The Indianapolis Colts are not wavering on their quarterback decision despite disappointing results in Week 9. Head coach Shane Steichen affirmed after the Colts’ 21-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night that 38-year-old Joe Flacco will remain the team’s starter moving forward.
“Right now, yes,” Steichen said when asked if Flacco is still his QB1, even after the offense produced season-lows in points (6), total yards (227), and first downs (13) against Minnesota’s stout defense. The output was a far cry from what Steichen anticipated when he boldly declared last week that Flacco “gives us the best chance to win right now.”
Flacco Fails to Ignite Sputtering Offense
Making his first start since being named the starter over rookie Anthony Richardson, the 15-year veteran struggled to establish any consistency. Flacco finished 16-of-27 for 179 yards with no touchdowns and an interception that came on an ill-advised throw.
The Colts especially floundered in the first half, mustering a meager 92 total yards and 62 passing yards. On third downs, they converted just 3-of-11 opportunities, with Flacco going 3-for-9 for 47 yards in those scenarios.
“You know coming in here against a team like that, it’s going to be difficult. But I don’t think you ever anticipate something like that.”
Joe Flacco on the Colts’ offensive woes
Steichen shouldered much of the blame, acknowledging he needs to reassess the offensive approach. “Obviously, he’s played in environments like this before but, again, it starts with myself,” the first-year head coach said. “I’ve got to keep looking at what we’re doing offensively. We have eight [games] left and I’ve got to look at scheme stuff and see what we’re doing and go from there.”
Missing Elements of Richardson’s Game
While the rookie Richardson had his well-documented struggles, especially with accuracy (NFL-low 44.4% completion rate) and turnovers (7 interceptions), he provided the Colts’ offense with elements that were sorely missed on Sunday.
Flacco managed just two completions beyond 20 yards against the Vikings and his 7.7 average air yards per attempt marked a season low for Indy. In contrast, Richardson’s ability to stretch the field is reflected in his league-leading 12.3 air yards per attempt.
The Colts’ typically potent ground game also sputtered to a season-worst 68 rushing yards. Star running back Jonathan Taylor was held to 48 yards, matching his lowest output of 2024. As a dual-threat weapon, Richardson’s absence was felt in the rushing attack as well.
“[The QB change] definitely changes up the plays that we run. We’re not doing as many [run-pass option] types of things.”
Colts receiver Alec Pierce on the offensive adjustments
Wasted Defensive Effort
Indianapolis’ offensive futility overshadowed an inspired defensive performance that produced three takeaways, including a scoop-and-score fumble return touchdown by cornerback Kenny Moore II. It accounted for the Colts’ lone trip to the end zone.
At 4-5, the Colts find themselves mired in mediocrity and facing an uphill battle in the AFC playoff picture. Steichen is staking his reputation on Flacco providing a steadying presence for the final eight games. But if the offense continues to sputter, the calls for Richardson will only grow louder.