15 March 2024 , 01:00
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Joe Flacco, the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year, has signed a one-year, $8.7 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts. He's not there to be the star player, but to guide young quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is seen as the future of the team.
Flacco used to be the main man for the Cleveland Browns, and he made history by being the first quarterback to throw for 300 or more yards in four consecutive games. This helped the Browns secure a spot in the playoffs at a time when they were struggling to find their way.
In total, Flacco threw for 1,616 yards, scored 13 touchdowns and made eight interceptions in just six games with the Browns. But now, his role will be different. He'll be using his vast experience, including leading the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2012, to help shape Richardson's career.
He managed to complete 22 out of 33 passes for a total of 287 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Ravens to victory over the 49ers. Thanks to his efforts, he was named the Super Bowl MVP and his 11 total touchdowns during the Ravens' playoff run matched the records of Joe Montana and Kurt Warner for the most touchdowns in a single postseason.
Since then, Flacco has played for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and most recently, the Browns. In total, Flacco has thrown nearly 45,000 yards and has 245 passing touchdowns to his name, showing his lasting power.
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On the other hand, Richardson is just starting the second year of his career, having only played four games in his rookie season due to surgery to fix an AC joint sprain he got in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. In the four games he played, the Colts had a 2-2 record and after he was injured, Minshew led Indianapolis to a 7-6 record as a starter.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson could develop while learning from Joe Flacco (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)Colts head coach Shane Steichen said he was happy that Indianapolis had Minshew to lead the team on the field and to teach Richardson off it after the young quarterback was ruled out for the season.
"The backup role doesn't get a lot of reps during the week," Steichen told ESPN. "They really don't get any. They get the scout-team reps. So, you've got to be ready to go in if you have to go in and perform on pretty much no reps but know the game plan."
Richardson, with limited experience at the top level, is somewhat of a mystery. This is where Flacco steps in.
Under Flacco's guidance, Richardson can pick up useful skills and enhance his game. Given his reputation for being coachable, this could lead to fantastic results for the Colts.
Moreover, if Richardson faces another season-ending injury or doesn't rise to the challenge, Indianapolis has a reliable option on the bench, if necessary.