Brian Dawkins on Why Colts Benched Anthony Richardson and What Bo Nix Should Do Better

7 min read
Oct 31, 2024, 5:15 PM
Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Brian Dawkins believes it's a combination of things that led to Anthony Richardson's benching with the Indianapolis Colts.

The 2023 first-round draft pick will be on the bench for the foreseeable future with Joe Flacco taking the reins as the starting quarterback. The move comes after the Colts lost 23-20 to the Houston Texans and after Richardson tapped out for a play during the game due to fatigue – something he admitted to reporters following the game.

While head coach Shane Steichen points towards the move as being based on the belief that Flacco gives the 4-4 Colts the best chance to win, Dawkins – a Hall of Fame safety who played 16 years in the NFL from 1996 until 2011 – believes Richardson sitting out for a play combined with his lackluster play led to his benching.

"It's a little bit of both," says Dawkins in a one-on-one interview with RG on behalf of his partnership with USAA and the Wounded Warriors Project. "I believe them struggling and the offense not moving like it should be moving and then that [where Richardson tapped out for a play]. I don't remember a time that I have ever seen that from a quarterback.

"Unless you're hurt or injured, to come out of the game like that is unheard of."

The 4-4 Colts are in the thick of the playoff race, just a half-game behind for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC. It's no secret that Flacco's production is superior to Richardson's from a passing standpoint, with the 39-year-old quarterback throwing seven touchdowns to just one interception compared to Richardson's four touchdowns against seven interceptions with a 68.8 passer rating and 44.4% completion rate.

Richardson's passer rating and completion rate both rank at the bottom of the league – and it's not even close. The Tennessee Titans' Will Levis is second-to-last with a 70.7 passer rating, while the New England Patriots' Jacoby Brissett – who has since been benched – is second-to-last in completion percentage with a 59.1% rate.

"There may be some rebuilding behind the scenes," says Dawkins. "I may be completely wrong and off when it comes to this, but if I'm his teammate, and I'm looking at you tapping out in that situation – because you're winded – I don't know how much I'll be able to trust you going forward. Maybe it's something they can see past real quickly and move past and he can get back on the field."

While Richardson will likely sit out for the rest of this season as the Colts seek to clinch a playoff berth, it doesn't mean it's the end of the road for the young quarterback. He's just 22 years old and has just 10 starts under his belt. He'll likely be back as the team's starting quarterback next season, considering Flacco is at the end of his career at 39 years old.  

"He's an extremely young man, extremely gifted when it comes to running, his arm strength is tremendous," says Dawkins of Richardson. “He has all of the capabilities of having success in the National Football League."

Brian Dawkins' Advice to Bo Nix: Don't Turn the Ball Over

One team that hasn't had an issue with their young quarterback is the Denver Broncos with Bo Nix. The Broncos are off to a 5-3 start and are in the thick of AFC playoff contention. The No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is coming off the best start of his young career, posting three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and no interceptions with 284 passing yards in a 28-14 dismantling of the Carolina Panthers.

Nix was just named the NFL's Offensive Rookie Player of the Month for October after leading all rookies in completion percentage (66.7%), passing yards (870) and touchdown passes (seven). He also ranked tied for first in rushing touchdowns (two) and second in passer rating (102.7) while leading the Broncos to a 3-1 record.

Dawkins – who ended his career with the Broncos and spent three years in Denver – says the key for Nix moving forward is not to allow any mistakes he may make to affect him throughout a game.

"What you see from Bo is that with some of the creativity, he has to get the ball down the field to get first downs," says Dawkins, describing what stands out to him from Nix. "It's going to be imperative for him not to turn the ball over. That's always the case for a quarterback – especially for a rookie – and to not beat himself up too much when he makes mistakes. Because mistakes will be made. They will be made, and you can't beat yourself up to the point that it affects you on the next play on the next read, and that's going to be the learning thing for him. But from what I've seen from him and from that relationship [with Sean Payton], it seems they're clicking."

While Dawkins is high on Nix and Payton as a duo, he doesn't believe the Broncos are a playoff team. Denver has upcoming matchups against AFC contenders such as the 5-3 Baltimore Ravens, 7-0 Kansas City Chiefs and the 5-3 Atlanta Falcons in the next three weeks.

"Right now, no," Dawkins says with no hesitation when asked if the Broncos are a playoff team.

Brian Dawkins Partners with USAA, Wounded Warriors Project for 5K Ruck March

Dawkins – who is partnering up with USAA ahead of Veteran's Day – recently participated in a 5K ruck march in San Antonio, Texas, to support our nation's veterans and military communities. The event saw Dawkins join warriors from the Wounded Warrior Project carrying weighted backpacks (50-plus pounds) to symbolize the weight that people carry mentally and emotionally.

The event also saw Dawkins join warriors for a roundtable discussion on mental health. Dawkins – who has been outspoken about his dealings with mental health, depression and thoughts of suicide – detailed what was discussed.

"That was a powerful, powerful sit down," says Dawkins of his roundtable experience with veterans. "I was blessed to sit down with a couple of veterans. Listening to their stories, the perseverance of the things that they've had to grow through in their lives. Some of the places they've found themselves in and some of the individuals that reached out to them to help them in the space that they were in so that they can get a better mindset, they can push through, fight through and then get to the place where they are today. They're in a place now where they can reach out to other veterans to help them out. That whole experience was an inspiring one for me to continue to do what I'm doing to help as many as possible with the story that I have about mental health."

Dawkins suggests checking in on any veterans in your family, to make sure they're doing fine mentally.

"For those individuals who have family members who have served, reach out to them, check in on them," says Dawkins. "Every once in awhile, send them a text or something like that to make sure they're OK. You never know the mind space someone can go into."

DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
Sports Reporter

DJ Siddiqi is a sports reporter who focuses on football, basketball and pro wrestling. He has covered some of the biggest sporting events, including the NBA Finals and Wrestlemania and often interviews high-profile athletes on a weekly basis. Siddiqi has interviewed the likes of Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Hawk and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His previous experience includes working as a lead NBA writer at CBS Sports and 247 Sports in addition to working as a beat reporter covering the NFL and the Denver Broncos at Bleacher Report. Follow Siddiqi for exclusive one-on-one interviews and analysis on key topics in sports

Interests:
NFL
NBA
NCAAF
NCAAB
NHL
Travel
Interviews

More RG Exclusive Interviews

Football
05/15/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
"My Biggest Thing is to Attack Every Day": Rachaad White Embraces Pivotal Contract Year
Rachaad White enters his contract year with confidence, a leaner frame, and a dynamic duo forming with Bucky Irving
"My Biggest Thing is to Attack Every Day": Rachaad White Embraces Pivotal Contract Year
Football
05/12/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“If I Can’t Find Cooper, He’s Always in the QB Room”: Darnold Excited for Seahawks’ Fresh Start
Sam Darnold talks joining Seattle, teaming up with Cooper Kupp, mentoring rookie QB Jalen Milroe, and building a new-look Seahawks offense
“If I Can’t Find Cooper, He’s Always in the QB Room”: Darnold Excited for Seahawks’ Fresh Start
Football
05/08/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“He Has A Plan For Everything”: Malaki Starks Says Joining Ravens And Harbaugh Feels Like The Perfect Fit
Malaki Starks opens up about his NFL Draft surprise, why he’s thrilled to join the Ravens, and learning from Lamar Jackson
“He Has A Plan For Everything”: Malaki Starks Says Joining Ravens And Harbaugh Feels Like The Perfect Fit
Football
05/02/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“Bo Nix Sees The Field Just Like Sean Payton”: Ed McCaffrey Applauds Broncos QB’s Historic Rookie Season
Broncos icon Ed McCaffrey discusses Bo Nix’s impressive rookie performance, highlighting his synergy with coach Sean Payton’s vision.
“Bo Nix Sees The Field Just Like Sean Payton”: Ed McCaffrey Applauds Broncos QB’s Historic Rookie Season
Football
05/01/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“I Don’t Feel Like I’ve Touched My Peak Yet”: Rams Star Kyren Williams Ready For Explosive Season
Kyren Williams aims to boost explosive plays and regain Pro Bowl form, ready to mentor young Rams backs in pivotal 2025 NFL season
“I Don’t Feel Like I’ve Touched My Peak Yet”: Rams Star Kyren Williams Ready For Explosive Season
Football
04/28/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“He’ll Take His Time, He’ll Make The Right Decision,” Says Jordy Nelson On Aaron Rodgers’ NFL Future
Packers legend Jordy Nelson shares insights on Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain NFL future and advises the star QB to follow his passion
“He’ll Take His Time, He’ll Make The Right Decision,” Says Jordy Nelson On Aaron Rodgers’ NFL Future
Football
04/24/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“A Great Addition for the Rams”: Puka Nacua on Possible Ramsey Comeback
Puka Nacua talks Rams’ future, teaming with Davante Adams, and battling Cooper Kupp’s Seahawks twice in 2025
“A Great Addition for the Rams”: Puka Nacua on Possible Ramsey Comeback
Football
04/23/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“We Need That Spark To Ignite Cowboys” – DeMarcus Ware Demands Ground-And-Pound Revival In Dallas
Cowboys icon DeMarcus Ware pushes Dallas to revive their rushing offense, calling for a dynamic pick at No. 12 in the NFL Draft
“We Need That Spark To Ignite Cowboys” – DeMarcus Ware Demands Ground-And-Pound Revival In Dallas
Football
04/22/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
“You’re So Scarred From Playing Lamar”: Steelers Need a QB Who Makes Rivals Worry, Says Orlovsky
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky believes the Steelers must draft a dynamic QB like Jalen Milroe to challenge Lamar Jackson and Baltimore
“You’re So Scarred From Playing Lamar”: Steelers Need a QB Who Makes Rivals Worry, Says Orlovsky
Football
04/17/2025
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi
"It Would Be Dope" — Ashton Jeanty Talks Potential Cowboys Draft and Hometown Dreams
Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty aims to rush for 1,000 yards as a rookie and dreams of a 2,000-yard NFL season in the future
"It Would Be Dope" — Ashton Jeanty Talks Potential Cowboys Draft and Hometown Dreams

NFL Writers

Crissy Froyd
Crissy Froyd
Football Reporter

Crissy Froyd is a sports reporter of over 10 years who specializes in quarterback analysis at the high school, college and NFL level. She was mentored by Mike Leach and learned the Air Raid offense and quarterback evaluation largely under the legendary head coach. Froyd has appeared in and worked with multiple publications, including USA TODAY SMG, Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and Saturday Down South. She also covers canine journalism for Showsight Magazine and resides in Wisconsin with her three dogs -- two German Shepherds named Faxon and Bo Nix, and one Siberian Husky named Stetson "Balto" Bennett.

Meet All Our Experts
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our
Privacy Policy
.