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Richardson's Colts Debut Among Elite Company: Crunching Numbers

Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson had a decent pro debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but it statistically put him in rare air.

Jake Arthur

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The Indianapolis Colts kicked off a brand new era of football on Sunday behind new head coach Shane Steichen and rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.

They welcomed in the reigning AFC South division champion Jacksonville Jaguars, and despite holding a lead late in the game, the hosts fell short in front of their sold-out Lucas Oil Stadium crowd by a score of 31-21. 

While it's unfortunate for the Colts that they don't go home with a win, there were a handful of solid performances, including a debut by Richardson that put him in rare air.

The following achievements were provided postgame by Colts Communications.

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) reacts after a play Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Passing: QB Anthony Richardson | 223 yards

Rushing: QB Anthony Richardson | 40 yards

Receiving: WR Michael Pittman Jr. | 97 yards

Tackles: LB Zaire Franklin | 18

Sacks: DT DeForest Buckner, DE Kwity Paye | 1.0

Takeaways: CB Tony Brown | 1 interception; DT DeForest Buckner | 1 fumble recovery

Kicking: K Matt Gay | 3-of-3 extra points (100.0%)

Punting: P Rigoberto Sanchez | 5 punts, 41.6-yard average

Returns: Dallis Flowers | 1 kickoff return, 19.0-yard avg.; Isaiah McKenzie | 2 punt returns, 10.0-yard avg.

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OFFENSE

Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) and Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson (83) celebrate with Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) after a touchdown Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Quarterback Anthony Richardson was 24-of-37 passing (64.9%) for 223 yards (6.0 YPA), 1 touchdown, 1 interception, and a 79.0 passer rating. He also ran the ball 10 times for 40 yards (4.0 avg.).

  • Richardson became the youngest quarterback in franchise history to start a game.
  • He is the first rookie quarterback in franchise history to register a rushing touchdown and passing touchdown in a season opener. He also became the fifth NFL rookie quarterback to accomplish the feat, joining Deshone Kizer (2017), Cam Newton (2011), Chris Weinke (2001), and Archie Manning (1971).
  • Richardson passed Andrew Luck (23 in 2012) for the most completions by a rookie quarterback in his first career start in franchise history.
  • Richardson joined Mike Pagel (Week 1 in 1982) as the only other rookie quarterback to rush for a touchdown in a season opener in franchise history.
  • Richardson's 64.9 completion percentage passed Jack Trudeau (59.1 percent in 1986) for the best completion percentage by a rookie quarterback in his first career start in franchise history.
  • Richardson tied Luck (2012), Peyton Manning (1998), Jeff George (1990), and Bert Jones (1973) for the most passing touchdowns as a rookie in a season-opening start in franchise history.
  • Per Bleacher Report, "According to StatMuse NFL, Richardson became the first rookie in NFL history with 200-plus passing yards, 40-plus rushing yards, a passing touchdown and rushing score in his first game."

Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught 8-of-11 targets for 97 yards (12.1 avg.) and 1 touchdown.

  • His 97 yards were his most in a game since Week 6 of 2022 against the Jaguars when he established his single-game career-high in receiving yards (134).

DEFENSE

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) celebrates after scoring a touchdown Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Colts compiled 7 tackles for loss, which is their most in a season opener since 2015 (8 vs. Buffalo Bills).

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner had 7 tackles (1 for loss), 1.0 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovered, 2 quarterback hits, and 1 defensive touchdown.

  • It was his second career touchdown.

Linebacker Zaire Franklin had 18 tackles and 1 pass breakup.

  • He set single-game career highs in tackles and solo tackles (10).
  • His 18 total tackles are tied for the fourth-most in a single game in franchise history.

Cornerback Tony Brown had 1 interception and 1 pass breakup

  • It was his first career interception.

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Jake Arthur
JAKE ARTHUR

Jake Arthur has covered the NFL and the Indianapolis Colts for a decade. He is a member of the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) and FantasyPros' expert panel. He has also contributed to multiple NFL Draft guides.

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