Anthony Richardson has been a hot topic lately. See, one massive question that always haunts NFL teams that draft a quarterback is whether or not they should see the field early on in their rookie season. That’s something so many fans are wondering about the Indianapolis Colts and their new franchise cornerstone Anthony Richardson. Their owner Jim Irsay appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and revealed his thoughts on when Richardson should get onto the field.
Irsay Speaks On Anthony Richardson
He said, “As you guys know, Peyton’s rookie year we were 3-13, the first year. That’s a guy who played a lot of college games and was really prepared as much as he could be for the league. So, for Anthony Richardson, it’s going to be tough. We know that. But he has to play to get better. I mean, there’s no question. Gardner could come out and play better early on, him just being a veteran, but we have to get Anthony on the field. And that’s Shane’s call when he decides to do it.” Shane that Irsay mentions is meant for Shane Steichen, the new head coach of the organization.
It was very clear that Irsay didn’t demand Richardson should start, nor did he say that he needed to wait. He did make it clear that the young signal caller will likely see the field at some point this season. Plus, he is right about one thing. Quarterbacks do need game experience in order to truly get better. If Richardson sees the field early on and develops in a year that the Colts aren’t competitive, that could be a huge win for them. If he doesn’t see the field, and the team goes 2-15, then it’s a huge missed opportunity to watch him grow. Steichen has the unlucky gift of choosing when Richardson plays.
Richardson is a freak athlete for those that don’t know him with speed like you wouldn’t imagine. His passing numbers weren’t bad in college. But he only played as the starting quarterback at Florida for one year. During that year, he completed 215 out of his 393 passes for 3,105 yards and 24 touchdowns compared to only 15 interceptions. On the ground, he ran for 1,116 yards and had 12 more touchdowns. If he develops properly, the Colts really could have a dominant force on their hands offensively. Partner that with a beautiful young star in Jonathan Taylor and that read option will be lethal.
He Should Play In His Rookie Season
Personally, I feel as though the Colts have nothing to lose. If he gets announced as a Day 1 starter, it wouldn’t be all bad. Indianapolis will simply need to build up that offensive line around him. Don’t send him in there to get killed then blame it on his progressions. Let him sit in the pocket, make some easy throws and learn the system. Indianapolis likely won’t be competitive this year barring a huge jump start from Richardson. There’s no better time than to let him learn. Although, much of that also hinges on his development through the preseason and OTAs. Something that we will hear about soon enough.