Jaguars’ Doug Pederson on Anthony Richardson: ‘You Think of Him, You Think of Cam Newton’

The NFL season is finally upon us as Week 1 opens this evening with the Lions taking on the Chiefs in the season opener. On Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars will open up on the road visiting their in-division rivals, the Indianapolis Colts,

While this game will be important for several reasons as it marks the debut of Calvin Ridley and others, it will also be a test for Jacksonville defensively as the Colts premier their first round selection, Anthony Richardson.

Richardson, 6-foot-4, 244 pounds, is as dangerous as they come as both a passer and as a rusher. At Florida he was renowned for his ability to make big plays whether it be through the air or on the ground. The Jaguars will have to be sound defensively, especially when it comes to tackling the big Colts quarterback.

When asked about Richardson, Jaguars’ head coach Doug Pederson had this to say, “It’s tough, it’s tough. You think of him, you think of Cam Newton. These are big, physical, strong quarterbacks that can also throw the football. They’re athletic and it is a challenge.”

He went on to add how important tackling will be for the team, “It’s a quarterback who, when you watch the tape, can break arm tackles. He can run for 15, 20, 30 yards and beat you with his legs. We got to stay disciplined defensively, we got to be a good tackling football team against guys like this.”

That’s high, high praise from Pederson. It’s clear the Jaguars understand just how dangerous Richardson can be. That said, with Richardson’s danger comes opportunity for the defense to make plays as well. Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun is certainly up to the task.

“A lot of times, you get a rookie guy, he’s confusing with looks, maybe bringing some pressure from where it looks like it’s coming, see if we can pick up on that. Obviously, he has great talent running the ball as well, he has a strong arm. We’ll see how to combat that as the game goes on or going into the game. We got to see through film study and through experience as game goes of what we can attack him with,” said Oluokun.

Winning the turnover battle could be the key to success Sunday against a rookie quarterback. Oluokun notes it's an emphasis to start the season fast and create turnovers on defense.

“Just putting that importance on the ball, when you take the ball back, you give a possession to the offense and they’re electric. Give our offense more possessions, we can win games,” Oluokun said.

When facing a quarterback as dangerous as Richardson, it’s paramount to stay disciplined and make him make mistakes. In just his first game, there will surely be opportunities to make plays and the Jaguars must be there to capitalize on those mistakes.

The Colts offense could give issue, however, the Jaguars should be able to put up some points against an unproven Colts’ secondary. With Ridley in the fold, Sunday could prove to be a big day for the Jaguars’ offense.

Lawrence and company are ready to rock and roll Sunday and understand how important it is to start the season with a win, especially against an in-division rival.

“We understand how big this game is and the history of us playing the Colts there and what we need to do. We understand all of that. It is a big game and I’m just excited to get out there and play when I know we’ve been chomping at the bit and the team is ready,” Lawrence said.