It is extremely troublesome for an NFL staff to make a change on the quarterback place in the course of a season, because it implies that staff’s complete offense has to get used to a brand new signal-caller and all of his tendencies and preferences.
However that’s precisely what a few groups have performed this yr.
The Pittsburgh Steelers determined to go together with Russell Wilson as an alternative of Justin Fields below middle as soon as Wilson recovered from a calf pressure, and the Indianapolis Colts not too long ago determined to bench second-year man Anthony Richardson in favor of veteran Joe Flacco.
Per Dov Kleiman, the Colts’ odds of constructing the playoffs have practically doubled because of Flacco taking on below middle.
The #Colts have practically DOUBLED their probabilities of reaching the playoffs by making Joe Flacco the beginning QB:
QB1 Anthony Richardson 21.2%
QB1 Joe Flacco 42.3%(by way of @SportsLine) pic.twitter.com/Jd7ErNTCUt
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 1, 2024
Flacco could also be practically 39 years of age, however he can nonetheless play, as he proved when Richardson was briefly sidelined with an damage.
In 4 video games this yr, he has thrown for 716 yards, seven touchdowns and only one interception.
Final season, the Cleveland Browns introduced him in after starter Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder damage, and he responded with some good play that sparked a four-game successful streak and a playoff berth.
Indianapolis is at the moment 4-4 and in second place within the AFC South behind the 6-3 Houston Texans, however they appear to have the expertise to make an actual run at a division title.
Working again Jonathan Taylor stays among the best at his place, and second-year huge receiver Josh Downs is displaying some promise as a authentic playmaking menace.
NEXT:
Cam Newton Rips Anthony Richardson For Saying He Was Drained
