The Indianapolis Colts took a strategic gamble, switching their midseason quarterback from rookie Anthony Richardson to veteran Joe Flacco. The move was made with one goal: to bring stability and increase their odds of competing in the AFC South, aiming to chase down the Houston Texans. However, Sunday night’s 21-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings underscored ongoing struggles for the Colts’ offense, as Flacco’s debut didn’t deliver the spark they’d hoped for.
Flacco’s Bumpy Return as Colts’ Starting Quarterback
Flacco’s first game as the Colts’ starting quarterback revealed the challenges of transitioning midseason. The 17-year NFL veteran finished with just 179 passing yards, completing 16 of 27 attempts. The Colts’ offense faced a relentless Minnesota defense, which forced Flacco into one interception and took him down with three late-game sacks. Despite his experience, Flacco struggled to find a consistent rhythm, saying, “They definitely got after us. They did what they were going to do the whole game. We’d have a play here and there, but then we’d shoot ourselves in the foot.”
The Colts managed only two field goals by kicker Matt Gay in the second half, with their lone touchdown in the first half coming from a fumble recovery by cornerback Kenny Moore II. The offensive unit has now scored just three touchdowns across their last three games, a concerning trend as they approach the second half of the season.
Head Coach Steichen’s Commitment to Flacco Despite Struggles
Despite a lackluster offensive showing, Colts head coach Shane Steichen expressed confidence in Flacco, stating that the veteran would remain the starter, at least for the immediate future. Steichen acknowledged the Vikings’ effective defensive tactics, saying, “They mixed up their coverages, blitz looks. We knew it would be a tough challenge… but at the end of the day, it wasn’t good enough. I’ve got to be better.” With a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills (7-2) on the horizon, Steichen plans to focus on refining the team’s offensive scheme rather than making additional lineup changes.
Steichen emphasized that Flacco’s calm presence and extensive experience make him a reliable choice under pressure, even if Sunday’s performance was below expectations. “I have a lot of faith in him,” he noted. However, the Colts’ offense only managed to accumulate 227 yards and ran a mere 49 plays throughout the game, underscoring their inability to sustain drives and control the clock.
Lack of Ground Game Adds to Offensive Woes
A significant part of the Colts’ struggle lies in their lack of production on the ground. Star running back Jonathan Taylor had a challenging night, gaining just 48 yards on 13 carries, with a single long run of 13 yards. The Vikings, with one of the league’s best defenses against the run, managed to keep Taylor contained. Taylor’s early fumble on the opening drive, recovered by Minnesota safety Harrison Smith, set a discouraging tone for the Colts’ ground game. Smith later remarked, “We didn’t necessarily have to stack the box too much… it was just guys up front getting off blocks and making plays.”
This lackluster performance was a stark contrast to the previous week when Taylor rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown against Houston. Coach Steichen remains optimistic, saying, “We’ll get that cleaned up… I have full faith that we’ll get that cleaned up.”
Adjusting to Flacco: Navigating the Change from Richardson’s Play Style
Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, provided the Colts with a dynamic, run-first option at quarterback before injuries sidelined him. Richardson’s shoulder injury in Week 5 effectively ended his season, leaving the Colts to adjust to Flacco’s more traditional pocket-passing style. This shift in quarterbacking styles has raised questions about the offense’s cohesion, but Steichen dismissed concerns over the adjustment, asserting, “It’s like any position, right? You’ve got to roll with it… Next guy up.”
The Path Forward for the Colts
With a challenging schedule ahead, the Colts face an uphill battle to stay in the playoff race. Their offense, averaging only a handful of touchdowns in recent games, must find a way to convert field position into points and avoid costly mistakes. Wide receiver Alec Pierce acknowledged the team’s struggles, particularly with stalled drives, saying, “We crossed the 50 a lot and just kind of stalled out… We need to do a better job of sustaining those drives.”
As the Colts prepare to host the high-flying Buffalo Bills, Steichen’s team will need a well-rounded approach and fewer offensive lapses to keep up. With Flacco at the helm, the Colts’ focus will be on fine-tuning their strategy and ensuring that their veteran quarterback can lead an offense capable of competing. The remaining games will be crucial for the Colts as they strive to build momentum and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot in the AFC South.
