Realistic Expectations for Colts' Anthony Richardson in 2023

What should we expect from Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson in his rookie season?

Week 1 in the NFL is finally upon us as the Indianapolis Colts embark on one of their more interesting seasons in recent memory.

After a 4-12-1 season in 2022, a new coaching staff and quarterback were brought in to turn things around. However, the turnaround is not only for 2023 but for what the Colts hope is years to come.

It all starts with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. The Colts took Richardson with the No.4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, hoping he would eventually become the next franchise quarterback. After just a few weeks of training camp, head coach Shane Steichen named Richardson the starter, feeling he was ready to handle everything thrown his way.

"I’ve been grinding and putting in work just to get the title, but it’s not really all about the title," Richardson admitted after he was named the starter. "I’m just trying to make sure I’m ready for the team. Despite being labeled as QB1, I’ve still got other guys in the room helping me get to that standard. I’m forever thankful for them. I appreciate them and I’m glad I did get the nod and that I do have the trust of everybody in the building too to think I am QB1.”

Now, as QB1, Richardson has his entire rookie season ahead of him to grow and develop as a starting quarterback in the NFL. With the season kicking off on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, let's look at the realistic expectations for Richardson in 2023.

An Explosive Passer

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No doubt the Colts' offense will be more explosive with Richardson under center. Seeing Richardson spin the football in training camp and the preseason has confirmed he has a Howitzer attached to his right shoulder. The 21-year-old can fit the ball into tight holes with his velocity and quick release.

One of Richardson's best traits is his deep ball accuracy. The quarterback can rifle the ball down the field and deliver pinpoint passes with the flick of a wrist. The threat of the deep ball was not present in Indy last season, and Richardson's ability to throw it deep opens up the playbook. Expect more explosive plays in the passing game for the Colts this season.

Richardson will need to work on his accuracy throughout the year. Accuracy was a concern for Richardson coming out of college, and he has been erratic at times throughout the summer. His mechanics and throwing motion look very good for a rookie quarterback. But Richardson needs to focus on his footwork, which will allow him to be more consistent and accurate with his throws.

When Richardson's feet have been correct, he has been very accurate. As he continues to work on his footwork and it becomes more natural for him through repetition, Richardson's accuracy should improve. The timing and chemistry Richardson has with the likes of Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs will grow throughout the season as well.

While Richardson is a work in progress as a passer, he is not as raw as people might think. Richardson will likely become a better passer as the season progresses and he gets more reps.

A Dynamic Runner

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The Colts have never had an athlete at the quarterback position like Richardson. At 6'4" and 244 pounds, his 4.43 speed makes him a dangerous runner and someone opposing defenses need to account for on every play. Steichen and the rest of the Colts' offensive coaching staff will surely take advantage of his running ability.

Richardson's running ability will be an asset for the Colts in multiple ways. It will help Richardson settle into the game without relying solely on his arm. Richardson will be able to pick up yards and first downs with his legs, taking pressure off the passing game and allowing the rookie to get into the flow of the game.

Having a mobile quarterback like Richardson is also beneficial to the running back group. Because defenses will need to account for Richardson running the ball, it will freeze defenders for a half-second longer as they determine if Richardson is keeping the ball himself or handing it off. Even with the uncertainty of the Jonathan Taylor situation and when – or if – the running back will return, the running game still has a chance to be successful with Richardson, Zack Moss, Deon Jackson, and Evan Hull.

Throughout training camp, the Colts worked on the running game and RPOs with Richardson almost every practice. While the Colts did not show this much in the preseason, this was by design. Steichen wants to keep much of the running game under wraps before the season starts so teams cannot prepare for what is to come.

With or without Taylor, the running game will be crucial to the success of Richardson and the Colts offense in 2023.

Patience is Key

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The potential of Richardson is through the roof. With his athletic ability and upside as a passer, Richardson could be a top-five quarterback in the NFL if he reaches his ceiling. However, that ceiling will not be reached in 2023.

Patience will be key when it comes to Richardson's development. Despite his potential, he comes to the NFL with only 13 starts at the collegiate level with the University of Florida. He still has a ways to go in his development, and Richardson knows there is a long road ahead.

"There’s a lot of things I can clean up," Richardson explained after he was drafted. "Growing up, I always thought about Tom Brady and the way he worked. He has seven rings. People say he’s the greatest, but I’ve always heard he’s constantly trying to get better day by day and I thought about that like how can a guy that great try and get better every single day?"

He continued, "I haven’t done the things he’s done and I’m like, ‘Okay, I can definitely get better. If that guy is getting better, I can get better myself.’ So, it’s just a balance of knowing how confident you are in yourself but also being smart enough to understand that you can get better.”

There will be points in the season where Richardson struggles. A few rough games are expected as he learns and develops. It comes with being a rookie in the NFL.

The key will be how Richardson learns from those mistakes and bad games. He has already shown he can bounce back after making a poor decision in the preseason. Richardson's rookie season will have plenty of those moments, and he must continue to learn and grow from them.

Offensive Rookie of the Year?

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The development of Richardson will be the top priority for the Colts in 2023. While it is clear the Colts are in the midst of a soft rebuild, allowing Richardson to grow and improve will set the team up for success down the line.

Expect Steichen to lean on Richardson's running ability early as he becomes comfortable in the passing game. Steichen will keep things simple for the rookie and gradually add to the quarterback's plate as he gains experience.

As Richardson grows as a passer and a processor, Steichen will continue to expand the playbook. More concepts will be implemented, and Richardson will be given more authority at the line of scrimmage. The goal will be for the entire playbook to be available for Richardson as the Colts head into the second half of the year.

Richardson is in a great situation with the Colts. He has a head coach who has had tremendous success with young quarterbacks and a detailed plan for how they will progress the quarterback throughout the year. Steichen has tailored the offense to Richardson's strengths and will put him in the best position to succeed.

While there will be ups and downs, Richardson has a chance to have a great year. Continued growth and development are what the Colts want to see from their rookie quarterback. If he executes at a high level, Richardson winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors is not out of the question.

The Anthony Richardson era is about to begin. Let's all enjoy the ride.

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

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