Cam Newton pulls Anthony Richardson from Texans battle: 'This ain't easy' | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 27: Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before kickoff against the Houston Texans during an NFL football game at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Former NFL MVP Cam Newton didn’t hesitate to criticize Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson for beating himself in Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans.

Up 4th & 1 podcast, Newton explained “this isn’t easy” when discussing Richardson and what led to him taking himself off the field.

James Boyd @RomeovilleKid

2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton on #Fals QB Anthony Richardson breaks down AR’s overall play:
“It’s the big leagues. A lot of guys are studying and thinking, ‘Oh man, man, I’m going to dominate!’ – No.”
“This shit ain’t easy. This game ain’t easy.” —> pic.twitter.com/nT5k8Zkaj4

Newton went on to say that he has had conversations with Richardson about his playing style and that he needs to slide better to avoid contact, which will help maintain his energy on any given play.

James Boyd @RomeovilleKid

More from Cam Newton #Fals QB Anthony Richardson:
“I’ve contacted him multiple times. Bro, get the fuck down. This ain’t f***ing Florida, man. This ain’t HS. You ain’t gonna be able to jump over people left and right. . Slide!” —> pic.twitter.com/qlpYhmfAre

Richardson’s brief exit against the Texans became a much bigger story after the game when he admitted he was tired after running to avoid pressure on the previous play before eliminating himself.

James Boyd @RomeovilleKid

#Fals QB Anthony Richardson on leaving the game for one play in the 3Q:
“Tired, I’m not going to lie. That was a lot of running I did there, and I didn’t think I could make that next play. So I just told (HC Shane Steichen) I needed a break there.” pic.twitter.com/EMUTiSLIvm

Richardson only missed one play against the Texans, but his post-game comments caused a stir. Colts center Ryan Kelly, who is also one of the team captains, said he had a conversation with the second-year quarterback about the situation.

“I’ll leave the conversation we had at that,” Kelly said. “I know he’s going to get some criticism for that, and rightly so, that’s a harsh look.”

The Colts decided to bench Richardson for Joe Flacco starting with Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. The believe This move is about his overall performance this season and not about any form of self-discipline.

Newton was one popular comparison for Richardson ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, as they are both big quarterbacks with incredible athleticism and some questions about their accuracy.

Things were going well for Newton for a number of years before injuries struck him. Richardson is only 22 and has plenty of time to turn things around, but for now he’ll watch from the sidelines as the Colts try to make a playoff push in the AFC.