Anthony Richardson has the tools and abilities that make coaches dream of seeing. He can run, has a cannon for an arm, and extends plays with his legs. It’s easy to see why the Indianapolis Colts took him 4th overall in 2023.
However, his development has been inconsistent. While showing flashes of serious big-play ability, he has struggled with the more mundane parts of the game. His 47.7% completion rate in 2024 is abysmal. He also threw eight touchdowns against 12 picks.
His ability to run and extend plays is great, but it’s also led to injuries. In 2023, he suffered a concussion in Week 2, causing him to miss Week 3. In Week 5, he sustained a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, which led to season-ending surgery.
In 2024, an oblique injury kept him out of the first two games. Then, in Week 17, he had severe back spasms that were later diagnosed as a disc issue in his back. All of this has cut into his chance to develop and gain experience.
Anthony Richardson Still Working On Crucial QB Skill
This is a crucial year for Richardson. Colts GM Chris Ballard has made it clear that Richardson will face competition for the starting job. “We can’t beat our head against the wall,” Ballard told Reuters. “We’ve got to have competition at the position for one, competition makes everybody better, and two, he’s not proven he can play 17 games.”
For his part, Richardson has been working on one of the most important aspects of quarterbacking: Footwork in the pocket.
“When it comes to footwork stuff and not panicking in the pocket and just being comfortable and just letting my arm work,” said Richardson.
#Colts QB Anthony Richardson believes he made progress this offseason as he looks to be more consistent:
“ … when it comes to footwork stuff and not panicking in the pocket and just being comfortable and just letting my arm work.” pic.twitter.com/Vq1xzJP2ZE
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid)
Richardson’s taking the off-season seriously and expects to improve. “I expect more out of myself,” Richardson said to members of the media. “Obviously, we fell short this past season, especially with not making the playoffs, but I feel like I could’ve done a lot more, I could’ve done a lot more in the building, outside of the building, just in my life, just to be a better player.”
As for his footwork, Richardson isn’t shy about needing to improve. “Like I just said, be intentional, whether that’s footwork drills, studying film, studying the playbook, or just being in the building,” Richardson said.
If Richardson wants to be the starter, he’s going to have to prove he is capable of it. He’s got the talent, now he just needs to prove he can practice the craft of quarterbacking.
