If the Indianapolis Colts make it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, it will likely be on the back of a solid sophomore campaign by Anthony Richardson, the quarterback that they drafted fourth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Anthony Richardson only managed to play four games because he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. Since then, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew has taken over as the starter, and they finished with a 9-8 record, one win shy of a playoff berth.
For most Indianapolis Colts fans, it’s a case of what could’ve been if Anthony Richardson stayed healthy throughout his rookie year. However, the PFF offers a positive outlook ahead of his second season in the NFL.
Why the PFF believes Anthony Richardson can break out
In his abbreviated rookie campaign, Anthony Richardson recorded three passing touchdowns, 577 passing yards, and only one interception for an 87.3 percent passer rating. The former Florida Gator also rushed for 136 yards for four rushing touchdowns, although he was sacked seven times and fumbled the ball three times.
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“He displayed a lot of the true dual-threat ability that he was drafted for,” wrote Jonathon Macri. “And if he can avoid injuries, he should be able to deliver on a much larger scale in Year 2.”
Anthony Richardson may be more known for his athleticism, but his mental fortitude should not be overlooked. That was evident in their Week 4 loss against the Rams when he sparked a 23-0 run that included two passing touchdowns, two successful two-point conversions, and a rushing touchdown in regulation to force overtime.
Anthony Richardson gets praise from the Indianapolis Colts front office
As of this writing, Anthony Richardson is still undergoing rehab, which has been going great, and his return couldn’t come soon enough for the Indianapolis Colts.
“He has attacked his rehab with ferocity and hopes to resume throwing in the near future, ahead of his doctors’ projections.” wrote ESPN’s Stephen Holder.
Moreover, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is understandably excited about what the future holds for Richardson because he believes that the 21-year-old quarterback is just getting started.
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“I’m going to tell you one of the things that really surprised me with Anthony because I was concerned about it, but this guy is a passer,” said Ballard. “I mean, this guy is a legitimate passer, and I believe that. I think he’s going to continue to get better and improve the more he plays.”
