It is vitally troublesome for an NFL crew to make a change on the quarterback place in the course of a season, because it implies that crew’s total 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 accomplished this 12 months.
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 creating the playoffs have practically doubled on account of Flacco taking up below middle.
The #Colts have practically DOUBLED their possibilities of reaching the playoffs by making Joe Flacco the beginning QB:
QB1 Anthony Richardson 21.2%
QB1 Joe Flacco 42.3%(through @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 harm.
In 4 video games this 12 months, 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 harm, and he responded with some sensible play that sparked a four-game successful streak and a playoff berth.
Indianapolis is presently 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 finest at his place, and second-year vast receiver Josh Downs is displaying some promise as a reputable playmaking menace.
NEXT:
Cam Newton Rips Anthony Richardson For Saying He Was Drained
