The Indianapolis Colts have been on a quarterback roller coaster since 2019 but have something entirely different and exciting in the form of Anthony Richardson for their fanbase.
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The narrative has been drilled deep into planet Earth at this point. But, to briefly throw the fact out there for the context of this piece, the Indianapolis Colts went into a spiral of confusion at quarterback when Andrew Luck called it quits in 2019. What proceeded was something that no Colts front-office member, or fan, could have expected.
For the next four consecutive seasons, the Colts would trot out a different Week-1 starter for each campaign. In 2019 and 2022, there was a total of five different starters in those seasons. Below is a short list of who.
- 2019: Jacoby Brissett, Brian Hoyer
- 2020: Philip Rivers
- 2021: Carson Wentz
- 2022: Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger, Nick Foles
In total, there have been seven starting quarterbacks to take over the offense at some point. At the end of the recent 2022 campaign, Colts fans were ready for something new, and so were owner Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard.
This came in the form of Florida’s athletic monster QB Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
While there is an “unknown” in what could be due to a limited sample size, there is also an acceptance that if all cylinders fire away that the NFL could be looking at a generational skillset and talent. Quarterbacks like him simply aren’t around. Yes, there is athletic. Yes, there is explosive. But then there’s the most athletic and explosive quarterback ever drafted in NFL history.
Richardson is as exciting as they come, and he hasn’t even taken an NFL snap. The Colts fans finally have something to truly look forward to with many new changes, along with Richardson being QB.
The young and high-ceiling Richardson will be the subject of this article.
I’ll break down three simple reasons that Richardson’s mere presence as the new Colts field general gives the Indianapolis faithful around the world something to smile about at QB for the first time in a while.
1) There’s a Young and Exciting QB Finally on the Roster
It seems like an eternity since the Colts had someone with a high-level skillset at quarterback. That last man was Luck, but now after the aforementioned carousel at the position, this ends. It might be a simple reason that could make the fanbase happy, but it’s been a grinder to watch at the most important spot in football if you’ve been a Colts fan.
Only Philip Rivers for the 2020 season could even get Indianapolis to the postseason, only to fall in a close contest to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, losing 27-24.
While it’s a fact Richardson will need to adjust on the fly to a lot, he’s also in an offense that is nearly perfect for what he can do. With Richardson’s mobility at an elite level, he has another elite runner in Jonathan Taylor, who will be integrated with what Richardson can do. Not to mention, Taylor is lightning in a bottle and can bust lose an 80-yard run at any moment.
Both of them in the backfield together could be an issue for defenses to read on fakes and option plays and could cause huge gains to happen.
Also, there is a massive tight end in Jelani Woods, who could be a safety blanket. On the outside features Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr., who can help with the deep shots. Finally, there is rookie Josh Downs and veteran Isaiah Mckenzie to shore up the slot position and get Richardson acclimated to short throws.
It will take time, but no offense; perhaps is better in the NFL for Richardson to be a part of.
2) The Colts Have Never Had a QB Like Richardson
Luck was a generational talent with ridiculous athleticism and IQ. There’s no arguing that at all. However, as incredible as Luck was, Richardson is more athletic, and his ceiling is even higher than the Stanford product.
It cannot be understated how dynamic the running game and offense could be once Richardson grasps it. There may not be a more athletic quarterback/running back combination in the NFL. Now, Indianapolis has that combination.
Luck ran the ball at times, but there wasn’t much of a playbook specifically designed for him to get out in the open field and use his feet. Rest assured; this will be what’s featured with Shane Steichen now at the helm and calling the plays.
Speaking of Steichen.
3) The Colts Have a QB-Minded Coach as the play-caller
The comparison of former Colts head coach Frank Reich and Steichen is something I’ve written about before. Yes, they have similarities, as many coaches do. But Steichen has a different mind for offense than Reich.
While Reich was quieter in demeanor and conservative in playcalling, Steichen is, as he says, “fired up.” It’s a more intense type of personality in the locker room, which is what Indianapolis needs now. Also, his preaching of “explosive plays” and “pass to score/run to win” are the opposite of Reich’s philosophy. Reich is a great coach, but for what Indy’s offense currently looks like, Steichen is a better fit.
What Steichen showed he could do with Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles last season should make fans impatient with anticipation to see how it can work with Richardson.
Philadelphia, indeed had a more talented roster all around. But the Colts’ offensive line is just one year removed from being dominant. With a breath of fresh air like the Steichen-Richardson connection, perhaps this brings life back to an offensive front that has the potential to help Richardson find his footing even quicker than expected.
I’d be lying if I said it’s not incredibly intriguing to think what this duo could accomplish as Steichen takes on his first head coaching gig and Richardson takes on his first NFL snaps.
Outlook
Richardson is indeed raw and inexperienced. However, he’s showing signs in the off-season of being more ready than some were thinking. Are these smoke and mirrors? It’s always a possibility. But what’s not foggy is how ready the fanbase is to see what this young man can accomplish in Indianapolis.
It’s been a long time since Colts fans have purchased the jersey of a QB at such an alarming rate with such happiness to support him. It’s also the first time there’s been equal readiness to see their head coach take the field.
Both Richardson and Steichen are young in their position, but the possibilities are endless. Richardson has arrived, and the Colts fans have made it clear how they feel. That feeling? Excitement.
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