Richardson’s Benching Should End Ballard’s Tenure. Will It?

Source: Justin Casterline / Getty

The Indianapolis Colts have sent former 4th-overall-pick Anthony Richardson to the bench, and the move could (and should) have wide ranging repercussions for decision makers in the Colts organization. 

First and foremost, Colts general manager Chris Ballard, the man responsible for the selection of Richardson and for the construction of this flawed Colts roster, should be shown the door. His record is well known around Indy; now in his 8th season, two playoff appearances, one playoff win. Any other GM would have lost his job long ago, and yet Ballard somehow has remained. Could he do so again? 

On the surface it seems highly unlikely. Shane Steichen may say that the move to Flacco was entirely his decision, but it’s hard not to think that this could also be Ballard realizing he’s on the hot seat and desperately trying to save his job with a playoff run. Even if they do squeak into the postseason (and inevitably get blown out in the Wild Card by a team like Baltimore), Ballard should not be given another chance. The cover that Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement provided has long since passed. He’s had more than enough time to get it right but hasn’t. Now, he has apparently whiffed on the 4th-overall-pick. There should be no coming back from that. 

Of course, owner Jim Irsay is anything but conventional. He has expressed his affinity for Ballard on multiple occasions, even after almost any other owner would have cut bait. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where Ballard keeps his job, but it isn’t impossible. Irsay would risk a fan revolt if he brought him back, but he’s done crazier things before, lest we forget the Jeff Saturday saga. 

Steichen is not immune from criticism for his handling of Richardson, but he may get some grace considering the job he did with Gardner Minshew in his first year. Regardless of what happens the rest of the season however, Ballard should not be allowed to return for Year 9. 

During the Wednesday edition of The Ride With JMV, John spoke to Kevin Bowen from the morning show The Wake-Up Call w/KB & Andy, as well as James Boyd of The Athletic about the benching of Anthony Richardson. Listen to those conversations down below, and tune into The Ride With JMV weekdays from 3-6pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan! 

Richardson’s Benching Should End Ballard’s Tenure. Will It?  was originally published on 1075thefan.com