Colts HC Shane Steichen makes feelings clear on Joe Flacco after producing season-low numbers vs Vikings
Sunday's game for the Indianapolis Colts was the first game that Joe Flacco started since the team benched second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. While Flacco played well in the previous games, filling in for Richardson while he's been hurt, he struggled in his start against the Minnesota Vikings.
In the Colts' 21-13 loss, Flacco completed 16-of-27 passes for 179 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. The Colts' offense also scored a season-low six points, had a season-low in total yards (227), produced a season-low 68 rushing yards, and had a season-low 13 first downs against the Vikings.
Despite Indy's clear offensive struggles during Sunday Night Football, coach Shane Steichen made his stance clear that Flacco will remain the team's starting quarterback, despite the lousy offensive performance.
Steichen said:
"Joe was fine...It starts with myself."
Indianapolis made a big change this week leading up to Sunday night's game when they announced that Anthony Richardson was demoted to backup quarterback after his performance against the Houston Texans.
Richardson completed 10-of-32 passes for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He notably took himself out of the game for one play to rest, which a lot of people believe is what led to his benching.
The Indianapolis Colts will host the Buffalo Bills this Sunday
Through the first nine weeks of the 2024 NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts have a 4-5 record and are in second place in the AFC South division. The Colts, after starting the season 0-2, won four of their next five games to improve to 4-3, but have lost their last two games.
This week, Indy won't have a favorable matchup, as they face one of the best teams in the NFL and the AFC the 7-2 Buffalo Bills. The Bills are on a four-game win streak.
Luckily, Indianapolis will reap the benefits of home-field advantage as the game will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday, at 1:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast via CBS.
Though the odds haven't been listed yet, the Bills are expected to be road favorites.
If Indianapolis continues to struggle (especially on offense), it will be interesting to see if Shane Steichen decides to make another quarterback change at any point.