NFL Analyst Reveals Key for Maximizing Colts QB Anthony Richardson

Starting a rookie quarterback from Day 1 is not a new thing for the Indianapolis Colts. Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck both began their rookie seasons as starters.

Each of those signal callers experienced much different first seasons. Manning led the Colts to a 3-13 finish and led the NFL with 28 interceptions. But Luck went 11-5 and earned a spot in the Pro Bowl.

Even though both quarterbacks started differently, they each became two of the best in their generations. The hope in Indianapolis is the No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson is next.

But Richardson is different in that he's not as pro-ready as either Manning or Luck were when they entered the league. Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon argued that could make play calling and game planning difficult for the Colts offensive coaches this season.

Gagnon identified how much responsibility the team gives Richardson as the top thing it must figure out early in 2023.

"The rookie No. 4 overall pick has flashed at times this offseason and is set to start from the get-go, but he's still considered more of a long-term project," Gagnon wrote. "The Colts want to see what they have but without potentially breaking their young star QB.

"He'll face defenses led by guys like Will Anderson Jr., Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett in the first seven weeks of his career."

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Treating Richardson with kid gloves will prevent him from making catastrophic mistakes that could kill his confidence. The Colts must play the long game even if they are competitive early in 2023.

But at the same time, Richardson is an incredible athlete. In his college career at Florida, he averaged 7.9 yards per pass with 24 touchdowns.

Richardson also posted 6.9 yards per carry and scored 12 rushing touchdowns.

It's only natural to let the thoroughbred run wild, just a bit, to see what he can do.

Head coach Shane Steichen could teeter back and forth between these two goals for much of the upcoming season.

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