Anthony Richardson on the Rise in NFL.com QB Index
The Indianapolis Colts fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week 31-21, but quarterback Anthony Richardson's debut was a positive start to the season.
His accuracy was a concern when the Colts drafted him from Florida, but he was 27 of 34 passing for 223 yards and a touchdown. He also added 40 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Richardson' debut caught the eye of the national media. He was nominated for AFC Offensive Rookie of the Week, and NFL.com's Nick Shook moved him up five spots in his weekly QB Index on NFL.com.
"The potential is so visible with Richardson," wrote Shook. "It’s evident in his arm strength, his pocket poise and his ability to take off for positive gains. It was also painfully clear when Richardson exited with an injury late against the Jaguars, as Indianapolis ran into a brick wall along the goal line with Gardner Minshew at the controls.
"But let’s stick with the results from the fourth overall pick: First off, he was a bit of a mixed bag, which isn’t a bad thing. He missed on occasion, but he also threw the ball better than I expected, showing progress in his intermediate accuracy. It wasn’t a sweeping improvement, but after watching him rip missiles over the middle and miss his targets in the preseason, I was very encouraged by what I saw on Sunday.
"Richardson looked remarkably comfortable for a quarterback with limited collegiate experience and zero NFL experience. His interception in the fourth quarter was one of the fatal blows to the Colts’ hopes, but Indianapolis has to be excited. And for those expecting the Colts to use Richardson like a young Cam Newton, they saw their prophecy fulfilled with Richardson’s first career touchdown, a short rushing score via a play that was a staple in Newton’s Carolina days: QB power.
"That’s just flat-out fun stuff."
Expectations for the Colts this season have been tempered in Indianapolis with one of the youngest teams in the NFL. However, "fun stuff" is an excellent start for new head coach Shane Steichen and Richardson.
Early in the season, Richardson will be compared to Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers and C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans. They went No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the draft, while the Colts took Richardson at No. 4.
Stroud came in just behind Richardson at No. 26 with a decent debut in a loss to the Ravens. Young remains at No. 27 after throwing for just 146 yards and two interceptions in a loss to the Falcons.
Frankly, Richardson looked a lot better than the No. 25 quarterback in the NFL in his debut. If he can build on his excellent showing against the Jaguars, "fun stuff" should start turning into wins for the Colts.
They'll have their next chance on Sunday in Houston when they travel to take on the Texans. Stroud is doubtful for the game, but Richardson should be a full go after taking a knock to his knee at the end of the Jaguars game.
