Colts' Josh Downs Feels Trust Building with Anthony Richardson
The chemistry between a quarterback and a wide receiver is an underrated factor in determining their success.
The Indianapolis Colts have been fortunate to have stellar quarterback-wide receiver duos with great chemistry over the years. Peyton Manning had tremendous chemistry with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. The same is true with Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton.
But now a new age of Colts football is here, and rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is working to build that chemistry with his fellow wide receivers. The No.4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft was named the starter for this season earlier this week. Richardson's primary wide receivers will likely be Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, the top two receivers for the Colts, who are both poised for career years.
However, there is another wide receiver Richardson is quickly forming a bond with. Richardson's training camp roommate, fellow rookie Josh Downs, has been impressive in training camp and consistently making plays. The third-round pick out of the University of North Carolina is quickly forming a bond with his quarterback.
“Ah man, it feels good being out there with AR (Anthony Richardson)," Downs said Wednesday night. "We (are) still learning each other out there on the field – just because we’ve only had like 12 practices. Just having him as a roommate and out there as my quarterback, I can’t ask for anything better. It’s a blessing, for real."
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Richardson and Downs began forming their connection before they had even been on the field together. The night before rookie minicamp in the spring, Downs texted Richardson asking if he wanted to throw out in the parking lot of the team hotel. Richardson was all for it, and the two played catch for about a half hour as they talked about life and getting to know one another.
From that moment, the two rookies have shown their potential on the practice field. Richardson has continually looked Downs' way during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods. The rookie quarterback is trying to build that connection with not only Downs but the rest of the wide receivers as quickly as possible.
"You got to be on the same page as your quarterback on every single level," Downs admitted. "We're building that right now. (Richardson's) building that with Pitt (Michael Pittman Jr.) and Alec (Pierce), and the other receivers like Isaiah (McKenzie) too. He's doing a great job. I love Anthony. He's playing extremely well right now."
Richardson had a very efficient day on Wednesday as the Colts began a two-day joint practice session with the Chicago Bears. He was 15-of-19 (78.9%) in the 11-on-11 periods with multiple completions to Pittman, Pierce, and Downs. Downs hulled in three catches during the 11-on-11 period and worked with the starters for most of practice.
"I took it like a game today," Downs explained after practice. "I was really excited when I woke up this morning. I felt like we (were) going out there to play a game. I've always seen joint practices like in high school and college and I kind of wanted to get a taste of what it feels like and today I did. So, just competing out there with different guys, being able to just see different talent other than the Bills and our guys. Basically I'm still seeing how I stack up in the league, and I'm just competing."
Downs was impressive throughout the team periods as well as 1-on-1 sessions. His route running was on full display, as Bears' defenders had trouble sticking with the 5'9", 171-pound receiver. Downs was one of the standouts in Wednesday's practice, and head coach Shane Steichen has been impressed with how Downs has been improving throughout training camp.
“He’s done tremendous," Steichen said about Downs. "He runs great routes. He catches everything. Really like his growth and where he’s at right now.”
Over the past couple of weeks, Downs has been receiving more time with the starters. His reliable hands and ability to get open quickly have made him a perfect fit in Steichen's offense. As Pittman and Pierce had the duties as the outside receivers, Downs has found a home in the slot.
But as of yet, Downs has not been named a starter for the Colts. Isaiah McKenzie is still listed as the starting slot receiver in Indy and has had his share of good days. The competition will likely continue up to Week 1.
The slot receiver role is a unique position in that, many times, what makes a player great at this position are things that cannot be taught. Having a feel for the game and how to get open are imperative to the position. It takes a natural talent to possess that part of the game.
"Some of those routes that you run inside the slot, those guys have a natural feel for them," Steichen mentioned. "The best ones in the league that are in the slot that run those routes inside and have a great feel for them. Sometimes ... those type of routes, you don’t really want to coach them. Let their talent shine and let them take over and do what they do.”
Downs' talent has been shining for a while now, but it is becoming increasingly noticeable as his connection with Richardson has grown. There is trust between the two rookies now, and Richardson knows he can rely on Downs to make a play.
"He trusts me now, and I always tell him he can trust me," Downs noted. "Even after he calls the play, I slip a little, ‘Hey bro, look for me (laughing).’ I like AR, he’s a good dude. He’s proving a lot of people wrong.”
With Richardson already named the starter for the season, Downs wants to join him in that category. Based on the on-field results, it may not be long before he is there as well.
Richardson and Downs were taken in the first and third rounds of this spring's NFL draft. The last time the Colts took a quarterback and wide receiver in the first and third rounds of the same draft? Luck and Hilton.
History has a funny way of repeating itself.
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