NFL analyst suggests Anthony Richardson helmet tapping was symptom of “deeper problem”
The Indianapolis Colts' decision to bench rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson two weeks ago stunned many NFL observers. However, one prominent analyst believes the move was part of a calculated strategy to address deeper issues with the young signal-caller's maturity and leadership.
During a "Pro Football Talk" segment on NBC on Wednesday, Mike Florio shared his perspective on Richardson's unexpected exit from the Texans game. In that game, the quarterback tapped his helmet and asked to come out of a critical third-down play.
"They're not going to say, 'All right, look. Hey, hey, media. Just between us. Just us folks talking. This guy needed to be humbled a little bit if he was ever going to grow into the quarterback, we need him to be,'" Florio said.
According to Florio, the Colts viewed Richardson's "tapping out" as symptomatic of more profound problems.
"They thought he needed to be smacked down a little bit, and we thought that that would cause him to come back and unlock and unleash a higher level of Anthony Richardson," Florio explained.
Florio emphasized that NFL starting quarterbacks typically do "anything and everything in their power to stay on the field," even ignoring concussion symptoms at times.
Colts veteran center Ryan Kelly echoed this sentiment on Oct. 28, 2024, stating bluntly:
"That's not the standard he needs to play up to."
Kelly emphasized that the decision was a "tough look" for Richardson, but one the team hoped would spur personal growth.
This incident appears to have been a wake-up call for Richardson, prompting the Colts to sideline him temporarily in favor of the more experienced Joe Flacco.
The goal, according to Florio, was to force Richardson to re-evaluate his approach and demonstrate a greater commitment to the details of preparation and in-game resilience.
Indeed, Anthony Richardson himself acknowledged the need for improvement, admitting on Wednesday:
"I'm still new to this ... When it comes to being a professional, you feel like you're doing a lot of things right, but when it comes to sacrifice, there are always more things to sacrifice – like time and stuff like that."
The young quarterback's willingness to learn has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Linebacker E.J. Speed defended Richardson on Oct. 28, 2024, saying:
"If y'all want to be naysayers or supporters on AR, do what you want to do, but I guarantee you, 5's going to go out there and play like 5, regardless of the situation. I've got all the confidence in the world in AR."
Colts is developing a franchise quarterback with Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson's draft pedigree, which included a No. 4 overall selection and lofty expectations, has only heightened the scrutiny on his development.
As Kelly pointed out, the position comes with a "certain demand and a standard you're held to." Richardson's brief benching seems aimed at reinforcing those standards and ensuring he is prepared to shoulder the responsibilities of being a franchise quarterback.
The Colts have maintained faith in Anthony Richardson's long-term potential through it all. Head coach Shane Steichen emphasized that the team "had never lost faith" in the young passer, even as he completed a league-worst 44.4% of his passes and posted a 57.2 passer rating in six starts.
As Anthony Richardson now returns to the starting role, the Colts will be looking for tangible signs that he has internalized those lessons. His own reflections on the need for "more sacrifice" and solidifying his "day-to-day" preparation suggest the time on the sidelines may have refocused the young quarterback.
Florio's analysis, combined with the Colts' handling of this situation, underscores the delicate balance involved in developing elite quarterback talent.