The Indianapolis Colts announced earlier this week that the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Anthony Richardson, is their new starting quarterback.
While the news isn’t shocking, given the draft capital spent on the player and the remarks from the organization pointing to the advantages of learning from playing the game versus sitting, Richardson makes for a fascinating case study of a player with phenomenal physical gifts mixed with a lack of consistent collegiate playing time.
Previously, some NFL analysts speculated Richardson could sit a few games before the Colts transition him under center. Indianapolis’ front office, however, views the future as now and ushers in a new era of Colts football.
Why Did the Colts Name Anthony Richardson Starting QB Now?
Colts head coach Shane Steichen addressed the media while announcing that Richardson would be the starting QB.
“I’ll go ahead and start off. After evaluating training camp and the film, and all that, I’ve made the decision Anthony (Richardson) will be the starting quarterback this year for us. I like the progress he’s made, excited about his future, and the playmaking ability that he brings to this football team.”
Anthony Richardson out there BULLDOZING DB’s 😳
Richardson’s size already looks like a problem for opposing defenders.
One AFC executive recently said he could see Richardson’s massive “potential” from just his preseason debut.
Shane Steichen (Colts HC) said he was impressed… pic.twitter.com/4VBN7qPKTA
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 14, 2023
Reading between the lines, the Colts, particularly Steichen, value the multi-dimensional skill set Richardson brings to the offense. Steichen illustrated how great of a play-caller he is during his tenure as offensive coordinator in Philadelphia and the type of offense he can run with a QB who is a dual threat.
Steichen also commented on backup QB Gardner Minshew and how much he values the veteran’s leadership and role on the roster.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: #Colts QB Gardner Minshew has been an awesome mentor for Anthony Richardson and is fully embracing him as the team’s franchise QB, via @AryePulli
“This is his franchise… He's going to be really special.”
Love the selflessness and the lack of ego from… pic.twitter.com/D7FNGKhS1w
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) August 15, 2023
“With that being said, we’re super excited to have Gardner Minshew II — ultimate teammate, ultimate pro, does everything right, grinds and grinds and grinds. He’s going to be great for Anthony. He’s been great for him all season through training camp and all those different things, but excited about Gardner and the future of this football team.”
What Can We Expect From Anthony Richardson in 2023?
The Colts’ offense will be tough to tackle with Richardson and All-Pro RB Jonathan Taylor in the backfield. Richardson benefits Taylor immediately, as teams will have to honor the rushing capabilities of the rookie signal-caller, which will lighten the box.
Anthony Richardson is fun pic.twitter.com/IG79zOSTYQ
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 14, 2023
Expect the Colts’ coaching staff to design their offense around Richardson’s strengths, including zone-read concepts and QB runs designed to get him outside the pocket.
It’s likely Indianapolis also leans on Taylor to take the pressure off Richardson. Taylor will likely tote the ball 20+ times a game.
Meanwhile, it would benefit all parties involved if the Colts’ offensive line played up to par, a far cry from the lackluster performance in 2022.
With Richardson under center, Indianapolis immediately jumps to one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NFL. Steichen has the perfect QB to mold his offensive philosophy around. He and Richardson are a match made in heaven, and the good news for Colts fans is they won’t have to wait long for the honeymoon.