"It's time to retire" - NFL fans blast Joe Flacco as Colts QB throw 2 INTs in first quarter vs. Bills

NFL fans unleashed their frustration on social media after Indianapolis Colts (4-5) quarterback Joe Flacco's disastrous start against the Buffalo Bills (7-2) during Sunday Night Football. The veteran signal-caller threw two interceptions in his first eight plays, sparking immediate calls for his retirement and the return of Anthony Richardson.

The said plays began on the Colts's first offensive play when Flacco threw an interception to Taron Johnson, who returned it 23 yards for a touchdown. The 39-year-old quarterback followed up with another pick on the next drive, this time to defensive tackle Austin Johnson. The second interception came after Jonathan Taylor had converted a fourth-and-1 as Flacco - under pressure from Von Miller - threw off his back foot.

The patience of the home crowd seemed to wear thin very quickly. Boos were filling the stadium every time Flacco returned to the field following a turnover. By the end of the first quarter, his stat line had read pretty desolate: 2-for-7 passing for 28 yards and two interceptions. Making that second interception even more intriguing was that Austin Johnson, the 6-foot-4, 314-pound defensive tackle, had never recorded an interception at any level of football before this season.

Football fans on X - formerly Twitter - did not hold back with their criticism.

"Joe Flacco. it's time to retire man," one fan said bluntly.

"GET JOE FLACCO OUT OF MY CITY," another frustrated supporter said.

The apparent outrage did not end there, as another fan wrote in a seemingly sarcastic tone.

"Joe Flacco would beat Josh Allen in a game of Chess," the Colts fan wrote.

"Joe Flacco needs to tap out," a fan said.

Colts' Anthony Richardson gamble seems to backfire as Joe Flacco struggles

Joe Flacco in action during the Colts vs. Bills game (Credits: IMAGN)

The Colt's decision to bench Anthony Richardson for Flacco has seemed to go against their favor quickly. The switch was two weeks ago, following a 20-23 loss to the Houston Texans. Indianapolis was sitting at 4-4 and still in position for a run at the playoffs. They thought bringing Flacco into action with Richardson already out a couple of games due to injury would bring more stability.

Before this game, the veteran had shown promise. He was coming in with a 64.4% completion rate this season, throwing seven touchdowns and just two interceptions. But after last week's two picks against the Minnesota Vikings and today's catastrophic start against Buffalo, the Colts' strategy to turn to the veteran quarterback seems to have gone awry.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo defense is on a roll, picking up at least one takeaway for the 12th consecutive game.