Colts' Gardner Minshew Proving to be Best Backup QB in NFL

After Anthony Richardson went down, Gardner Minshew came up clutch again to lead the Indianapolis Colts over the Tennessee Titans.

You could feel the energy leave the building as soon as it happened.

With 4:39 remaining in the second quarter, the Indianapolis Colts leading the Tennessee Titans 10-6, Anthony Richardson laid on the field after a four-yard run. The rookie quarterback was writhing in pain after landing directly on his throwing shoulder. The raucous crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium fell silent as they watched trainers attend to Richardson.

On the Colts' sideline, Gardner Minshew grabbed his helmet and a football and began to warm up. Minshew had already been in this situation just a few weeks back when Richardson left the game against the Houston Texans with a concussion. He also led the Colts to a dramatic win over the Baltimore Ravens in overtime the following week.

So, as the home crowd watched Richardson walk to the sideline, his throwing arm dangling, Minshew casually entered the huddle for the Colts. 

Over the next two and a half quarters, Minshew was deliberate with the football and kept the ball out of harm's way. Minshew's efficiency, combined with a monster day from Zack Moss on the ground, allowed the offense to stay afloat and get the victory over the Titans 23-16. The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Colts against the Titans and gave Indy their first home win since Oct. 16, 2022.

“It was lit is what it was," Minshew admitted about the win. "No, we were fired up, man. Winning in the division is not easy. First time beating Tennessee in a while. So man, that's fun. When you put so much into it, you've got to enjoy it that much, too.”

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) fakes a hand off to Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss (21) on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis :: © Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Minshew finished 11-of-14 (78.6%) for 155 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The stat line may not be impressive, but Minshew did what he needed to do to extend drives and keep the Colts' offense moving. It was exactly the type of performance the Colts needed from their QB2.

Minshew is now 3-0 this year in games where he has started or taken over for an injured Richardson in the first half. With Minshew helping will this team to victory on multiple occasions now, it begs the question: Is "The Mustache" the best backup quarterback in football?

“Yeah, to me he is," head coach Shane Steichen answered when asked after the game. "And I've been around him, and obviously I'm biased, but I've been around him and I haven’t been around other guys, but the way he's playing when he comes in, he makes plays for sure.”

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Not many quarterbacks would be able to do what Minshew has done. With the Colts focused on Richardson's development, the rookie takes almost all of the snaps in practice, and rightfully so. But that also means Minshew hardly gets any reps during the week with the first-team offense.

However, that has not stopped the veteran quarterback from stepping up when his number is called. It is a tough ask for any quarterback to come in at a moment's notice and keep the offense going. Yet Minshew has answered the bell each time this season.

“I think he's an elite processor of the game," Steichen explained. "And when you've got a guy that can process the game quickly and make quick decisions...he's really good, he's accurate, he knows where to go with the football at the right time and the right place, and he's been awesome for us.”

“I think it just goes to show you the versatility of having a guy like that in the second quarterback role behind Anthony is incredible," center Ryan Kelly said about Minshew. "From the day he got here, I always said, he prepared like a professional in every sense of the word. When his number is called, he is ready to go, and that says a lot about him.”

Minshew has been great in relief for the Colts, but the offense has an obvious ceiling when he is in the game. Richardson is still the quarterback that gives this team the best chance to win both now and in the future. Unfortunately, the rookie may be looking at missing more time.

The initial reports are that Richardson suffered a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. X-rays came back negative during the game, meaning Richardson escaped without any breaks or fractures. Richardson underwent an MRI Sunday evening to determine the severity of the sprain, with the results expected on Monday.

"Obviously, this is Anthony's team, and it's going to be very exciting for him," Minshew explained. "Unfortunately, he keeps having these issues, but he's playing great. I think everybody believes in him."

Richardson has now suffered two major injuries in the Colts' first five games. The aforementioned concussion caused him to miss the game against the Ravens, and the rookie has only been able to finish one game this season. The early trend is certainly alarming for the quarterback's future.

Richardson left the field with his head down, looking incredibly disappointed as his teammates carried on in battle. For a player as competitive and who cares as much as Richardson, injuries piling up can take a toll mentally. However, Minshew is determined to ensure his fellow quarterback knows the team stands behind their young leader.

"Just let him know we're all with him and nothing is going to change that," Minshew revealed. "We're with him whatever he needs, whenever he needs it. Like I said, we're very excited for him and what he's going to be able to do for us and just trying to keep his spirits high no matter what happens.”

Team personnel tend to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) after hurting his shoulder Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis :: © Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

While how much time Richardson will miss is yet to be determined, the Colts are confident that Minshew can help keep the ship afloat until QB1 returns. Indy now sits at 3-2, tied atop the AFC South with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts will travel to Jacksonville next Sunday to take on their division rivals, with the winner holding sole possession of first place.

If Richardson cannot go on Sunday, it will be a revenge game of sorts for Minshew. Minshew was drafted by the Jaguars in 2019 and served as the starter for two seasons. The Jaguars traded Minshew in 2021 after drafting Trevor Lawrence with the No.1 overall pick. Minshew could have the chance to beat his former team and give the Colts their first win in Jacksonville since 2014.

But no matter what happens, Minshew is just happy for the opportunity he has received with the Colts. He has been a joy for Colts fans in an already wild season and may just have a few more moments up his sleeve.

"I'm grateful for every opportunity I get," Minshew said. "Grateful for Coach (Steichen) for bringing me here, grateful for the team for letting me do my thing, and yeah, just excited to keep moving forward.”

At this point, it is hard to argue that anyone but Minshew is the best backup quarterback in the NFL. And who knows, he may be playing himself into a starting opportunity for another NFL franchise down the line.

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