It's Anthony Richardson Time for the Colts
When the Indianapolis Colts drafted Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 pick in the NFL Draft, the prevailing thought was the Colts took the quarterback with the highest risk / highest reward ratio.
Arguably one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks to enter the league, the inexperienced Richardson hit on just 53.8% of his passes in his only season as a starter at Florida.
Enter quarterback-whisperer Shane Steichen as the Colts' new head coach, and the reviews for Richardson have been nothing short of sparkling in training camp.
Steichen named Richardson the starter for the Colts' preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. The announcement took on a feel of inevitability rather than surprise because of the good work Richardson has put in thus far.
"A few minutes before practice," Richardson said when asked when he found out he'd be starting. "Coach let me know I'm able to go out there and showcase what I'm able to do with the ones a little bit."
It's human nature for Richardson to be excited and maybe a little nervous about his NFL debut, but he's not showing it.
"The first NFL experience, I'm excited for it," said Richardson. "Same rodeo, I just get to play ball again. I knew I was going to play regardless, so I wasn't really stressing whether I was going to start or not. I was going to get my reps."
"I'm excited I get to run out there first and hopefully put up some points early. I'm definitely excited I get to go against a different opponent instead of going against Zaire [Franklin] and Shaq Leonard every day," Richardson said with a grin.
"I feel like I'm in a good spot. Hopefully I can showcase that Saturday.
The reviews on Richardson from training camp have been positive all spring and summer, but how does he feel about his progress?
"I think I've taken a big step, regarding everything," said Richardson. "Whether it's chemistry, play calling, or even just recognition of the defense. I feel like I've grown a lot."
"There's still room for improvement, and hopefully I can just keep on pushing."
If Richardson rolls early in the season, there's a good chance the Colts will be rolling too. It's best to temper expectations with a raw-rookie starting quarterback, but it's hard not to get excited about the potential Richardson brings to the offense.
Colts fans will get their first look at him in action against opposing NFL defenses when the Colts take on the Bills on Saturday at 1 p.m. EST on CBS.
