In 2022, Joe Flacco seemed on the precipice of retirement. A 1-8 stretch across three seasons with the Jets, where he was somewhere between a quarterback’s coach and emergency tank commander, should’ve been the end of his illustrious career. Considering his situation, his counting stats were adequate, but it’s not like he could turn back the clock.
When Cleveland signed him off his couch last year, it felt like a desperate move from the league’s perennial dumpster fire franchise. Naturally, he turned in one of the most improbable runs in recent memory. Flacco was the talk of the sport, going 4-1 and earning Comeback Player of the Year. He turned the lifeless Browns into America’s darling and led them to their second playoff birth since 2002. Many speculated he didn’t re-sign to avoid an off-season quarterback controversy with Deshaun Watson—the irony is astounding.
When the veteran inked a one-year deal with Indianapolis, it felt like a waste. Flacco proved he was overqualified to be the wily mentor. At worst, he could be a bridge starter, helping a club compete before they look for a younger leader.
Anthony Richardson went down three weeks ago, and the Flacco magic is now officially out of control. The 39-year-old should tell Father Time he should look for a new occupation because the former Super Bowl MVP is in the midst of a sensational stretch. Against all odds, the Colts have a dilemma at signal caller and need to decide pronto.
Anthony Richardson or Joe Flacco? The Verdict
Nine out of ten times, the super athlete with the bazooka arm is the obvious choice. Anthony Richardson is a specimen, a physical hybrid between what analytics and old-school “football guys” desire at the position. Measurables elevate a player’s ceiling, but what about performance?
Even for 22, Richardson is raw. In his last five campaigns, three in college and two in the pros, he’s only started 21 games. For context, rookie J.J. McCarthy, a year his junior, had 28 starts alone as the field general at Michigan.
Richardson’s inexperience shows up on tape, and those highlights that circulate like wildfire on Twitter (not X, I’m X) are far less prevalent than you might think. He’s inefficient at best and totally reckless at worst. In eight appearances, he has eight total turnovers. In games he’s finished, the former Florida Gator is 2-4. His 55% completion percentage would garner eye rolls in 2008, and despite how fun it looks in bite-size clips, Richardson is far from ready to have his team in contention for anything besides a high draft pick.
If Shane Steichen wants immediate success, Flacco is the man. He’s become a calculated gunslinger—unafraid to push the ball but accurate enough to mitigate risk. He’s matched Richardson’s effectiveness on tosses of 20 or more yards while being a cut above on everything nearer. Flacco doesn’t have superhuman ability with his legs, but he is a maestro in the pocket. Does it matter that he’s not a dual threat if he keeps slinging the rock like this?
On-the-job training can be tricky—just read my first few pieces. There’s no shame in taking a back seat and being a talented understudy. There’s value in waiting your turn and learning underneath someone who has reached the top of their craft. Even with a solid infrastructure around Richardson, this squad will struggle if he gets his job back in his current form. A lack of results can eventually stunt his long-term growth.
If Flacco gets the nod, this group is a frisky playoff contender that can give the AFC’s best a challenge. The rest of the roster could benefit greatly from postseason experience, and Richardson could learn what it takes to win at this level. There’s no need to rush the future—let Joe Cook, for now.
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