The primetime loss shows that the Jaguars' rival has a big problem

The Indianapolis Colts provoked drama out of the AFC South at the start of Week 9. But was it all worth it for the Jacksonville Jaguars' AFC South rival?

The Colts did that Franchise-changing move to bench former first-round pick Anthony Richardson for veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and all that resulted was six offensive points against the Minnesota Vikings.

Six points. The Colts benched the quarterback they hoped would lead them into the future, sending shockwaves through the franchise and the NFL and likely altering their relationship with Richardson in the long term.

And all they got out of it was six points.

The Colts offense looked miserable against the Vikings on Sunday Night Football and was outscored by their own defense in the 21-13 loss. While Flacco's offense only scored two field goals, the Colts scored a defensive touchdown in the first half, leaving the game tied before halftime.

But with all the seasoned experience and skill that Flacco was supposed to offer the Colts in place of a raw, untested and inconsistent Richardson… it didn't matter. The Colts' offense was still struggling, as Flacco finished the game with a passer rating of 63.7 and the Colts were unable to run the ball without Richardson's presence.

“I spoke to head coach Shane Steichen before the game and he told me it was a very hard decision because he loves Richardson, loves his talent, but he feels like they're close and that Flacco's attitude and communication that they are.” “That's going to be necessary against the Vikings,” NBC's Tony Dungy said before the game.

However, that attitude and communication did nothing for the Colts on Sunday. Instead, they barely managed to move the ball against a defense that has faltered in recent weeks.

For all the problems Richardson had as the Colts' franchise quarterback, Flacco offered little to no solutions on Sunday. The only reason a team would use their franchise second-year passer on a veteran with no upside like Flacco is if they believe they can get them to the playoffs. And the Colts' offense on Sunday was not a playoff offense.

“(Anthony Richardson) is a very talented young man but it will take time. He will learn better on the sidelines. As for Flacco, this is a pre-built roster and they are built to get into the playoffs right away. All they need is consistent play from their quarterback, and I think Joe Flacco will give them that,” NBC's Rodney Harrison said.

The Colts didn’t get that from Richardson. And now they can't get it from Flacco either.

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