Opinion: Colts QB Richardson Needs Quick Learning Curve -

Anthony Richardson possesses outstanding physical traits. Yet, for him to succeed, he will need to learn as fast as he runs.

When the Indianapolis Colts drafted Anthony Richardson, no one was surprised. After an astounding combine, his draft stock soared. You don’t see see NFL quarterbacks with that high of a ceiling. Yet, his floor, in contrast is low. That is to say that, if Richardson doesn’t catch up to the speed and nuance of the NFL game, he will find his career stalling and ultimately, ending, sooner than he’d expect.

The Expectation

After hearing the Colts call his name, all of the pressure falls squarely on Anthony Richardson. Granted, he lacks the accuracy, touch, and ability to read progressions. Those are tools that every successful quarterback should be able to summon at a moment’s notice. If you draft a quarterback in the Top 10, he must start sooner than later. Shane Steichen’s first NFL head coaching job relies on Richardson evolving into a starter that not only showed marked improvement but the consistency that teams require out of their quarterback. Richardson’s drafting isn’t a feel-good story, at all. The Colts, management, and their fanbase demand the rookie quarterback be a cornerstone. Since Andrew Luck retired, Indianapolis relied on aging veterans to carry them forward, to no avail. Now, they hope to turn the keys over to a rookie that will bring playoffs back to Indiana, at the very least.

Around Full Press Coverage

NFL OPINION: Morten Andersen: The Toughest Place To Kick? For Me, It Was This Place

NFL: NFL 2022: Five Key Statistics for Week 2

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Stock Report: Week 2 2022

Ep 119: Patrick Mahomes' Top 5 List
by Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2023 at 7:49 pm

MORE PODCASTS From FPC

FULL PRESS BETS: NFL MVP Odds: Patrick Mahomes Leapfrogs Josh Allen For Top Spot

FANTASY FOOTBALL: Fantasy Football Value Picks In Every Round

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 54: Chargers At Chiefs Preview

The Reality

For Richardson to succeed, he needs extensive work and study time. Forget the combine highlights, and look at the Florida tape. You will see open wideouts trying to track a ball that either sails ten yards over their heads or the ball crashing into the ground. Richardson, while at Florida, loved to birddog wideouts, staring them down, leaving defenders with the best clue of the direction. Teams will see a green rookie and attempt to disguise coverages, forcing quicker throws and mistakes. Meanwhile, Richardson’s speed and ability to breal contain matters. However, linebackers and defensive backs will look to line him up and take a shot at. Regardless of the 40 time, the rookie will still encounter people on the field. Also, is Richardson up for the mammoth task of processing everything he will need to do as a drafted franchise quarterback?

The Supporting Cast

Richardson will take the field with a whole host of weapons. Behind Richardson, Jonathan Taylor gets stronger with a solid workload. That, in itself, takes a little pressure off the rookie. Alec Pierce and rookie Josh Downs bring the speed component on turf, while Michael Pittman caught 70.2 percent of his targets. Richardson’s approach doesn’t need to involve him winning games alone. He’s miles away from Gainesville. Now, he must use those physical gifts and move the ball. If the big play is not there, do not force it. Sometimes, that seven-yard checkdown will keep the offense chugging along. Successful does not need to look pretty.

Overview

Anthony Richardson, on physical gifts, stands head and shoulders above every offensive player drafted this spring. Yet, he will either thrive or fail based on his eyes, brain and instinct. Heavy may be the head that wears the crown, but heavier are the shoulders that must hold up a franchise and attempt to lead them to better days. Regardless of what transpires in Indianapolis, the Colts became must-watch.