Colts Shane Steichen Updates Progress of Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts' head coach Shane Steichen revealed how rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson is progressing as OTAs are underway.

While it may just be helmets and shorts, all eyes were on Anthony Richardson. But let's face it, all eyes will be on the 21-year-old all season long.

Organized team activities (OTAs) are underway for the Indianapolis Colts, with the third of ten sessions completed Thursday. Teams cannot go full contact during these practices. Full pads and contact are not allowed, hence why the Colts were just in helmets and shorts.

However, Thursday's practice was the first time we saw Richardson go head-to-head with the Colts' starting defense. While the rookie quarterback was not perfect on the day, Richardson showed off his strong arm and the physical talents that make him such an attractive prospect. He also showed off his ability to put touch on his throws, guiding the football over the top to tight end Kylen Granson for a would-be 60-yard touchdown.

As head coach Shane Steichen spoke with reporters after practice, he echoed what many of us have heard regarding Richardson: The Colts are REALLY happy with their rookie QB.

"He’s done a really nice job," Steichen said when asked about Richardson's progress. "I’ve been really pleased with where he’s at mentally. He made some big plays today on the football field. He made some great throws, great decisions – some really next-level stuff that I’ve seen over the last couple days. I’m really pleased with where he’s at.”

One of the biggest questions surrounding Richardson that will linger throughout the summer months is how quickly will the Colts bring him along. Steichen and owner Jim Irsay have said that the quickest way for a young quarterback to learn is with live, in-game reps. Teams also have to be careful about throwing a young quarterback in before he is ready, killing his confidence.

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In the case of Richardson, the Colts are already giving him looks with the first-team offense. While fellow quarterback Gardner Minshew started with the first team offense in 11-on-11 work, Richardson came in during the second stint and got some work in with the starters. According to Steichen, this plan will continue moving forward.

“We’ve been splitting them up," Steichen admitted. "Anthony is getting some reps with the ones, Gardner is getting reps with the ones and that’s how we’re rolling right now. We’ll see how it plays out during the spring and then we’ll go from there.”

As the Colts move to get Richardson ready as quickly as possible, it can be easy to forget about Minshew. The fifth-year quarterback signed with the Colts this offseason in free agency, following Steichen from the Philadelphia Eagles. Minshew could have very easily approached the situation not wanting to help Richardson, seeing him as a threat rather than a teammate.

But Minshew has done the exact opposite. He has been a model teammate to Richardson as the rookie enters the NFL while also working on his own game to get better. Minshew's attitude and work ethic have not gone unnoticed.

"Gardner has done a hell of a job taking him under his wing in that quarterback room," he revealed. "Obviously, (Minshew’s) got experience. He’s played a ton of games in this league. But he’s done a really nice job, I’m really pleased with where he’s at, with everything we’re doing on offense and the same thing, helping Anthony at the same time.”

If Richardson is not ready to start Week 1, Minshew is more than capable of holding down the fort until the rookie is ready. The Colts will determine over the upcoming months whether or not Richardson will be ready to start when the season begins. Numerous practices in the spring and summer will aid Steichen and the rest of the staff in evaluating where the No.4 pick stands in September.

The Colts want to give Richardson every opportunity to learn and compete. Whether in the meeting room or on the practice field, Richardson is being evaluated every step of the way. The sooner Richardson can get comfortable in the offense, the speed of the game, and what the Colts are asking of him, the sooner #5 will see the field on game day.

“I think with anything, you’ve got a guy who is really talented and comes in and shoot, you want to see where he’s at," Steichen explained. "So, let’s get him going early in the process and see where he’s at. So far, it’s been a good process and we’re going to continue to do that.

"We’re evaluating everybody. Not just him, the whole football team is being evaluated. But again, when you get those reps over and over and over again, you become a better football player, especially learning a new system, seeing different looks from the defense. There is a lot of stuff that is going to get thrown at him, along with everybody else. That way we can judge and see where he’s at.”

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While the Colts have preached taking things slow with Richardson and ensuring he is ready, there is also a sense of urgency. General manager Chris Ballard did not tear the team down this offseason in an attempt to start fresh. All-Pros and Pro Bowlers are littered throughout the roster on both sides of the ball.

The Colts have a short window where they have a chance to compete with a quarterback on a rookie deal, allowing them to keep their star players and add others to make a run. But that is only possible if Richardson can reach his ceiling. 

The only way to know what Richardson will become is by playing him. Live reps in practice and games will be crucial to the development of Richardson. Learning the offense is a huge first step, but there are other factors to playing quarterback that can only be learned by playing. Steichen and the rest of the Colts coaching staff know this well.

"I think as a quarterback, obviously learning the system is a big part of it, you know what I mean?" Steichen mentioned. "But it’s knowing where to throw it, when to throw it and how to throw it. I think (Richardson’s) taken on the coaching really well and understanding the rhythm and the timing of the passing game and what we’re trying to get accomplished, and he’s done a nice job.”

Richardson was touted as a raw prospect coming out of college who would need to sit first, maybe for the entire season, before he would be ready to play. The Colts and Steichen do not see it that way, as Richardson has done everything they have asked him to do and more.

At this rate, who knows? Richardson may just be the one taking the first snap for the Colts in the 2023 season.

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

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