INDIANAPOLIS — Coach Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts has always believed in the potential of quarterback Anthony Richardson, especially after his recent benching. Over the past three weeks, Richardson has started to demonstrate noticeable improvement in his game.
He has been more aggressive in his running style and is showing enhanced decision-making skills. His ability to grasp the offense is clear, and he’s gradually solidifying his status as the team’s franchise quarterback, highlighted by two fourth-quarter comebacks in the last three games.
The timing couldn’t have been better for Richardson as he approaches a bye week at just 22 years old. “I don’t think I’ve changed much. I’ve honestly just been myself throughout the whole process,” he commented after scoring a crucial 2-point conversion during a 25-24 win against New England, adding, “I think I’ve been able to relax, stay calm a little bit more. Take it day by day.”
Richardson’s changed approach seems to be paying off. Following a rough outing that included an interception leading to a touchdown in a 23-20 defeat against Houston, Steichen took him out of the game due to fatigue. Recognizing the need for improvement, he encouraged Richardson to focus more closely on the details of the game and invest additional time at the practice facility. Richardson embraced this advice, understanding that more sacrifices were necessary for the team’s success.
Despite the Colts standing at 6-7, there’s hope that Richardson’s recent performances can cement Steichen’s guidance into a winning strategy.
However, it’s essential to note that Richardson’s development is not complete. While he showcases a strong arm capable of creating big plays—even when under pressure—he still grapples with some issues in his gameplay. His completion percentage is currently the lowest among NFL starters at 47.4%, and his nine interceptions rank him among the highest in the league, with just seven touchdown passes across nine starts.
Nonetheless, the Colts remain optimistic about their investment in Richardson, whom they selected fourth overall in the draft. He now holds a 13-13 record as a starter since his high school graduation. “It shows the resiliency that he has even through some of those situations,” Steichen acknowledged, praising Richardson’s ability to lead a 19-play drive for the winning score in the final moments of the game.
Richardson’s struggles cannot be solely attributed to his performance. The Colts’ receivers have faced difficulties securing catchable passes, and penalties have marred potential big gains. Additionally, Richardson has encountered a fair share of misfortune, familiar to many quarterbacks.
Improving his passing touch and footwork could help eliminate some of these inconsistencies. Still, the upside lies in Richardson’s apparent commitment to maintaining his health while transforming the expectations Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard had for him as a standout at the University of Florida.
Steichen stated, “The toughness, the resilience he’s playing with has been phenomenal. We’ve got to keep that going. We’ve got a four-game season coming up.” Richardson’s ability to evolve quickly could be pivotal for ending the Colts’ playoff drought, now stretching over three years.
Next week, the Colts will face off against the Denver Broncos, currently in the hunt for a playoff spot. With both teams enjoying a bye week, Indianapolis will look to capitalize on any momentum they can gain. The Colts remain in close contention, standing just one game behind Denver in the race for the playoffs.
The final stretch for Indianapolis includes games against three teams struggling to find their footing: Tennessee, the New York Giants, and Jacksonville, potentially without their star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. With the Giants and Jaguars already eliminated from playoff contention, the Colts will aim to finish strong.
With a break to recuperate, the Colts hope to see an even more refined Anthony Richardson return for the second half of the season. He shares the same sentiment, focusing on the present and aiming to create a winning streak.
“We know we’ve just got to focus on the moment, focus on the present and focus on each and every game,” Richardson remarked. “But right now, we’re trying to get healthy and just back it up (with more wins).”
