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Colts' QB Wows Before Concussion vs. Texans: All-AR5 Film

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was stellar in his limited action against the Houston Texans.
Andrew Moore|
Colts' QB Wows Before Concussion vs. Texans: All-AR5 Film
Colts' QB Wows Before Concussion vs. Texans: All-AR5 Film

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Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts got their first win of the 2023 season as they took down the Houston Texans 31-20.

Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson started hot but only made it four drives before he was diagnosed with a concussion. Richardson was 6-of-10 (60%) for 56 yards and a QB rating of 75.4. Where Richardson shined was on the ground, rushing for 35 yards on three attempts for two touchdowns.

The concussion likely came on Richardson's second touchdown run as the quarterback's head hit the turf hard after being tackled in the end zone. Without the concussion, Richardson could have been in line for a monster afternoon.

“All-AR5” is back on Horseshoe Huddle, where we will look at the All-22 film each week and dissect how Richardson played. Although he could not finish the game, Richardson was very impressive against the division-rival Texans.

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Run to Score Points

Head coach Shane Steichen said in his introductory press conference that the Colts would throw to score points and run to win. The opposite was true on Sunday, as the Texans did not have an answer for Richardson and the QB run game.

Our first clip is of Richardson's first rushing touchdown of the day. The interior of the offensive line does a great job of sealing off the defenders, and Richardson's speed does the rest on the designed run. Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, and Will Fries all had great games on Sunday.

The second touchdown run for Richardson is a great play design by Steichen. Richardson fakes the handoff to Josh Downs and the defense bites. Blocks by Michael Pittman Jr. and Kylen Granson allow Richardson to turn the corner and get the score.

Unfortunately, this play is likely when Richardson suffers his concussion. After passing the block by Granson, Richardson starts to slow down and does not realize Texans safety M.J. Stewart is flying across the field to make a play. Because Richardson slows a little, it allows Stewart to lay a hit on the rookie, causing Richardson's head to bounce hard off the turf at NRG Stadium.

The quarterback run game will always be part of the game plan with Richardson. His legs are one of the reasons why he is such an enticing prospect. However, this is a teaching moment for Richardson to always finish out the play and be aware of his surroundings at all times. To reach his sky-high potential, Richardson needs to stay healthy.

RPO/Option Game

While Richardson mostly made the correct decisions in the RPO/option game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, there were some plays where the rookie made the wrong read. He cleaned those decisions up against the Texans.

The next set of clips shows the RPO/option reads Richardson made on Sunday. Granted, it was a small sample size since Richardson only played a little over a quarter. However, it was encouraging to see Richardson make the right reads, leading to yards in the running game.

The RPO/option game will be a major part of the Colts' offense under Steichen. Richardson seems to be settling in and making these decisions quickly as he adjusts to the speed of NFL defenses.

Mesh

If the first two games are any indication of how this offense will operate the rest of the season, Richardson will continue to attack the middle of the field. The Colts have had success on mesh concept plays over the middle, and Richardson continues to hit his targets.

On the first play from scrimmage, the Colts implore mesh with Pittman and tight end Mo Alie-Cox. With the two receivers running routes across one another, Pittman gets open for an easy pitch and catch. Pay attention to Richardson on this play as he starts looking to his left before coming back to the middle of the field. Getting through the reads like Richardson is on this play is very encouraging for a rookie quarterback.

The next play is also mesh, this time with Granson and Downs. As the two cross paths, both Texans defenders follow Downs, leaving Granson wide open. Richardson makes the read and delivers the ball to his tight end for a first down.

Using mesh is not only advantageous for the receivers to get open quickly, but it also makes the reads simple for Richardson over the middle of the field. Richardson can get into a rhythm, and as long as he delivers the ball accurately and on time, the play usually ends in a completion. Look for the Colts to continue using this throughout the season.

Missed Opportunity

The Colts have not been able to hit very many deep shots in the first two games. Some of this is due to defenses testing Richardson's patience, making the big-armed quarterback dink and dunk his way down the field. However, when the opportunity presents itself to take a shot, the rookie must see it and take it.

The last clip of the day is a play Richardson likely wants to have back. Alec Pierce (bottom of the screen) wins his one-on-one matchup and has his man beat on the deep post for what would be a walk-in touchdown. Unfortunately, Richardson never sees him and throws the ball out of bounds before he can be brought down for a sack.

Looking at the film, it seems like Richardson determined the safety would take away the deep middle of the field, leading him to believe Pierce would be covered. Richardson is looking at Downs instead, but when the safeties converge on Downs, Richardson looks to his check down, completely missing Pierce. If Richardson holds on for a half-second longer, he likely sees Pierce and lets it rip.

Plays like these are teaching moments for the rookie quarterback. This play was also after he took the hit to his head, and he may have been concussed. Regardless, it is a play Richardson will learn from and be better for in the future.

Final Analysis

Richardson was off to a fantastic start against the Texans, and it is a shame his game was cut short due to injury. The Texans had no answer for the quarterback run game, and Richardson was making them pay. He also got off to a hot start in the passing game and might have had some opportunities for shots.

But moving forward, the obvious concern is Richardson's health. The rookie may be an athletic freak, but he must learn to protect himself and not take unnecessary punishment. The NFL is a much different game than college, and Richardson will need to adjust his playing style, including running full speed to the end zone, so he can stay healthy and survive the long season.

Next up is the Baltimore Ravens, a team known for their tough defense and having an athletic freak themselves at quarterback in Lamar Jackson. Richardson's status is still up in the air, and he will need to pass the five-step concussion protocol to play. If Richardson is healthy and good to go for Sunday, this quarterback matchup will likely be filled with fireworks.

More All-AR5 Film Reviews

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Andrew Moore
ANDREW MOORE

Andrew Moore is the Senior Analyst for Horseshoe Huddle and an Indianapolis Colts expert. Andrew is also the co-host of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast and the former co-host of A Colts Podcast.

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