Joe Flacco to stay Colts QB1 despite offense's season-low output - ESPN

MINNEAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts' quarterback move didn't exactly play out as expected, with the team's offense producing its fewest points, yards and first downs of the season in Joe Flacco's first game since being named the starter over Anthony Richardson.

But coach Shane Steichen did not appear ready to revisit his much-debated decision, saying in the wake of Indianapolis' 21-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night that Flacco will remain the Colts' QB1.

«Right now, yes,» Steichen replied when asked if Flacco is still his starter.

Steichen's decision was under scrutiny after he initiated the change Tuesday and, on Wednesday, told reporters the call was made because Flacco «gives us the best chance to win right now.»

Instead, the Colts fell to 4-5, and their offense seemed to take a step back, producing season lows in offensive points (six), yards (227) and first downs (13) while struggling to find any consistency against the Brian Flores-led defense.

The Colts were particularly unproductive in the first half, generating just 92 yards of offense and 62 passing yards.

Indianapolis was 3-for-11 in third-down efficiency for the game, with Flacco going 3-of-9 for 47 yards in those scenarios.

«You know coming in here against a team like that, it's going to be difficult,» Flacco said. «But I don't think you ever anticipate something like that.»

Overall, Flacco completed 16 of his 27 passes for 179 yards with one interception, the result of a questionable decision that allowed Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. to undercut Colts wide receiver Josh Downs on a third-down outbreaking route.

Steichen said Flacco «was fine.»

«Obviously, he's played in environments like this before,» the coach said. «But again, it