Vikings vs Colts QB Drama: Head Coach Under Fire and Not Handling It Well

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Shane Steichen
Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

This weekend, the Indianapolis Colts are going to be under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football, against our favorite football team, the Minnesota Vikings. Just days before kickoff, though, their 39-year-old head coach Shane Steichen decided to bench former first round pick Anthony Richardson in favor of another 39-year-old, Joe Flacco.

Just a year ago, the Colts traded up in the NFL Draft, to take Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson. Steichen was the head coach then, too, and reports say he politicked hard for the Colts to draft Richardson, at the time. Now, after just ten starts into the rookie QB experiment (plus a true rookie season washed out by injury), that same head coach is pulling the plug.

Colts coach doesn’t know how to read the room

When asked if the locker room was unified behind the decision, Steichen responded, “I can’t speak for our team.” Someone should tell Steichen that, as head coach, that’s exactly what he is paid to do. Not every player can take the podium.

Some have suggested that Richardson’s benching stems from when he “tapped out” of last week’s game because he needed a breather. According to Steichen, that is not why he will be wearing a headset on Sunday night, and not a helmet..

Related: Indianapolis Colts Make Huge QB Move Prior to Game vs Minnesota Vikings

What is next for the Indianapolis Colts and Anthony Richardson?

No matter the reason for Richardson’s benching, both he and Steichen look like they are incapable of leading the Indianapolis Colts going forward, especially together. The move is a wild one, considering the investment made into a player you intended as a franchise cornerstone.

When asked if he got an explanation from his head coach on why he was being benched, Anthony Richardson pretty much said, no. Obviously, there is some serious tension building in the Colts locker room this week.

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Vikings’ Week 9 Matchup vs Colts

Is it possible that the Indianapolis Colts start fielding calls on Richardson’s availability, prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline. It may be time to let him develop elsewhere… unless it’s Shane Steichen who the Irsay family is eyeing as they look at where to point their finger for this disaster situation.

No matter what happens in Indy, long term, this is a perfect situation for the Minnesota Vikings. It sure seems like the Colts might be worried about infighting between coaches and players, than they are about the actual game Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. If the Vikings can punch the Colts in the mouth early, they may self-destruct.

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