quarterback.
