3 Reasons Colts' Anthony Richardson Could Win Rookie of the Year

The Indianapolis Colts have one of the least experienced draft QBs of the 2023 bunch. But, with a solid roster and the right coaching, Anthony Richardson could shock the league.

The Indianapolis Colts trusted the “Ballard Way,” following general manager Chris Ballard's lead, and went all-in on freakish traits by selecting Florida’s Anthony Richardson with their first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

While many critics can be heard talking about his lack of experience (which is completely understandable), there are also shouts of his potential and how he may be more ready for this profession than some think. This piece will discuss the latter opinion.

Here are three reasons why Richardson could do what few are expecting: win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honor.

Reason #1: His Mobility/Vertical Offense

This one is a two-parter. First and easiest to get out of the way, the man can move, and violently. Running the 40-yard dash at 4.43 seconds is impressive enough for a QB, but when you keep in mind Richardson is also 244 pounds, it’s even more impressive. It’s worth noting that his RAS (Relative Athletic Score) was also a ridiculous 10/10.

Anthony Richardson was drafted with pick 4 of round 1 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 10.00 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 916 QB from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/EV9myLwunR pic.twitter.com/16M6qjHydU

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 28, 2023

This athleticism from a QB in head coach Shane Steichen’s offense is something that will be the highest priority for NFL defenses to stop. It’s going to be highly intriguing to see how Richardson’s mobility factors in with a coach who specializes in maximizing the development and talent of the QB’s greatest attributes.

Speaking of Steichen, his vertical-style offense fits Richarson’s strengths like a glove. With how often there will be the downfield shots, whether inside seams or outside “go” routes, it will allow Richardson to lean on what he does best.

Mix all of this, and he could put together bigger stats than any other rookie QB, or at any offensive position for that matter. It’s also true that Indianapolis would likely need about six or seven wins, bare minimum, if Richardson presents the right numbers.

However, not only is this attainable, but it’s also the number of wins (six) that former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton had when he won the award in 2011. He did throw 17 interceptions but added 706 rushing yards into the mix. Richardson might struggle for the 14 touchdowns that Newton had, but he’ll still get his fair share of passing and rushing scores.

He’ll also likely eclipse 600 rushing yards.

Reason #2: Jonathan Taylor is in the Backfield

This one might be obvious, but it cannot be ignored in the slightest.

Jonathan Taylor is what makes Richardson’s inclusion so deadly. It’s also what can propel him to hit defenses harder and more effectively with the offense. While Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans has Derrick Henry and C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans has Dameon Pierce, neither offense possesses a better offensive line or receiving corps. While the Colts fell apart at times on the line, they bounced back to finish 2022 and have more talent up front.

Mix this with the aforementioned mobility of Richardson, and it might make his impact even greater.

If the Colts can get Taylor going, then it will make way for the potential of Richardson to not only deceive opposing defenses on option fakes but in play-action, too. Defenders will have three different issues to worry about with Richardson, Taylor, and the over-the-top threat for a big play.

Whichever of those three options you take, if the Colts are moving the ball well, could open the door for the other two.

This all makes a case that Richardson could have some accuracy issues solved in defenses biting on receivers, allowing them to be more open and Richardson to start hitting more passes comfortably.

Reason #3: He Could Potentially Start Week 1

This reason is tied into the previous two. If Richardson plays all 17 regular season games, his numbers could be more than any offensive rookie, given his dual-threat ability.

Even if he has 25 touchdown passes and 7 rushing scores, that likely means around 3,500 passing yards and 500-600 rushing. This would equate to 32 total touchdowns and about 4,200 all-purpose yards.

While it’s valid that these numbers could be either an exaggeration or short, they’re also completely possible. At that point, it wouldn’t matter as much if there were 12 or 13 interceptions and 4 or 5 fumbles.

Look to see Richardson potentially start Week 1 and improve as the season goes along with a solid running attack and Steichen’s offensive savvy.

Outlook

Is it too much to say that Richardson will win the offensive rookie of the year award? Perhaps. But, if he is more day-one prepared than expected and can hit the ground running at times, he could tally up some gaudy numbers that no other rookie could put together.

The sky is the limit for the young Florida product. We’ll see if he hits a stride in 2023 and captures honors in his freshman NFL campaign.

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