Anthony Richardson reacts to Colts benching, Joe Flacco taking over as QB

The Indianapolis Colts shook the football world’s foundation on Tuesday, when they decided to bench quarterback Anthony Richardson for veteran and former Super Bowl MVP backup Joe Flacco.

Richardson was in the midst of an uneven sophomore season, but the benching surprised a number of fans and analysts alike. On Wednesday, he spoke with the media for the first time since the news made it’s rounds, recognizing that “of course (the benching) hurts,” but he’ll use “this moment as an opportunity to grow,” feeling he’ll get another shot at leading Indianapolis in the future.

“I feel like there is an opportunity for me to step back on the field. When it does present itself, I’m gonna take advantage of it,” Richardson said, via Dominic Miranda of WTHR per NBC Sports.

Additionally, Richardson didn’t provide clarity on whether the quarterback’s decision to ask out of last Sunday’s game for a play because he was fatigued factored into the decision. Evidently, Shane Steichen didn’t say whether it played a role, but Richardson relented the move, stating he knows he “can’t do that as a leader, especially as the quarterback of this team. … You live and learn.”

Alas, the former Florida Gators quarterback has flashed at times, but his inconsistencies have grown larger than many would like to admit. Flacco, who played well when spelling Richardson as the sophomore quarterback dealt with injuries earlier this season, will now have another shot at leading the team.

Moreover, Richardson has been struggling throughout the season, and that didn’t change against the Texans on this past Sunday during a 23-20 loss, as he went 10 of 32 passing for 175 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 45 yards.

It remains to be seen when Anthony Richardson gets another chance, but the Colts are Joe Flacco’s team for the time being, it seems. Indianapolis is 4-4 and only two games out of first place.