It is very difficult for an NFL team to make a change at the quarterback position in the middle of a season, as it means that team’s entire offense has to get used to a new signal-caller and all of his tendencies and preferences.
But that is exactly what a couple of teams have done this year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to go with Russell Wilson instead of Justin Fields under center once Wilson recovered from a calf strain, and the Indianapolis Colts recently decided to bench second-year man Anthony Richardson in favor of veteran Joe Flacco.
Per Dov Kleiman, the Colts’ odds of making the playoffs have nearly doubled as a result of Flacco taking over under center.
The #Colts have nearly DOUBLED their chances of reaching the playoffs by making Joe Flacco the starting QB:
QB1 Anthony Richardson 21.2%
QB1 Joe Flacco 42.3%(via @SportsLine) pic.twitter.com/Jd7ErNTCUt
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 1, 2024
Flacco may be nearly 39 years of age, but he can still play, as he proved when Richardson was briefly sidelined with an injury.
In four games this year, he has thrown for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and just one interception.
Last season, the Cleveland Browns brought him in after starter Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, and he responded with some brilliant play that sparked a four-game winning streak and a playoff berth.
Indianapolis is currently 4-4 and in second place in the AFC South behind the 6-3 Houston Texans, but they seem to have the talent to make a real run at a division title.
Running back Jonathan Taylor remains one of the best at his position, and second-year wide receiver Josh Downs is showing some promise as a legitimate playmaking threat.
NEXT: Cam Newton Rips Anthony Richardson For Saying He Was Tired
