Richardson Officially Named Colts' Starting QB In '23

[ChaosTheory]

https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-rookie-qb-anthony-richardson-named-starter-for-2023-season

Absolutely the right move in my opinion. Expedite the process. He shows no indication so far of being one of those kids that will fold under pressure.

[JAFF]

https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-rookie-qb-anthony-richardson-named-starter-for-2023-season

Absolutely the right move in my opinion. Expedite the process. He shows no indication so far of being one of those kids that will fold under pressure.

1 preseason game, where he didnt play all 4 quarters. Pressure wont come until the regular season and if he surpasses Mannings rookie season in wins, I will be impressed. We wont know what he’s made of until he gets the home town fans booing him off the field. And they will.

[ChaosTheory]

1 preseason game, where he didnt play all 4 quarters. Pressure wont come until the regular season and if he surpasses Mannings rookie season in wins, I will be impressed. We wont know what he’s made of until he gets the home town fans booing him off the field. And they will.

Of course. I still say, though, that I've seen nothing from him that indicates he's fragile as of yet. In fact, I've been pleasantly surprised by everything above the shoulders I've seen from him since we drafted him.

[Oldcolt]

1 preseason game, where he didnt play all 4 quarters. Pressure wont come until the regular season and if he surpasses Mannings rookie season in wins, I will be impressed. We wont know what he’s made of until he gets the home town fans booing him off the field. And they will.

I believe he is better than that, Manning didn't get booed off the field and I see zero reason to believe AR will. He belongs. I know it was only a quarter but for a kid who hasn't played much he looked very comfy. I think we overstate how hard being a QB is mentally. Even if it is AR is a very smart young man who has great work ethic. I think we got very lucky and I'll say it this early. He will be a top 5 QB sooner than later

[Hoopsdoc]

Not sure why they needed to announce anything. Let everyone wonder until opening day.

That said, this is clearly the right move.

[JAFF]

From the Star




WESTFIELD — Anthony Richardson dropped back, set his feet and saw Alec Pierce streaking for the end zone, a step ahead of Darrell Baker Jr. for the second time in Tuesday’s practice.

Richardson had missed Pierce the first time, underthrowing the deep shot and leaving it too far inside for Pierce to make an adjustment to catch it, but this throw was different. Pierce broke to the inside on a skinny post, and Richardson fired a laser, hitting Pierce in stride for a touchdown of roughly 20 yards.

From a football standpoint, that kind of play is a big reason why Colts head coach Shane Steichen publicly named Richardson the starter minutes after the practice ended.


“He’s got big-time playmaking ability,” Steichen said. “That’s been showcased in training camp, and then obviously, he did some good things in that preseason game. He brings that playmaking ability.”

Gardner Minshew hasn’t displayed the same ability.

The fifth-year veteran has completed a higher percentage of passes during training camp, hitting on 71.6% (91 of 127) to Richardson’s 61.9% (60 of 97).


But Richardson has typically gotten more bang for his buck, pushing the ball downfield more often to players like Pierce while the majority of Minshew’s throws have been short, high-percentage gains. If a veteran quarterback is going to hold off a rookie quarterback who was picked in the top five, he has to be dynamic, and Minshew’s brand of football has been more like a game manager.

When Minshew’s thrown the ball downfield, it’s often been underthrown, the way the ball was placed on Tuesday’s interception, a deep ball attempt that ended up short and in the hands of cornerback Kevin Toliver. Minshew completed 5 of 10 throws Tuesday, and the interception wasn’t the only downfield throw that was a little off the mark. Minshew also missed Pharaoh Brown over the middle on an intermediate route.


Richardson completed 9 of 12 passes in Tuesday’s session, and although there were misses — the badly-placed ball to Pierce, a high throw that tight end Kylen Granson was able to deflect, two sacks by Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam — the rookie also brings an element of explosiveness, both on the ground and through the air.

For example, one of the reasons that Minshew has thrown so many more passes in training camp than Richardson, despite the rookie taking more snaps overall, is Richardson’s running ability. When Minshew’s on the move, he often has trouble making the play. Richardson, on the other hand, can throw on the move, completing throws on the move to Josh Downs twice and hitting Brown down the middle.

Ultimately, on the practice field so far, Minshew has been more consistent, but it’s Richardson who makes the biggest plays.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) passes Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, during training camp at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana.
Trench fight

One of the tightest position battles in training camp has been playing out on the interior of the defensive line.

The top two Colts defensive tackles are firmly established. DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart are one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the game, but Buckner has missed a couple weeks of practice with a foot injury.

Indianapolis knows what it has in Buckner, one of the game’s best defensive tackles, and having him on the sidelines has allowed the Colts to hold a wide-open competition for the backup spots. Veteran Taven Bryan, second-year tackle Eric Johnson, rookie Adetomiwa Adebawore and veteran McTelvin Agim are rotating with the first team next to Stewart, competing for a roster spot.

Bryan signed a one-year deal with $3 million guaranteed in the offseason, but the other three players have flashed at times. Agim batted down a pass in Tuesday’s practice, Johnson stuffed Evan Hull at the line with a nice play, Adebawore has excellent quickness and Johnson, a fifth-round pick out of Missouri State a year ago, has made more plays.

Injury report

A Colts secondary that has been short-handed throughout training camp is finally starting to get healthy.

Starting strong safety Julian Blackmon, starting cornerback Kenny Moore II and starting free safety Rodney Thomas II were all back on the practice field Tuesday, stepping back into the lineup after dealing with hamstring, ankle and toe injuries, respectively.

A few other positions, on the other hand, are still dealing with injury. Right tackle Braden Smith (knee) and backup center/guard Dakoda Shepley were spotted doing on-field work with the trainers during practice, and veteran center Ryan Kelly did not practice for the first time in training camp.

Tight ends Mo Alie-Cox (ankle), Jelani Woods (hamstring) and Drew Ogletree (knee) were also forced to sit out practice, although rookie tight end Will Mallory was back in the lineup.

Buckner (foot), running back Zack Moss (arm), linebacker Segun Olubi (hamstring) running back Jason Huntley, wide receiver Breshad Perriman and wide receiver Vyncint Smith did not practice.

Quick hitters

Dayo Odeyingbo, who continues to play both inside on passing downs and outside in running formations, picked up a tackle-for-loss on Richardson on a running play. … Danny Pinter took the snaps at center with Kelly out of the lineup. … Isaiah McKenzie ans Downs returned punts.

[Brylok]

Good! He'll take his lumps and develop. Let's get going!

[daedge]

Great decision. And who really cares how many games we win this year - we just want Marv Harrison Jnr next year.

[Spike]

Good Decision for sure.

Really happy we took AR over the other 3 guys. Not saying Young and maybe Stroud won't be good, but AR just has that IT factor. Love watching that guy play.

Levis, not even in the conversation for me anymore.

[Racehorse]

Richardson is the type of player that excites fans, just like Luck did. Yes, Luck was ready on Day 1 to lead a team better than most rookies ever have been, but Richardson will close the gap quicker than the other three top rookie QBs will, and he could even be OROY, if things go down like they could.

[nate505]

I'm ready for the AR era to begin. If he busts so be it, but I don't think he will and there's no time like the present to get those reps in and improve his game.

[apballin]

1 preseason game, where he didnt play all 4 quarters. Pressure wont come until the regular season and if he surpasses Mannings rookie season in wins, I will be impressed. We wont know what he’s made of until he gets the home town fans booing him off the field. And they will.

There’s no comparison to Manning and Richardson… why Colts fans wanna do this is beyond me.

Most QBs that can run have early success actually because when the play isn’t there they can take off… Manning while the GOAT never had that option

[ChoppedWood]

I'm ready for the AR era to begin. If he busts so be it, but I don't think he will and there's no time like the present to get those reps in and improve his game.

Yep. All makes perfect sense. IF, and I am in the camp he WON'T, but IF he is a giant bust and cannot play QB at all, it positions us to be in line to immediately grab one of two what are at present considered transcendent QB's in 2024. Playing Minshew would not present that same opportunity, he probably gets us 4-5 wins which pushes us out of Williams, Maye, and Harrison territory.

To be clear, I expect AR to thrive. I think this will be a very difficult year, and 4 wins would be nice, 5 would be a boon and anything north of that is on miracle level. But I do expect that going into the latter portion of this year there to be a lot of buzz about how high his ceiling could be.

[JAFF]

There’s no comparison to Manning and Richardson… why Colts fans wanna do this is beyond me.

Most QBs that can run have early success because when the play isn’t there they can take off… Manning while the GOAT never had that option

And Andrew Luck had the ability to take off and run, how did that work? Robert Griffin III could scramble, how long was his career? Lamar Odom, terrific athlete, last two years has missed 8 games.

Who were the best Qbs in the last 20 years? Brady and Manning, not exactly mobile.

I understand why they named him the starter, it was going to happen, they want to sell tickets. Its his lack of actual game experience is going to hold him back, Im not sure most fans understand this. They just threw is kid in to the deep end of the pool.

Patrick Mahomes is what the Colts are hoping they can create. The difference between the two is college experience. Mahomes knows when to slide, and when to get out of bounds. I had to hold my breath when AR lowered his shoulder along the sidelines in the first quarter.

I like AR, I want to see him flourish, I dont want him to become Andrew Luck part 2.

[Oldcolt]

This young man is ready. People talk about being a QB as if it is neurosurgery. Ten year olds play the dam position. AR will be better than fine, and for me that isn't about his arm talent (although that just blows me away). It is his mind. How he moves in the pocket, a calm collected moving, how he responded to the interception (what interception-short memory) and his ability to read the defense. AR is headed for greatness. Maybe not fully this year, but soon. We are going to be a perennial contender that offensive weapons will want to be part of. All you freaks wanting Harrison on this team are having pipe dreams, he will be long gone before we pick.

[JAFF]

This young man is ready. People talk about being a QB as if it is neurosurgery. Ten year olds play the dam position. AR will be better than fine, and for me that isn't about his arm talent (although that just blows me away). It is his mind. How he moves in the pocket, a calm collected moving, how he responded to the interception (what interception-short memory) and his ability to read the defense. AR is headed for greatness. Maybe not fully this year, but soon. We are going to be a perennial contender that offensive weapons will want to be part of. All you freaks wanting Harrison on this team are having pipe dreams, he will be long gone before we pick.

When is the “How many games will the Colts win with AR this year? Post. And without help from Minshew.

[Oldcolt]

When is the “How many games will the Colts win with AR this year? Post. And without help from Minshew.

I have no idea how many the Colts will win. What I am almost positive of is that we will win games this year because AR is our QB. That hasn't really happened since the Luck years. For the first time in years we don't have a 'manager' at QB. I expect us to be in the middle third of the league in wins. Until we develop a pass rush I have my doubts about the team as a whole.

[Chromeburn]

And Andrew Luck had the ability to take off and run, how did that work? Robert Griffin III could scramble, how long was his career? Lamar Odom, terrific athlete, last two years has missed 8 games.

Who were the best Qbs in the last 20 years? Brady and Manning, not exactly mobile.

I understand why they named him the starter, it was going to happen, they want to sell tickets. Its his lack of actual game experience is going to hold him back, Im not sure most fans understand this. They just threw is kid in to the deep end of the pool.

Patrick Mahomes is what the Colts are hoping they can create. The difference between the two is college experience. Mahomes knows when to slide, and when to get out of bounds. I had to hold my breath when AR lowered his shoulder along the sidelines in the first quarter.

I like AR, I want to see him flourish, I dont want him to become Andrew Luck part 2.

No one wants to see him take hits or get hurt. But he probably had 60 lbs on his old teammate he trucked. It seemed it was almost a point of pride for Luck. I don’t see that in Richardson’s game.

[apballin]

And Andrew Luck had the ability to take off and run, how did that work? Robert Griffin III could scramble, how long was his career? Lamar Odom, terrific athlete, last two years has missed 8 games.

Who were the best Qbs in the last 20 years? Brady and Manning, not exactly mobile.

I understand why they named him the starter, it was going to happen, they want to sell tickets. Its his lack of actual game experience is going to hold him back, Im not sure most fans understand this. They just threw is kid in to the deep end of the pool.

Patrick Mahomes is what the Colts are hoping they can create. The difference between the two is college experience. Mahomes knows when to slide, and when to get out of bounds. I had to hold my breath when AR lowered his shoulder along the sidelines in the first quarter.

I like AR, I want to see him flourish, I dont want him to become Andrew Luck part 2.


Has nothing to do with selling tickets, Luck was a pass first QB, AR is more like Cam who holds the record for rushing TDs in a season (his rookie year) 14 by a QB

Every situation is different AR is ready

[JAFF]

Has nothing to do with selling tickets, Luck was a pass first QB, AR is more like Cam who holds the record for rushing TDs in a season (his rookie year) 14 by a QB

Every situation is different AR is ready

Everything that goes on inside any NFL front office is about selling tickets and making money. It is a multiBILLION dollar indusrty, it is all about $$$$

As to Newton

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NewtCa00.htm

I his first 3 years the team had a winning record, the next six years were single digit wins. First six years he averaged 30 sacks.

Every situation is different. But history is not on the side of a running QB. And AR wont see any of the fun and games DC’s will run in the regular season this preseason.

[Lov2fish]

The staff has seen enough through mini-camp and camp to think he's ready. I don't think they are just throwing him out there for baptism under fire, unless, Irsay said play him. Any more you never know, he has gotten more involved than previously.

Didn't want any of the QB's this year and so far their FIRST preseason games reaffirms why. It is just pre season though so the whole grain of salt thing. I'm a homer so I am 1000% on the Richardson train. Choo-Choooooo.

[Oldcolt]

He gets, and needs, every rep with the first team in practice. Big plus

[YDFL Commish]

The staff has seen enough through mini-camp and camp to think he's ready. I don't think they are just throwing him out there for baptism under fire, unless, Irsay said play him. Any more you never know, he has gotten more involved than previously.

Didn't want any of the QB's this year and so far their FIRST preseason games reaffirms why. It is just pre season though so the whole grain of salt thing. I'm a homer so I am 1000% on the Richardson train. Choo-Choooooo.

Irsay said just play him, we all know that.

[IndyNorm]

I take this as good news in that Steichen has seen enough to believe that AR will not be overwhelmed out there. At least hopefully it is :cool:

[apballin]

Everything that goes on inside any NFL front office is about selling tickets and making money. It is a multiBILLION dollar indusrty, it is all about $$$$

As to Newton

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NewtCa00.htm

I his first 3 years the team had a winning record, the next six years were single digit wins. First six years he averaged 30 sacks.

Every situation is different. But history is not on the side of a running QB. And AR wont see any of the fun and games DC’s will run in the regular season this preseason.

Same for the DC… I’m sure Steichen isn’t tipping his hand in preseason.

He’s younger than Cam and Cam never developed as a passer. I believe Richardson will. Rely on his athleticism while the game slows down and his passing game advances… similar to a Big Ben or Mcnabb

[Discflinger]

I love that Coach sent in 3 TEs to start Thursday night. Protect Richardson at all costs while we figure out what we have. So far, I really think The Coat hit a grand slam with their new coach.

[Chromeburn]

I love that Coach sent in 3 TEs to start Thursday night. Protect Richardson at all costs while we figure out what we have. So far, I really think The Coat hit a grand slam with their new coach.

That was a very aggressive gameplan. Lots of downfield throws in traffic. There wasn't any gimmies and short easy throws to start him out. I think regular game plans during the season will have a lot more of them mixed in and we will see a better comp rate. But that was more an exercise in getting as many downfield throws in as possible before the season start. Also the Eagles blitzed up the middle a ton, nearly every play.

[Racehorse]

That was a very aggressive gameplan. Lots of downfield throws in traffic. There wasn't any gimmies and short easy throws to start him out. I think regular game plans during the season will have a lot more of them mixed in and we will see a better comp rate. But that was more an exercise in getting as many downfield throws in as possible before the season start. Also the Eagles blitzed up the middle a ton, nearly every play.

Could be that Shane asked Nick to throw blitzes at AR to test him.

[Oldcolt]

Could be that Shane asked Nick to throw blitzes at AR to test him.

I believe this is why these practices are more valuable than exhibition games

[Chromeburn]

Could be that Shane asked Nick to throw blitzes at AR to test him.

I actually wouldn’t be surprised if that happened.

[Colts And Orioles]

o


In my rat's ass of an opinion, the 2023 Colts have a VERY YOUNG VERSION of "Unitas and Morrall" with Richardson and Minshew ...... 2 very capable quarterbacks, and they each have each other's back should one of them get injured.





https://media.gettyimages.com/id/515292364/photo/baltimore-quarterbacks-john-unitas-and-earl-morall-share-a-light-moment-at-their-practice.jpg?s=612x612&w=0&k=20&c=WVTAAsootJHPRBlhiRDpAs9SPXlgh-mSdKNBKxtSgqM=

o

[Oldcolt]

I get the comparison However I saw them play. Richardson? 😊

[Colts And Orioles]

I get the comparison. However, I saw them play ...... Richardson ??? ) 😊





o


It undoubtedly a stretch, to say the least ...... I forgot to take my royal-blue sunglasses off before I made that post.

o