Colts get Anthony Richardson ready for a serious quarterback competition

Colts Prepare Anthony Richardson for a Serious Quarterback Competition

The Indianapolis Colts, with their rich football history, have always prided themselves on their solid quarterback play. From Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas to the legendary Peyton Manning, the team has enjoyed a long line of quarterback talent. After the departure of veteran quarterback Andrew Luck in 2019, the Colts have found themselves in a phase of transition. In their search for a franchise quarterback, they selected Anthony Richardson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Richardson’s selection as the 4th overall pick in the 2023 draft marked the beginning of a new era for the Colts. The Florida Gators’ standout displayed immense athleticism and potential, but there were also concerns about his development, consistency, and readiness for the NFL. Given that, the Colts organization has clearly communicated that Richardson will face a significant quarterback competition in training camp and beyond.

This article will explore how the Colts are preparing Anthony Richardson for a serious quarterback competition, the dynamics surrounding the situation, and how Richardson fits into the team’s plans for the future.

The Rise of Anthony Richardson

Before diving into the competition, it’s essential to look at Richardson’s background and the reasons why the Colts were so high on him. Richardson was one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks to enter the draft in recent years. Standing at 6’4” and weighing around 244 pounds, Richardson combines a powerful arm with an athleticism rare for a quarterback of his size. His 40-yard dash time of 4.43 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine further cemented his status as one of the most dynamic prospects in the 2023 class.

However, Richardson’s time at Florida was marked by inconsistency. He showed flashes of brilliance, including a sensational game against Tennessee in which he threw for 453 yards and ran for 62 yards and three touchdowns. But he also had moments of struggle, particularly with his decision-making and accuracy. Richardson’s college career completion percentage of 53.8% was a major talking point for scouts, and his lack of experience (only starting 13 games at Florida) led to questions about his readiness for the NFL.

The Colts, under head coach Shane Steichen, saw Richardson’s potential as a long-term project, understanding that with the right development, Richardson could become the cornerstone of their franchise. The Colts’ leadership decided to give him the chance to grow while also setting up a competitive environment that would push him to be the best version of himself.

The Colts’ Quarterback Situation

The Colts’ quarterback situation in 2023 was somewhat unsettled going into the draft. After Luck’s sudden retirement in 2019, the Colts had cycled through several veteran quarterbacks, including Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan. None of them were able to bring long-term stability at the position. With a roster that boasted an elite offensive line and a solid defense, the Colts felt they were one quarterback away from being a contender.

That’s when they decided to invest heavily in Richardson. However, with his rawness as a prospect, the Colts knew that they couldn’t simply hand him the starting job without a fair competition. Richardson’s main competition during the 2023 offseason was veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew, who signed a contract with the Colts after a productive stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Minshew, known for his backup roles and ability to step in when called upon, had a solid, if unspectacular, career thus far. He’s a quarterback with experience in Shane Steichen’s system (from their time together in Philadelphia), which made him a useful piece in the quarterback competition. Minshew has been a reliable signal-caller when needed, but he lacks the physical tools of a quarterback like Richardson, who brings a higher ceiling. Still, Minshew’s ability to read defenses and his familiarity with the playbook made him a credible challenger for the starting role.

The Colts, in essence, were setting up a competition between Richardson’s upside and Minshew’s stability. The outcome of this competition would have serious ramifications not only for the 2023 season but for the long-term trajectory of the franchise.

The Role of Shane Steichen in Richardson’s Development

Shane Steichen, the Colts’ head coach, is widely regarded as one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. Before joining the Colts, Steichen had significant success as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped develop Jalen Hurts into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. His track record with Hurts, who also had raw potential coming into the league, gives hope that Steichen can successfully mold Richardson into a high-level quarterback.

Steichen’s offense is predicated on balance, with an emphasis on utilizing a mobile quarterback’s strengths. He brings a system that allows for read-option plays, designed runs, and heavy play-action, all of which suit Richardson’s skill set. Steichen has often talked about how excited he is to work with Richardson’s natural talent, but he’s also aware of the fact that Richardson will need to improve his mechanics and decision-making before he can be trusted with a starting role.

During training camp and the preseason, Steichen and the Colts’ coaching staff have been working closely with Richardson to refine his mechanics, particularly his footwork and accuracy. Steichen understands that Richardson will likely struggle at times, but the key is to build on his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. Richardson’s ability to make plays with his legs will likely be a focal point of the Colts’ offense in 2023, especially while he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.

It’s clear that Steichen isn’t rushing to name Richardson the starter. He’s giving him the necessary time to develop, but at the same time, he’s fostering a competitive atmosphere in which Richardson will have to prove himself.

The Quarterback Competition

As Richardson steps into his first training camp, the quarterback competition will be one of the most closely watched storylines in Indianapolis. While many fans and analysts believe Richardson should eventually become the starter, the Colts are committed to making sure he earns that role. The team is not rushing him into a starting job, even though the expectation is that, at some point, Richardson will be the face of the franchise.

Richardson’s competition with Gardner Minshew is about more than just winning the starting job—it’s about gaining the trust of the coaching staff, the front office, and his teammates. Minshew is a solid backup who could step in if Richardson is not ready or if he struggles early in the season. However, Richardson’s upside is tantalizing, and the Colts want to make sure he gets every opportunity to prove he can be their franchise quarterback.

The Colts’ front office has made it clear that they won’t let Richardson’s rawness hold him back. He’ll be given every chance to showcase his ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and develop his accuracy. While Minshew will provide competition, the team’s ultimate goal is to make Richardson the starter as soon as possible, assuming he’s ready for the challenge.

The preseason games will play a pivotal role in determining who will start in Week 1. Richardson will have the opportunity to showcase his growth from college to the NFL. He’ll be tested with live bullets on the field, facing real NFL defenses. While preseason performances aren’t always an accurate predictor of regular-season success, they will give Steichen and the coaching staff valuable insight into Richardson’s readiness.

In training camp, expect Richardson to take the bulk of the first-team reps. Minshew will get his share, but the Colts want to get Richardson as many reps with the starting offense as possible. This will help him build chemistry with key playmakers like wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, as well as establish timing with the offensive line and running back Jonathan Taylor.

One of the biggest questions will be how Richardson reacts to adversity. His college career was marked by inconsistency, and NFL defenses will be much tougher than what he faced in college. The Colts will need to see how Richardson handles mistakes, bad plays, and turnovers, as these are inevitable in the NFL. How he responds to adversity will be key to his development and potential success as a starter.

The Long-Term Vision for Richardson

Regardless of who wins the starting job in 2023, the Colts are committed to Anthony Richardson as their future quarterback. The team’s long-term vision revolves around developing Richardson into a franchise signal-caller. If he’s able to refine his accuracy, improve his decision-making, and harness his athleticism, Richardson could become one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks in the future.

The Colts’ front office has shown patience with their quarterbacks in the past, and they understand that developing Richardson into a consistent performer will take time. Whether Richardson wins the starting job immediately or has to wait until later in the season, the key will be making sure he has the time and resources to grow.

The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback competition heading into 2023 is one of the most intriguing in the NFL. Anthony Richardson, with his immense physical talent and untapped potential, is ready to compete for the starting job. Gardner Minshew, a veteran presence with experience in Steichen’s system, will be his main competition. But regardless of who wins the starting job, the Colts are committed to developing Richardson as their long-term solution at quarterback.

Shane Steichen’s offensive system and coaching experience with young quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts give Richardson a solid foundation for growth. The competition will provide Richardson with invaluable experience and will ensure that he is ready for the challenges of being a starting quarterback in the NFL. Ultimately, the Colts are betting on Richardson’s future, and while the competition in 2023 will be fierce, the hope is that Richardson can soon fulfill his vast potential and become the face of the franchise for years to come.