How will the Colts’ move to QB Joe Flacco impact the Bills’ Week 10 matchup?

While the Buffalo Bills are focused on playing out their season against the Miami Dolphins this week, it doesn’t hurt to look ahead as a major change for one of their opponents could impact them in the near future.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the Indianapolis Colts have benched quarterback Anthony Richardson, and the team will start former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco in Week 9. Richardson is coming off a rough game following the Colts’ 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans, where he only completed 32% of his passes. He was also heavily criticized for temporarily withdrawing from the game due to fatigue.

One may be wondering why this information is important to Buffalo, and a quick glance at the schedule will answer that question; The Bills will face the Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in 10 weeks. Buffalo will be preparing to play Indianapolis this time next week.

This change will completely change how the Bills defend the Colts’ offense (assuming it’s a multi-week change) because Flacco and Richardson have completely different playing styles. Richardson is a more mobile playmaker who, although not polished as a passer, can use his legs to make plays; Flacco, on the other hand, stays in the pocket and while he is by no means a world beater, he can deliver the ball on time and elevates the offense, which may be a solid playmaker and not entirely dangerous.

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Buffalo’s biggest challenge defensively is limiting the Colts’ big pass plays. Indianapolis ranks first in the NFL in passing yards of at least 40 yards and eight. Richardson has started six of eight games played and ranks third in the NFL in that category. His development has been based on big passes, while Flacco is more methodical in choosing where he throws the ball.

This season Highly rated Bills high school He effectively limited big plays. They rank third in completions over 40 yards at two and third in completions over 20 yards at 17. The unit is also fifth in yards allowed per completion at 6.5.

Another aspect to consider is that the Bills’ defensive line will have a chance to make a bigger impact if the veteran continues in the starting position in Week 10. Flacco has a better chance of staying in the pocket, guys like Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa have more opportunities to attack the Colts offensive line and get there.

With more offensive pressure, Indianapolis could have switched to quicker passes to receivers. This means that cornerbacks like Taron Johnson, Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford will be called upon to provide pressure and make tackles in the open field, something all three are more than capable of doing.

There’s no telling if this is a move that will make the Colts an easier or more difficult team for the Bills in two weeks, but it certainly changes the way Buffalo prepares for the matchup. That said, it’s important not to look past the Dolphins in Week 9.

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