Colts' Anthony Richardson Excited to Play C.J. Stroud, Texans
Week 1 in the NFL saw the highly-anticipated debut of Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Anthony Richardson.
The rookie quarterback put together a solid debut in the Colts 31-21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Richardson went 24-of-37 (64.9%) for 223 yards, a touchdown, an interception, and a QB rating of 79.0. The rookie also ran the ball 10 times for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Richardson impressed a lot of people on Sunday, even though the Colts did not come away with the victory. One of those was Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who was very happy with the overall performance of his rookie quarterback.
“Very encouraged," Steichen said when asked how he felt about Richardson's debut. "I thought he did a really nice job. He went to the right spots with the football. The completion percentage was good. We got some shots down the field and he was smart with the football. They didn’t give it to us and he checked it down. There are little details to clean up like there will be every week, but very encouraged with his first performance.”
Richardson did have to leave the game late in the fourth quarter due to a slight knee injury. While the knee is fine, and Richardson has no lingering effects, the rookie quickly realized that the hits in the NFL are vastly different than those in college.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
“I was a little sore," Richardson admitted. "I woke up with some feelings that I’ve never felt before. Some of the vets were like, ‘Welcome to the league, rook. That’s how it’s going to be.’ Just get in the training room early, taking care of my body – that’s the main part.”
The biggest thing for Richardson throughout his rookie campaign is his development. Every game will be a teaching moment for the 21-year-old as he continues to rack up live reps. After going through the film from Sunday with his coaches and the other quarterbacks, Richardson already has an area he wants to improve on moving forward.
“Just being a little bit more smarter with the ball," Richardson explained. "The details, fine-tuning that. One of the plays, I miscalled it for Pitt (Michael Pittman Jr.) and we got mixed up with the formation, the motion and everything. So just detailing that up and being smarter with the ball and helping the team out.”
One of the main criticisms from some fans about Richardson's performance on Sunday was that he did not test the Jaguars' defense deep. A closer look at the film reveals the game plan for the Jaguars' defense was to limit those shot plays from the big-armed Richardson. The Jaguars kept two safeties deep for the majority of the game, making it difficult for the Colts to take any deep shots.
There are multiple factors involved when setting up a deep shot. Not only do you have to get the right look from the defense, but the protection has to be there, the quarterback needs to make the correct read, and the receiver needs to work to get open. Just because things did not work out on Sunday does not mean Richardson and the Colts will not continue to look to test defenses.
“We were dialing up – we had some plans to take some shots," Richardson revealed. "The one play we did have a shot, the protection wasn’t there and we just tried to make a play – scrambled around a little bit. But hopefully we can stand in the pocket a little bit more stronger, a little bit more firm and take shots down the field.”
With the Week 1 jitters in the rearview mirror, Richardson and the Colts turn their attention to the Houston Texans, another divisional opponent in a similar position with a rookie quarterback. If it were up to Richardson, the game would be happening today. He's ready to get back on the field with his teammates.
“I’m excited – always playing with my brothers, getting out there on the field and putting on that Horseshoe on my head. That’s always a blessing for me, but coming out there, trying to get a victory. We know the details matter. So, we’re just trying to focus on the details and try to get this victory.”
Richardson has become close with his Colts teammates very quickly. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. revealed to the media that Richardson gifted a pair of AirPods Max headphones to every player on the team. The rookie wanted to show his teammates how much they mean to him.
“I appreciate these guys a lot," Richardson said with a smile. "Ever since I was drafted, they always showed me love, they always led me the right way. I just felt like it was a small token from myself just to gift everybody some headphones. I don’t think it’s anything amazing, it’s just me showing them that I appreciate them for supporting me and helping me throughout everything that’s been going on for these past few months. I appreciate my guys so I just had to show them some love.”
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
His Colts teammates will certainly have his back as Richardson faces off with his draft mate C.J. Stroud this weekend. Stroud was the No.2 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, just two slots ahead of Richardson. The two rookies have known each other for a long time and have become good friends off the field.
“I love C.J.," Richardson remarked. "I’ve known him since high school. We went to a few camps together, been through college together – talk a lot. So whenever I see him, I always tell him he’s a GOAT, he’s a baller. I’m looking forward to playing against him and playing against their team. But yeah, he’s definitely a dog. He’s a baller.”
While pundits and analysts will certainly compare the two and build up the matchup as Richardson vs. Stroud, Richardson does not see it that way. He will not focus on trying to beat out Stroud and having a better individual day than his fellow quarterback. Instead, Richardson is focused on what he and his team need to do to get the victory.
"I try to focus on myself and I try not to compete against others," he answered honestly. "I try to compete with myself every day just to try to get better. The last time I tried to compete with somebody else, I didn’t play great. I’m just focused on myself, focused on my details and trying to help my teammates.”
The matchup between Richardson and Stroud could be a fun AFC South battle for years to come. But all Richardson cares about is improving from the last game and coming out of Houston with a win.
That attitude exemplifies why Richardson is mature beyond his years and well on his way to being a franchise quarterback.
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