It’s a slow portion in the NFL offseason so what better time to analyze the Indianapolis Colts‘ Anthony Richardson situation? Richardson is currently dealing with an injured AC joint and lost reps to free agent Daniel Jones in OTAs and mandatory minicamp practices.
The debate over who will be the Colts’ starting quarterback in 2025 has been raging on for months and not many people seem excited about the winner. It kind of reminds you of 1992 when the Denver Broncos didn’t have John Elway for four games and they rotated between first-round pick Tommy Maddox (yes, that Tommy Maddox) and Shawn Moore, who was drafted out of the University of Virginia the year before. Broncos fans just thought, ‘okay, when does John come back?’
Well, the Colts don’t have Elway (and haven’t seen 1983 when they drafted him) so right now it’s Richardson or Jones and it will likely be a combination of both in 2025 unless Jones pulls a Sam Darnold. It is what it is. And, Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports doesn’t have high hopes for Richardson this season.
“Everyone anticipated Richardson might need time to develop into an NFL-caliber arm after making just 13 erratic starts at the college level,” Benjamin writes. “After two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, however, the supersized Florida product has already lost the starting gig multiple times, either due to lingering injuries or untimely inaccuracy.”
He doesn’t even mention the time he was benched after walking off the field because he was tired during a crucial moment of a game. You can watch that episode right here:
Will Richardson be a boom or bust this year?
The Colts know that Jones is the safer option going into the year. He is what he is at this point in his career after being a first-round draft pick back in 2019. But, Richardson still has the higher upside after being the No. 4-overall draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. His athleticism can be drool-worthy.
“He’s a rare physical specimen, but the Colts signaled their concern about both his durability and decision-making by adding veteran Daniel Jones on a not-so-cheap deal as QB1 competition,” Benjamin continues.
So, does Benjamin ultimately think Richardson will flourish? Or will he flame out?
“Why he will bust: Two years in, he’s only managed to suit up for 15 games, and his most notable moment may have been when he checked himself out of the lineup,” Benjamin concludes. “Completing barely 50% of his throws is also a problem.
“Why he won’t: His arm talent and supersized elusiveness are still top-tier traits, and coach Shane Steichen has maximized dual-threat quarterbacks before (see: Jalen Hurts). The Jones competition should also motivate him.
“Our prediction: Will bust.”
Benjamin’s attempt at optimism is appreciated, but ultimately he is most likely arriving at the right conclusion.
Stampede Blue isn’t feeling the Richardson love
Stampede Blue covers the Colts about as well as anyone, and they aren’t viewing Richardson with much hope either. Jay Robins does his best to try to see his shine, but doesn’t see him becoming the star the team had envisioned.
“Richardson does have an elite rushing profile of 635 Rushing Yards and 10 Rushing TDs as well as his strong pressure to sack avoidance skills to bring up the floor of his production and give hope,” Robins writes. “But until he takes the next step as a passer he will have the dreaded bust label hovering over his head.
“It still is too early to call him a bust, but the odds are not in his favor with his AC joint injury in his throwing shoulder flaring up again before the season begins. Time still will tell, but patience is a virtue that fans and new owners might not be so keen to maintain such a virtue if change doesn’t occur soon. Should he lose snaps to Daniel Jones come regular season, expect a different change to happen even sooner.”
The Colts are hoping to have an improved defense, have added another weapon in tight end Tyler Warren and they still have stud running back Jonathan Taylor. But, if they don’t get some form of competent quarterback play, they are staring down the barrel of another middle-of-the-road season.
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