Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson has shown flashes of promise this season, helping the Indianapolis Colts win two of their last three. However, as Richardson’s development continues, Colts general manager Chris Ballard looks back on some of the decisions involving their young quarterback, and he can’t help but have one major regret.
He even went as far as to say in a recent interview with The Athletic’s Jim Trotter, “Looking back on it, I wish we hadn’t played him as a rookie.”
Tough Start to 2023

Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ first-round pick, was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after just 13 college starts at Florida. He was expected to sit behind veteran Gardner Minshew and learn the ropes. However, Colts head coach Shane Steichen named Richardson the starter after an impressive preseason debut.
What came next was a bit of a rough start for the rookie. Richardson suffered a concussion in Week 2 and a season-ending shoulder injury in his fourth start. The gamble to throw him in early did not exactly pan out, which left Ballard questioning whether they should’ve been patient with the Colts.
That was his perspective, one which he based on advice given to him by longtime personnel man John Dorsey:
“He called and said, ‘Don’t play him.’ He had the great wisdom from Green Bay, where they sat all those quarterbacks. As they mature and get older, they pick up habits that we were expecting Anthony to have from the get-go.”
It’s an interesting parallel with how Green Bay has been very patient with both Aaron Rodgers in the past and now Jordan Love, given that Richardson played precious little college football.
Blips And Lessons In Year 2

Richardson’s woes barely remained restricted to his rookie year. This season, the 22-year-old quarterback suffered oblique and abdominal strains that kept him out for parts of the season. Richardson admitted to taking himself out in one game because he was “tired.”
While the struggles led to Joe Flacco starting a few games, Ballard remains confident in the quarterback’s long-term potential. The GM dismissed critics who labeled Richardson a bust after his benching earlier this season.
“I was so upset at the b——-t that was said after we benched him,” Ballard shared. “Are people that clueless? They were saying he’s a bust, that he’s done. I told our local people, ‘We’re not done with this guy.”
It would appear recent performances have vindicated Ballard. While his completion rate is less than 53% over the last three games, he’s delivered two game-winning drives and flashed some of the potential that made him a top draft pick.
“He’s not there yet, but he’s working to get better each day,” Ballard said. “It’s a process. To watch him these last three weeks, I couldn’t be more proud.”
What’s Next for Richardson and the Colts?

The Colts now head into their bye week, giving Richardson and the team a chance to reset and prepare for the Denver Broncos in Week 15. With only four games left in the regular season, many eyes will be on the quarterback to show continued growth and development.
These last few games will be crucial for the Colts to decide Richardson’s future. Ballard’s comments indicate that the team is all-in on his development. Still, the pressure is on Richardson to prove he can be the franchise quarterback Indianapolis has been searching for.
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