Vikings Coach Boosts Colts' Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is supported across the NFL after his first game being benched.

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) looks for anon receiver during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts lost in Anthony Richardson's first game as a backup quarterback in a depressing offensive performance against the Minnesota Vikings. After the game ended, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell shared a moment with the young Colts QB to support him through one of the hardest stretches of his early career.

"Hey, do me a favor and remember something," said O'Connell. "You're a bad dude."

"Yes sir," replied Richardson.

"You're going to play a long time in this league," continued O'Connell. "Go to work everyday. Good things will happen for you. I still believe in you. I know these guys do too. Shane [Steichen] does too."

.@Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell had some words of encouragement for @GVOaant ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TaXW9dFaMx

— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2024

It was a class act from Minnesota's third-year coach who, according to some rumors, wanted to trade up for Richardson in the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead, Indy held onto their pick but has now given up on seeing Richardson take the field for the rest of the season. Colts head coach Shane Steichen says Joe Flacco is still his starter as the team heads into a Week 10 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

O'Connell talked more about the moment with Richardson at a Vikings press conference. James Boyd of The Athletic posted the information on X.

#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell on why he encouraged #Colts QB Anthony Richardson:

“It’s a good thing for everybody in society to do, if you’ve got the ability to help somebody else …”

“There is a road and a path … in my opinion, to him having a very, very successful NFL career.” pic.twitter.com/v2WctfmCVR

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 8, 2024

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In their loss against the Vikings, Flacco did not play his best football. The 17-year veteran threw 16 completions on 27 attempts (59.3%) for zero touchdowns and one interception. It was a nationally televised game, so the whole world got to watch the Colts take the field days after benching the quarterback who was supposed to turn around their franchise.

Tonight, the Colts offense had:
-- 6 points, their lowest of the year
-- 0 red zone drives, their lowest of the year
-- 13 first downs, their lowest of the year
-- 227 yards of offense, their lowest of the year
-- -0.35 EPA/play, their lowest of the year

— Jim Ayello (@jimayello) November 4, 2024

The move made Steichen and the rest of Indy's front office look silly. While Richardson's historically low completion percentage is hard to look past, there are plenty of other aspects of his game that make up for that. His deep ball and mobility partially hide his under-developed accuracy and give the Colts more flexibility with the playbook.

O'Connell, who's one of the best young coaches in the league, wouldn't just say those words lightly. His football mind knows that Richardson's career is far from over and if he can keep working, he'll be just fine.

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