Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson raised some eyebrows with fans after admitting he had to sub himself out during the third quarter in his team’s loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday.
The reason is extraordinary: Because he ran a lot on the play before. And he was tired.
“I was tired, I ain’t gonna lie,” he said. “That was a lot of running right there. I didn’t think I’d be able to do that next play so I told them I needed a break right there.”
The Colts lost 23-20 and fell to .500 in the standings.
Richardson was atrocious, completing just 10 out of 32 passes for 175 yards. Fans were most likely tired themselves – tired of watching him throw the ball into the ground.
Anthony Richardson Once Said The NFL Game Was Easier Than College
Being winded in the third quarter of an NFL game is nothing out of the ordinary. In today’s game, players are subbed out to get a moment to breathe all the time.
But it usually doesn’t involve quarterbacks. And admitting you were too tired to finish a third-down play that resulted in a field goal attempt when you might have been able to deliver a first down is insane. Stay in until the next play dude. If you don’t covert, which, based on your completion percentage was very likely, you get to sit anyway.
It also comes with the backdrop that Anthony Richardson, during the offseason, suggested the NFL game is easier to play than the college game.
“Playing in the NFL, I feel like, is easier than in college,” he claimed.
Richardson went on to explain that it’s easier because he knows his teammates, every one of them, is “trying to ball out.”
Except, apparently, himself.
He’s Got Bigger Problems
Anthony Richardson has some bigger problems than needing rest. It might include involuntary rest. As in sitting on the bench in favor of his backup.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen doesn’t seem committed to Richardson starting this week against the Minnesota Vikings.
“Right now, today he is, yes,” Steichen told reporters when asked if Richardson would be starting before adding, “We’re evaluating.”
Richardson is ranked 29th in the league in passing yards and 32nd with just 4 passing touchdowns.
Steichen’s comments might be an effort to motivate his struggling quarterback. Or he might legitimately be considering making a move. Only time will tell.
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