What Grade did NFL.com Give Anthony Richardson?

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson made his NFL debut last week.

On Tuesday Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen named quarterback Anthony Richardson starting quarterback for the 2023 season. 

He got the start in the Colts first-preseason game and was one of more than a dozen rookies to make his professional debut. CBS Sports thought Richardson's first appearance was sixth-best among rookie quarterbacks.

How did Richardson grade on his own merit without comparing apples to oranges across the league? NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter gave Richardson a 'B-' for his work against the Buffalo Bills.

"Saturday went about as expected for the young-but-promising dual-threat QB," wrote Reuter on NFL.com. "He threw a couple of short darts in the first series before slinging an ill-advised pass to a covered Isaiah McKenzie that sailed into the hands of cornerback Dane Jackson. (In fairness to Richardson, McKenzie took responsibility for the pick, but the young quarterback probably shouldn't have thrown the ball in the first place.)"

Steichen and Richardson also took the blame for the interception, so there was plenty of accountability going around. 

"Richardson seemed to learned from his earlier mistake later in the series, throwing away a pass instead of forcing it to Michael Pittman Jr. in double coverage," continued Reuter. "He sold a screen well on his last series, which helped kick-start the drive with a first down. Richardson then found a rhythm, piercing one pass over the middle and two to the sideline, one a dime just missed by receiver Alec Pierce for a near touchdown." 

"Another keeper in the red zone went for 7 yards, and then Richardson overthrew an open Pittman, though both plays were made moot by holding penalties."

Reuter summed up Richardson's day more than analyzed it in his grades, but the 'B-' was a fair for the rookie's debut.

He flashed obvious physical tools, made a bad mistake on his first series, and corrected it moving forward.

Not bad for quarterback deemed as unpolished as Richardson coming out of the draft.

Now that he's been name QB1, Richardson insists the hard work won't stop. He emphasized that he's chasing greatness, and he owes his teammates and coaches his best effort for the faith they've placed in him.

Richardson's debut was good. With incremental improvements through preseason and the year, he can go from good to great.

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