Colts fans react as Anthony Richardson gets benched for Joe Flacco: "I hate this franchise so much"

After a coaches' meeting on Tuesday morning in Indianapolis, the Colts have decided to bench quarterback Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco. The decision comes as somewhat of a surprise because Richardson has only started 10 career games.

Coming out of Florida with raw talent, many viewed Richardson as a work-in-progress professional QB (like Josh Allen) who needed time to develop. However, the Colts have seen enough through six games this season.

Richardson has completed only 44.4% of his passes for 958 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Colts fans had mixed reactions after they found out about the news. Some fans think it's a bad move to bench Richardson as he is only in his second NFL season.

Many fans pointed out how Richardson is a QB who still needs to develop and that they're messing with his confidence by giving up on him.

Here's how some Colts fans reacted:

"so now the last 5 years the colts did absolutely nothing. no development, no chance at developing for the future. just constant mediocracy with no offseason moves. fire everybody. WE KNEW WHAT WE WERE GETTING WITH AR. he is a project qb that needs reps. we arent a win now team," one fan replied.

"This is exactly how you bury a supposed Franchise QB’s confidence it’s Zach Wilson all over again," one fan said.

"horrendous decision, giving up on AR5's development after only 10 games for a mediocre QB class and short term gains. colts got too selfish and made this about 2024. the roster isn't close to a superbowl contender," a fan said.

While some didn't agree with the decision, others thought it was appropriate. Not only is Richardson playing poorly, but he also pulled himself out of Sunday's game against the Houston Texans because he was "tired."

Fans made jokes about Richardson not having to worry about being tired now that he is benched.

"Don’t worry yall he’s just catching his breath," one fan wrote.

"Good news is he shouldn’t be “tired” while he’s standing on the sidelines," a fan said.

"That's what happens when a qb tells his coach in the red zone "I'm tired, bro," a fan said.

Are the Indianapolis Colts in a better position to win with Joe Flacco than Anthony Richardson?

Joe Flacco during Indianapolis Colts v Houston Texans - Source: Getty

In three starts this season, Flacco has played well and has a 2-1 record. He's completed 71 of 108 passing attempts for 716 yards, seven TDs and one interception, while Richardson has a 3-3 record with a much lower passer rating.

While the Colts may be in a better position to win a few more games this season with Flacco, it isn't smart for Richardson's long-term development.

Certain players could benefit from Flacco being the starter such as wide receiver Josh Downs. In his three starts, Downs was targeted 30 times, catching 24 passes for 217 yards and two TDs.

Joe Flacco will start on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.