On the bench.

It may sound harsh and even heartless. However, it’s an important reality check for NFL players.

This is particularly true for Anthony Richardson.

The 22-year-old was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft to become the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. If he fulfills his significant potential in the years ahead—whether with the Colts or elsewhere—this week’s decision to bench him could be seen as a beneficial step in his career.

It’s time for you to take a break and observe, young player. Learn from seasoned veteran Joe Flacco, who can show you how to manage this challenging role effectively. Coach Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts deemed it necessary to make this decision.

During the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, the young quarterback opted to exit for a crucial third-down play.

If this decision adds to other issues, it could jeopardize the coach’s standing with the team. Veteran center Ryan Kelly offered his thoughts on Monday, speaking honestly about the situation—a rarity in such contexts.

Kelly, who has been in the league for nine years, expressed surprise at Richardson’s choice to pull himself from the game.

because the quarterback admitted he was “tired, not going to lie.”

“We talked about it, and I believe he understands that this isn’t the level of play expected from him and what the team requires,” Kelly shared with the media. “I’ll refrain from disclosing more about our discussion. He will face some criticism for his performance, which is deserved. It’s a challenging situation.”

Ouch. That’s a strong statement about accountability. If Kelly feels this way publicly, it’s likely many other players share similar sentiments, especially since the Colts (4-4) still have a chance to vie for a playoff spot.

Leaving during tough times can be hard for Richardson to recover from in terms of both perception and on-the-field performance. Let’s not forget the incredible potential he showcased in Week 1 against the Texans, particularly with that stunning 60-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce. It was truly remarkable.

There’s a noticeable contrast when you see him signaling for a substitution by tapping his helmet, even when he’s not hurt.

A critical lesson for Richardson is understanding the essential qualities of leadership that a quarterback must exhibit.

Additionally, this change largely stems from performance issues. Currently, Richardson ranks as the 32nd-best passer in the NFL with a rating of 57.2 for the season. His completion rate stands at just 44.4%, with 4 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, and he has yet to surpass a 50% completion rate in any game this season.

This season, he played five games (with six starts), which isn’t enough to meet expectations.

However, Richardson seems to be taking this feedback positively during his conversation with the media on Wednesday.

“As a competitor, it definitely stings,” Richardson expressed, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “It’s tough to hear that you’re not the chosen one for the next week. But I’m okay with it. I’m viewing this situation as a chance to grow and learn from my errors.”

Richardson isn’t alone in needing growth; Colts GM Chris Ballard and Steichen took a significant risk by choosing Richardson (6-4, 244 pounds) despite his limited college experience at Florida.

He had a brief college career with the Gators, starting only one season and completing 53.8% of his passes, similar to his time at Eastside High in Gainesville, Florida. The few opportunities he had before joining the NFL hinted at the level of development he required as a player. His rookie season was further complicated by a shoulder injury that necessitated surgery, allowing him to play in just four games.

the findings indicate that it was premature to put Richardson in a challenging position. However, it’s still too early to consider him a failure, even though statistics reveal that first-round quarterbacks have about a 50% chance of success.

Of course, Jayden Daniels, who was taken second overall in April, has been impressive with the Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, Caleb Williams (the first overall pick by the Chicago Bears) and Bo Nix (who went 12th to the Denver Broncos) are showing encouraging development. Last year’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was C.J. Stroud, selected second by the Texans. In 2022, Brock Purdy made his debut as a seventh-round draft choice for the San Francisco 49ers and…In his rookie year, he made the team, and by his second season, he was playing in the Super Bowl.

Among the five quarterbacks mentioned, only Stroud from Ohio State had less than three years of starting experience in college. Daniels played four years at both Arizona State and LSU. Williams was a starter for three seasons at Oklahoma and USC. Nix had five years as a starting quarterback at Auburn and Oregon, while Purdy led for four years at Iowa State.

As a result, there has been growing pressure for young quarterbacks to make an immediate impact during this era.Passers today are generally better prepared than they were a generation ago, thanks in part to the emergence of seven-on-seven camps and specialized coaching for quarterbacks. However, each player’s journey is unique. Some quarterbacks may still benefit from a traditional development approach. This isn’t meant as criticism of Richardson; rather, it’s a reminder to manage expectations.

It’s clear why the Colts are excited about Richardson’s potential. His physical abilities are impressive and set him apart from others.

By placing him alongside one of the top offensive lines in the NFL and featuring a premier running back like Jonathan Taylor, the team has provided an excellent support system for him.

Although Steichen strongly believes that experience is crucial for development, it remains the responsibility of well-paid coaches and general managers to find the right balance. The Colts have been struggling to secure a long-term quarterback since Andrew Luck’s retirement, having resorted to temporary solutions with veterans like Philip Rivers and Matt Ryan.

The misjudgment regarding Richardson’s growth trajectory has led the Colts to implement an alternative strategy as they navigate this situation.

The seasoned veteran, 39-year-old Flacco, is preparing for the game this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. So far this season, he has recorded seven touchdown passes and only one interception.

Steichen mentioned that his decision was made with consideration for the entire 53-man roster, which should always be a priority.

He remains optimistic that Richardson can benefit from being a backup and gaining experience during practice, ultimately working towards fulfilling the potential that was envisioned for him when they first brought him in.

When asked if Richardson might have the chance to start again, the coach responded, “That would be fantastic. We’ll see what happens.”

For Flacco, who stepped in last year to help the Cleveland Browns make a playoff run after coming off the bench (and even from his couch), it’s all about focusing on winning right now.

“We’ll think about the future when it comes,” Steichen stated.

Richardson assures that he will be prepared for his next chance. “Whenever it arises…”

“I’m going to make the most of it,” he mentioned.

When and where this opportunity will arise remains uncertain. The Colts appear to be committed to Flacco for the remainder of the season. However, in the NFL, unexpected events are always a possibility.

It’s unusual for a player expected to lead as a franchise quarterback to seek a break from playing—only to end up sitting on the sidelines for an extended time.