In the NFL, it’s always about one thing in the end: success. Once again, a quarterback talent has to learn the hard way. But Anthony Richardson’s elimination is too short-sighted. A comment.

The numbers don’t speak for Anthony Richardson.

Nor does momentum. Nor does gut feeling, nor does sober analysis. Not even the spectacular that graces his game, in addition to the confusingly frequent mistakes, can help him anymore.

The quarterback is therefore being forced by the Indianapolis Colts to take a break. The number-four pick of 2023 is supposed to take a step back, clear his head. And take a seat on the bench.

The problem: right now, the 22-year-old would have needed the trust of those in charge. He has only been able to play four games in 2023 due to injury, and he has therefore missed playing time this season as well.

Anthony Richardson: Much-needed playing time

Playing time that he urgently needs for his development because he had little of it in college. The fact that he only completed 44.4 percent of his passes for 958 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions is abysmal. And that he left out a play on Sunday because he was “tired” is honest, but it doesn’t seem very professional, rather naive.

But every beginning is difficult, and that is not uncommon for a talent. And it is exactly what the Colts expected at the beginning, what they predicted, what they gave him when they deliberately chose him in the draft. They asked for patience from the fans and granted it to them in return.

“It’s going to be difficult for Anthony Richardson,” said owner Jim Irsay in July: ‘We know that. But he has to play to get better. There’s no question about that.’

After all, if you rely on a young playmaker immediately, you don’t just leave him out in the cold when the going gets tough.