Most experts would agree that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is at a crossroads in his career. He’s coming off of a disastrous season as a second-year signal caller and the team even brought in Daniel Jones to compete with him.
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus sees this as a “make-or-break” year for the third-year man out of the University of Florida.
“Heading into just his third NFL season, Richardson is already at a crossroads in Indianapolis,” Wasserman writes. “Injuries and accuracy issues have plagued his first two seasons, as he’s played less than 800 snaps and has earned just a 58.7 PFF passing grade in that time.”
For those not familiar with PFF passing grades, that’s really low (as one would imagine). While Richardson is capable of making incredible plays, they simply are too few and far between. You don’t need to look much further than his 47.7% completion percentage for the 2024 season to understand how awful Richardson was. And that doesn’t even take into account the fact that he walked off the field during a crucial moment during a game last year. While leadership isn’t always tangible, taking yourself out of a game because you were tired is a tangible example of what leadership isn’t.
As Wasserman states, the Colts have already brought in a contingency plan (Jones) and now Richardson is dealing with an injury to his throwing arm.
“This offseason has been just as tumultuous for him, as Daniel Jones was brought in to compete for the starting quarterback job,” Wasserman writes. “Richardson is also having his shoulder evaluated for a potential injury. Unless he can make a rapid ascent within the next few months, his time in Indianapolis could be coming to a close far sooner than he expected.”
Richardson is under the Mendoza Line
I’m not sure what the “Mendoza Line” is for NFL quarterbacks, but 47.7% completion rate is well below it. In baseball, the Mendoza Line is a batting average of .200. That’s the bare minimum of somewhat acceptable, and even that isn’t acceptable. And the Colts know it.
PFF handed out grades recently of all 32 potential starting quarterback in the NFL. Richardson was ranked No. 30, and that might be generous. Only Mason Rudolph (Aaron Rodgers is there now) and rookie Tyler Shough came in below him. One guy is a rookie and the other is no longer a starter.
“Richardson could arguably be slotted in Tier 5, as he’s yet to complete a full, healthy season since entering the NFL,” PFF’s John Kosko writes. “The concerns go beyond durability. His grading profile is poor, and he struggles to run an efficient offense, read defenses and deliver the ball accurately. In fact, his accuracy ranks among the worst in the league.
“With Daniel Jones waiting in the wings, Richardson faces an uphill battle and could be on a short leash if early-season improvement doesn’t materialize.”
Not much good in that description. While Richardson might not officially be at the “B-Word” yet, he’s certainly steamrolling towards it.
Richardson is losing his grip on a chance to start
The combination of an injury, poor 2024 season – 6-5, with 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, 12 picks – and the signing of a contingency plan, does not signal that Richardson is on an upward trajectory.
Add that to the fact that NFL observers, like Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, have pointed out that Jones is having a nice offseason.
“Daniel Jones has had a really nice spring, by all accounts, in picking up Shane Steichen’s offense in Indy,” Breer writes. “Even if Anthony Richardson is cleared for the start of training camp, he may be chasing Jones for the Colts’ starting job.”
Right now, that’s the likely scenario. Richardson was the No. 4-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft because of his athletic upside. He’s going to need to tap into that – and soon – if he wants to make it in the NFL. Because, as of right now, he’s heading into “maybe he just needs a fresh start elsewhere” territory.
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