WATCH: Anthony Richardson yawning on sidelines goes viral during Colts-Vikings SNF clash
Anthony Richardson was benched for Joe Flacco ahead of the Indianapolis Colts' Sunday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings. Announcers were discussing Anthony Richardson requesting to leave the game for a break last week when the camera focused on him.
NBC's cameras then caught the No. 4 pick of the 2023 draft yawning before an offensive play. Watch it below:
Flacco has yet to break out. In the first half, he failed to crack 100 yards and threw an interception, although the Colts managed to score a touchdown thanks to cornerback Kenny Moore II recovering a fumble on a sack.
Rex Ryan thinks Colts benching Anthony Richardson was the right move
The benching of Richardson has become one of the hottest topics of the 2024 season, with some arguing that it was too harsh and others believing that it was necessary.
Former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan is among those who support the benching, saying on "NFL Sunday Countdown":
“Absolutely. I mean, and not just the fact the guy did something I’ve never seen in 50 years or whatever. Takes himself out of a game, which was a horrible look, but the kid is playing poorly. He’s got the lowest completion percentage I think in history. Worse than Tim Tebow and all that.”
Michael Vick calls out Anthony Richardson for “tapout” that led to benching
The criticism towards Anthony Richardson only seems to continue growing. Besides Rex Ryan, former quarterback Michael Vick also had harsh words for him, saying on Fox’s pregame show that he did not want the benching to happen, but felt that it had to for professional and personal development:
“Some things are warranted. It's time for him to take a step back from the game, even though he's only had eight to 10 starts, watch Joe Flacco stack some good performances because that's what's needed right now.”
He continued:
“In this time where you got off, you gotta go — go watch Lamar Jackson play a full game and watch how many times he runs the football and never taps out. Whether it's a designed run, that's a bad example that you are sending to your team. … You gotta drag me out of the game. I've never seen that before.”
Trade rumors have concurrently emerged for Richardson, with Pro Football Focus in particular singling out the New York Jets, who have been struggling even with Aaron Rodgers under center, as a premier destination.