NFL Rumors: Anthony Richardson 'Was Pissed' About Being Benched by Colts for Flacco

Anthony Richardson "was pissed" when the Indianapolis Colts benched him for Joe Flacco, according to The MMQB's Albert Breer.

"It lit a fire under him. He worked his tail off to be ready for whenever his next chance might come—knowing that Steichen's decision was simply about playing the best player," Breer reported. "And when Joe Flacco stumbled badly last week with three interceptions in a 30–20 loss to the Buffalo Bills, that created another opportunity, and Richardson was prepared to put together the kind of day he had in Jersey."

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Sunday the Colts benched Richardson with the idea of starting Flacco the rest of the way.

Flacco's struggles opened the door wide open for Richardson. He returned to the first string and threw for 272 yards and a touchdown in a 28-27 win over the New York Jets. He also scored the game-winning TD on a four-yard run inside the final minute.

It's been a bizarre season for Richardson, all told, running the gamut from admitting he took a play off during an October game because he was tired, to leading Sunday's crucial drive.

"I was just focused on my assignment," Richardson told reporters after the game. "I wasn't trying to press or do anything too much. Even when we did go up 13-0, I didn't get too excited. Even when they came back and we were down, I was keeping myself in it. Just believing in us and believing we had a chance to get the victory."

There's no question that Richardson has immense talent. He was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft for a reason. But he also had very little experience heading into the NFL, and an injury-plagued first season didn't help.

Richardson needs reps to live up to his massive potential. After Sunday, there's little doubt as to his playing status moving forward and he should continue to get the developmental time to evolve under center.