There is renewed optimism in Indianapolis, thanks in large part to the emergence of quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Chosen by the Colts with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson flashed tantalizing athleticism and upside in his brief rookie season that was cut woefully short by an AC joint injury in his throwing shoulder in Week 5.
Now, with the Colts getting back on the field expecting Richardson to be at the helm of an offense that not only features emergent speedster Michael Pittman Jr. at wide receiver but flanked by former University of Texas standout and second-round rookie Adonai Mitchell, hopes are high that Indianapolis can make a push for the AFC South crown with their star quarterback back at the helm.
According to Colts general manager Chris Ballard, Richardson is all-systems go.
“I’m not expecting any limitations right now,” Ballard told reporters on July 24.
Richardson passed for 577 yards with three touchdowns to one interception while adding 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns in four games.
“Anthony has really done a nice job diving into learning the offense, once again at a deep level,” Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter told the Indy Star. “It’s Year 2. He’s out there, sort of able to operate the offense in his mind, with his notes, with every part of what we’re doing around here at a higher level than he was a year ago.”
A bolstered supporting cast and clean bill of health could bring out the best in Richardson in 2024, and beyond.
“He will be a flasher,” a rival AFC Scouting Director recently told me of Richardson. “Lots of good and some bad. My biggest worry for Richardson is whether he can be consistent.
“He’s going to have some Josh Allen games but also some Kyler Murray ones thrown in there.”
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