3 Reasons Why Patience is Key for Colts to Hit Full Potential

After four consecutive years of unknowns, drama, and disappointments, the Indianapolis Colts get to have a fresh slate for their franchise in multiple ways.

The Colts have a new and forward-thinking head coach in Shane Steichen, an athletic and high-ceiling quarterback in Anthony Richardson, and a young roster overall that can build rapport together for the seasons ahead. While it's exciting and enticing to think about what this team could look like firing on all cylinders, it must also be understood that there are factors in play that warrant much patience from the front office, the coaches, and the fans.

With this in mind, it's time to briefly dive into three reasons that patience with the Colts is so essential for their ultimate potential to be showcased.

Reason 1: Even the Veterans are Young

While the word "old" has a far different meaning outside of the NFL, inside the league, it could mean at or around 30 years of age. With certain positions, even those in their late twenties could be considered a veteran. This is the same for the Colts.

The two oldest players on the team are center Ryan Kelly and long-snapper Luke Rhodes, both of which are 30 years of age. They're considered the oldest veterans with their age and experience, with Kelly being the most seasoned offensive lineman on the Colts (2023 will be his eighth season with Indianapolis).

Other veterans to consider are a few of the superstars. Some of the notable names include running back Jonathan Taylor (24), wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (25), defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (29), and linebacker Shaquille Leonard (27), all of whom aren't 30 years of age and have been in the league around three to eight seasons.

These are talented "veterans" that are also some of the best pieces that the Colts have. With a new system all around and rookies, too, the Colts' seasoned pros will need some time to mold with everything else around them. Keep in mind all they've seen is change, so it will be interesting to watch them grow with something consistent.

Reason 2: The Offensive Coaching Staff is Also Young

Seeing a trend here? This one is perhaps the most important to get in sync. With offensive guru Steichen being only 38 years of age, he is one of the youngest NFL head coaches (currently third behind Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams and Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings). He's also going into his first season running his team from the helm of the sidelines.

Despite his success as an offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers (2019-2020) and Philadelphia Eagles (2021-2022), coaching your own team is a completely different experience. It will require more attention to detail than Steichen has ever had to take on. It may take some time for him to get into a rhythm in such a demanding position.

However, he'll get assistance from vibrant offensive minds all around the new staff.

Along with him will be new offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and quarterback coach Cam Turner. Both have experience in their positions from past seasons but also are new to Indianapolis. Joining them is another new face in the building with offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr. This will also be the first season Sparano has completely commanded an offensive line, previously serving as an assistant for multiple franchises in the years before.

With so many new minds being thrown together, it might take some growing pains to build a well-oiled machine in the Colts facility. However, regardless of the time it might take, it's fun to think of the creativity that such an offensive-minded and young coaching staff can construct when everything's working well.

Lastly will be the centerpiece of it all and perhaps the most crucial for patience.

Reason 3: The Colts QB is Anthony Richardson

Look, it's been preached many times at this point, but Richardson could need the most patience of anything featured on the 2023 Colts.

While he's the most athletically gifted QB ever drafted, he needs to get integrated into NFL speed, which is a tall task for even a seasoned college quarterback.

Richardson only had a hand full of starts at Florida but made incredible plays happen in the short work frame. He showcased a cannon for an arm that can force defenses to cover all parts of the field. He also showcased serious power in shorter/intermediate throws, which is what you want to see.

With his already deadly running ability in the default settings, it's more important to focus on being patient with Richardson as a passer. The aforementioned coaching staff will be most important with this learning curve and getting the high-ceiling QB up to speed with the way things are done.

While the finished product could potentially be two or three seasons down the road, it's worth the wait. Richardson's traits and potential are unlike anything the league has seen. That sky-high area of performance is where Steichen and the Colts want to see Richardson at some point. It just may not be this or even next year. It will be a process to understand NFL defenses and the way of life, not an event.

With this being said, the young Richardson seems ready to take on all of the lessons, changes, and routines that the league and Colts are throwing his way.

Outlook

The Colts are a young team in the earliest stages of getting to know one another. With the coaching staff also included in this description, it shows that it's a completely new look for Indianapolis. It's a "youth movement" of sorts, and across the board at that. Everyone needs to remember this and be calm with the development of everything in the Colts facility. Patience is truly a virtue, and if it's exhibited on the coaching/player levels, this could be a dangerous team in the years ahead.

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