Colts Head Coach: “We Weren’t Giving Up Anthony Richardson”

Source: Justin Casterline / Getty

INDIANAPOLIS–Not long after Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday that Anthony Richardson would return to be the starting quarterback, he also said he wanted to make some other things clear.

Steichen said he never gave up on Richardson.

“I never thought that he would never not play again. So, when I made the decision two weeks ago, that was why I made the decision. ‘Hey, Anthony (Richardson), these are the areas that we need to work on and see growth and improvement.’ He’s made great strides in those areas.”

After he benched Richardson for Joe Flacco, he said he didn’t do that with a return date in mind.

“I didn’t have a timetable on it, but I knew at some point – we weren’t giving up on Anthony (Richardson). Like, ‘Hey, here are the things that you need to work on and improve on.’ He’s been a pro about it,” said Steichen.

Steichen said Richardson is focusing on going through the grind of an NFL season and hoping to come out better.

“He’s learning it. It’s a process. Like I said, everyone’s got a different journey, a different story to their development. Hopefully we’re going to look back at this moment and say, ‘Shoot, remember that second year, where that went and where he’s at now?’”, said Steichen.

He also said Joe Flacco’s poor play recently had nothing to do with the decision and that Flacco took the news well.

“I informed Joe of the decision yesterday. He’s the ultimate pro. He respects the decision, understands it. I talked to the team this morning about it as well, informed them of the decision. Look, everyone has a different journey. Everyone has a different way, development and how you go about the process. Everyone wants instant gratification right now and sometimes it doesn’t work like that, and you fight through these times. I love Anthony. He’s a great person. Got great faith in him and his abilities to be our franchise quarterback,” said Steichen.