MINNEAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback transition didn’t unfold as hoped, with the offense recording season lows in points, yards, and first downs in Joe Flacco's debut as starter over Anthony Richardson.
Despite Indianapolis' 21-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, head coach Shane Steichen isn’t ready to reconsider his decision. When asked if Flacco remains the starting quarterback, Steichen responded, “Right now, yes.”
The decision to start Flacco over Richardson drew attention after Steichen stated Wednesday that Flacco "gives us the best chance to win right now." However, the Colts dropped to 4-5, and the offense struggled, putting up just six offensive points, 227 yards, and 13 first downs.
The Colts' offense was particularly ineffective in the first half, managing only 92 total yards and 62 passing yards. They also struggled on third down, converting just 3 of 11 attempts, with Flacco completing only 3 of 9 passes for 47 yards in those situations.
"Facing a team like that, you know it’s going to be tough," Flacco said. "But I didn’t expect it to go like this."
Overall, Flacco completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards and threw one interception, a pass undercut by Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. on third down. Steichen noted that Flacco "was fine," acknowledging the veteran’s experience but adding, “I have to evaluate our offensive scheme with eight games left.”
The Colts missed Richardson’s dynamic deep-ball throws and mobility. On Sunday, Flacco had only two completions over 20 yards, and his 7.7 air yards per attempt marked a season-low for the team, contrasting Richardson’s NFL-leading 12.3 air yards per attempt earlier in 2024.
The Colts’ ground game also struggled, producing just 68 rushing yards against Minnesota’s stout defense. Running back Jonathan Taylor had only 48 yards, matching his season-low. With Richardson’s ability to run, Indianapolis often found more success on the ground, which was noticeably absent on Sunday.
Wide receiver Alec Pierce acknowledged the shift in play style with Flacco under center, saying, "We’re not doing as many RPO plays."
The lackluster offensive outing overshadowed a strong defensive performance from the Colts, who generated three turnovers, including a strip sack by Grover Stewart that Kenny Moore II returned for Indianapolis' only touchdown of the game.
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