Colts' Richardson Gets Quick Lesson, Improves in Debut vs. Bills
The Indianapolis Colts got a glimpse of the future on Saturday as rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson made his debut in the team's preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills, serving as the starting quarterback.
His day lasted the duration of the first quarter and a total of three drives before being relieved by Gardner Minshew, but also zero points. Unfortunately for Richardson, his initial drive ended in a poor throw while on his back foot that was intercepted, but as he settled in and made improvements — leading a pair of longer drives — some mistakes made around him caused the Colts' drives to go fruitless.
Overall, the Colts and head coach Shane Steichen put together a nice blend of everything you'd like to see Richardson attempt in his initial outing, including short, intermediate, and deep throws, as well as a couple of runs peppered in. What began abruptly rocky ended in Richardson getting into a groove and moving the offense.
The Colts' first drive began on their own 8-yard line. We immediately saw Steichen and Richardson's influence as the Colts went with a spread approach and provided Richardson with some run-pass options. Richardson had a couple of quick, short throws that went well before he pressed too much to make a play, attempting to throw to Isaiah McKenzie along the right side but was intercepted by Bills defender Dane Jackson.
In a sideline interview later in the game, McKenzie told Colts.com's Larra Overton that it was just a miscommunication and that the interception was on McKenzie. Regardless, the Bills responded well, going 13 yards in two plays to score the first touchdown of the game on the ensuing drive.
The Colts' next drive began by getting Richardson comfortable, as he ran to the right for 5 yards after escaping a tackle attempt by Buffalo defensive end Greg Rousseau. Richardson then hit Michael Pittman Jr. on the very next play for another 9 yards and a first down. Ultimately, the Colts got across the 50-yard line but their 8-play, 35-yard drive ended at Buffalo's 40 after a failed run attempt on 4th-and-1.
Richardson's final drive of the day was another opportunity to work his way deep out of his own territory, as this series started on Indy's 7-yard line. On the drive, Richardson found tight end Kylen Granson across the middle of the field for a 19-yard completion, but his best play of the day was actually an incomplete pass.
Richardson dropped back from the Bills' 34-yard line and looked downfield for wide receiver Alec Pierce, who was running a corner route toward the front, right pylon of Buffalo's end zone. Richardson uncorked a perfectly-touched pass toward the pylon, and though Pierce got his hands on it, he was unable to pull it in as he fell to the ground.
The Colts continued to march, including a 7-yard jaunt by Richardson down to the Bills' 5-yard line but a holding penalty by tight end Pharaoh Brown brought it back 10 yards. Still in the red zone, Richardson moved the ball a little bit on 3rd-and-16, finding running back Evan Hull on an 8-yard completion to Buffalo's 10-yard line. Colts kicker Matt Gay then missed a chip-shot field goal, costing the Colts a chance at points.
In the end, it was a day for Richardson that showed positive signs. An interception on your first drive is about as low as it can get but Richardson settled in, later telling Overton, "It felt good to get out there and get into a groove on the second drive."
Richardson led a pair of drives that each could have resulted in points, but miscues dictated how productive the offense could be early on. We also witnessed how the threat of Richardson running the ball can open things up for running backs, as there were some nice holes created in the run game.
Individually, moving forward, Richardson could work on being more patient early and setting his feet or stepping into throws. The Colts will now have actual NFL game film in which to continue constructing Richardson.
The Colts have three more official training camp practices this week at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Ind., including joint practices with the Chicago Bears on Wednesday and Thursday, before the two teams face off next Saturday.
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