If you’re not an NFL scout, the best way to gauge a player’s talent probably involves watching how the team handles that particular player. The next best option involves how that team’s opponent prepares for that player.

In the case of Indianapolis Colts backup Anthony Richardson, we now have evidence that both his own team and his opponents don’t think he’s a good NFL player just yet. The Colts sent that message loud and clear in the preseason, when the team named Daniel Jones the starter. The move has worked out so far, as Jones has played some of his best football while leading the Colts to a 3-0 record.

Getting other teams to reveal their thoughts on an opposing player, however, is typically a much harder task. Most coaches are generally wary of providing a team or player with bulletin-board material. But Mike Tomlin isn’t most coaches.

While talking about the team’s Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Tomlin revealed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ harsh strategy against Richardson last season. Before the Steelers took on the Colts last year, Tomlin told his defenders to make sure Richardson stayed upright and in the game. Tomlin didn’t want the team to be forced to turn to backup Joe Flacco, whom Tomlin saw as a bigger threat.

The Steelers didn’t execute that strategy. Richardson left the game after just four throws. Flacco came on in relief and went on to throw two touchdowns, leading the Colts to a narrow 27-24 win over the Steelers.

While Tomlin’s game plan for the contest shouldn’t come as a massive surprise, his willingness to say it publicly should raise some eyebrows. An opposing coach rarely throws another player under the bus or speaks negatively about his ability. The fact that Tomlin was so open about what he thought about Richardson is both surprising and bold.

Tomlin’s comments can’t be good for Richardson’s psyche, either. The former No. 4 overall pick is trying to get his career back on track after two subpar seasons. With Jones playing well, Richardson’s future in Indianapolis is a major question. He doesn’t seem close to regaining the starting job there and might be better off moving to another team for a fresh start.

Tomlin didn’t use that example to kick Richardson while he was down. The coach used it as a way to talk up Vikings starter Carson Wentz. As Tomlin explained, there are times when a veteran backup can provide an advantage over a younger, less experienced player. With second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy already ruled out in Week 4, Tomlin said the Steelers can’t take Wentz lightly.

“That certainly has our attention,” Tomlin said. “[Wentz is] a grizzly veteran.

“Often times, particularly when you have a young, inexperienced quarterback, there’s some big-time benefits of playing with a vet backup. The veteran guy often times does the intangible components of the job very well. They communicate and articulate the schematics and the play of the others. They uplift guys and get people lined up. They often times are able to carry more schematic responsibility and so forth at the line of scrimmage. And so, I don’t necessarily view it as a negative thing for the Minnesota Vikings, at least in the short-term, that Carson is playing for them.”

Marvin Harrison Jr.’s struggles continue with a huge drop, but he rebounds with a TD

Seahawks avoid disaster, beat Cardinals on walk-off field goal to cap chaotic final sequence

Former MVP Shaun Alexander reveals his wife is expecting their 14th child

Right after that, Tomlin shared his story about the Colts, Richardson and Flacco.

Tomlin’s point about Wentz and the Vikings seems pretty astute. Other than one fantastic quarter against the Chicago Bears, McCarthy has struggled in his first taste of playing time in the NFL. Wentz didn’t have to light up the stat sheet in the team’s Week 3 win against the Cincinnati Bengals, but performed well, tossing two touchdowns in the win.

Tomlin and the Steelers will be out to make sure that doesn’t happen two weeks in a row. Wentz may have flaws, but he also could prove to be the best quarterback for the Vikings right now. If he gets on a roll and continues to play well against the Steelers, Wentz could find himself in the starting role for much longer than expected.

Tomlin knows that’s the case, and doesn’t want his team to let up even though the Vikings are starting a “backup” quarterback in Week 4.