This is now Joe Flacco’s team after Colts head coach Shane Steichen decided to bench Anthony Richardson in favor of the 39-year-old former Super Bowl MVP. There’s no doubt that Flacco has been a more efficient passer than Richardson this season, but there’s also no doubt that Richardson is more mobile and elusive than Flacco.
Indianapolis’ ability to keep Flacco upright will be put to the test often when facing a Vikings defense that ranked second in the NFL with a 42.1% blitz rate entering Week 9. The Colts’ offensive tackles have allowed 65 pressures on a combined 547 pass blocking snaps (11.9%) this season, which is the fifth-highest tackle pressure rate in the league, per NFL Pro.
Additionally, Indianapolis will most likely be starting rookie Matt Goncalves at left tackle since starter Bernhard Raimann remains in concussion protocol. The Colts are already relying on undrafted rookie Dalton Tucker at right guard. Tucker, who took over for starter Will Fries after Fries suffered a right tibia injury in Week 5, has given up 13 pressures and six pressures within 2.5 seconds, per NFL Pro.
