ESPN's Dan Orlovsky Backs Anthony Richardson

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky agrees with Anthony Richardson being the Indianapolis Colts starter, but fans might not his reasoning.

After the Indianapolis Colts took Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 pick in April's NFL Draft, a lot of the talk surrounding the picks was how quickly would he be ready?

From OTAs through training camp, it started to become apparent that Richardson was going to be the Colts' starting quarterback sooner rather than later. 

Head coach Shane Steichen officially named Richardson the starter on Tuesday. ESPN's Dan Orlovsky backs the choice, but Colts fans may not like his reasoning.

"Absolutely the right decision," said Orlovsky on ESPN's NFL Live.

"No. 1, I don't think the Colts are going to be contenders this year. So let's get him on the field, because the only way to get him experience is actually play. Do not be San Francisco with Trey Lance. That's part of this conversation."

Orlovsky's first point won't sit well with Colts fans. In a watered down AFC South and a schedule match with the NFC South, the Colts are hoping an accelerated Richardson can have them contending for the division crown.

"No. 2, figure out what he is. What's he good at? What's he struggle with? What do we have to get around him for the future. That's going to be another part of it," said Orlovsky.

"The most interesting aspect for me is how many times are the going to run him? If we look at some of the mobile quarterbacks that have been used in the past couple years, first-year starting quarterbacks: in 2019, I think Josh Allen had 109 carries. In 2019 Lamar Jackson had 176 carries. Jalen Hurts in 2021 had 139 carries."

"So how many times are they going to utilize him as a runner?"

"I would think it falls somewhere along the Jalen Hurts model knowing that Shane Steichen's there. Having that is going to expedite his learning curve."

"The biggest learning curve is how mentally is he ready for those tough moments, and those struggle moments, and how much are his teammates ready to kind of carry him along that journey?"   

A final point that Orlovsky didn't mention: Richardson probably gives the Colts the best chance to win. Developing a franchise quarterback after a four-win season is incredibly important, but Richardson looks to be the better option than Gardner Minshew and his 8-16 record as a starter. 

There are plenty of reasons why Richardson taking the reins Week 1 makes sense for the Colts. Arguing the reasons is futile; the important decision has been made.

Anthony Richardson is QB1 heading into Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.