Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is hard at work despite benching.
When Anthony Richardson was benched as the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback last week, the 22-year-old had several options for dealing with the news.
The benching could have harmed his confidence, causing him to harbor a grudge against the organization and seek a fresh start in a new environment. Or Richardson would view the benching as a reset, taking a step back and focusing on his development as a quarterback and professional on and off the field.
The No. 4 choice in the 2023 NFL Draft appears to have selected the latter.
According to reports from W 56th Street, Richardson is attempting to take advantage of the situation. While he want to be out there leading the offense in practices and on Sundays, he is striving to better his game and preparation so that when he does get another chance to start, he will be ready.
“Just focus on the minute details,” Richardson said when asked how he refocused. “I’m just working on being a professional. Simply trying to master all that comes with it. Just keep learning, go into the domain, and be prepared for whatever they throw at me.”
When we look back on Richardson’s six starts in 2024, the areas for improvement are clear. The accuracy of short to intermediate throws was uneven at best, contributing to a league-low 44.4% completion rate. Richardson also failed to protect the ball, throwing seven interceptions and fumbling six times. He was constantly rushing, attempting to do too much, and speeding up, which led to mistakes.
Since his benching, there have been reports that Richardson’s preparation and work throughout the week might be improved. Although head coach Shane Steichen has openly denied these allegations, the fact remains that Richardson has a lot of room for improvement as a rookie quarterback.
The Colts have noticed a shift in Richardson’s mindset and approach to preparation this week. Coaches have already noticed improvements from the quarterback on the field and in the meeting room.
“He’s working on improving a lot of different areas,” offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said. “That’s the nature of being a young quarterback in this league; as you play, you learn new things to improve on. You discover new aspects of your game. He’s diligently working on them.
“Last week was a productive week of work. He must continue to work hard. We can accomplish that within the practice structure. Getting reps, developing as an individual, throwing the ball to receivers—all of the things quarterbacks do. Anthony is right there with us, and we are now working behind the scenes on that.
Richardson is focused on how he can better his game personally, but he is also concerned with what he needs to do against each opponent. Richardson is still the No. 2 quarterback on the roster, so if Joe Flacco goes down, Richardson will be right back in the game. Being one play away from taking the field requires Richardson to be as prepared as ever if his number is called.
“I’m still preparing as if I’ll have the opportunity to play,” Richardson confessed. “And so, whenever there is an opportunity and chance, if they call my name, call my number, I’ll be ready.”
Preparing as if you are the starter when you may never take the field can be difficult. That’s especially true for Richardson, who started less than two weeks ago.
The game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night was the first time Richardson did not start while healthy in his NFL career. It was a new experience for the young quarterback to watch from the sidelines, with no control over what was going on the field. It wasn’t an easy pill to swallow, but Richardson remained involved and shown support and leadership for his teammates throughout the game.
“Definitely tough because you always want to play, always want to get out there,” Richardson said. “You’re always excited and full of energy. You want to go out there and have a good time, but it’s inevitable. “You just have to be prepared.”
The Colts’ head decision makers have been impressed with Richardson’s handling of his benching and the rookie quarterback’s reaction. He has no negative thoughts toward Steichen or the rest of the coaching team. Instead, he has gone to work and attempted to make the best of the circumstances.
Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard met with Richardson last week for around 45 minutes to explain their choice and reassure the young quarterback that they were not giving up. Internally, the Colts remain confident that Richardson can be successful and manage the team in the future. Indy even went so far as to inform teams interested in trading for Richardson that he was “off limits.”
While the benching deviated from the planned plan, the Colts saw it as a halt and reset rather than the end of the road.
“He’s been great,” Steichen remarked of Richardson. “I had a decent, brief talk with him this morning. He has been good. He took everything in stride. Continue to grow and learn.
Regardless of whether Richardson plays again in 2024, his second season in the NFL has not gone as planned. But, as Richardson is quickly discovering, life in the NFL is never predictable. How you respond to unexpected challenges determines how successful you will be.
“Just knowing who I am, and what I stand for. Richardson declared, “I trust in the Lord.” “I trust every process and all he has taken me through and led me this far. So I’m just continuing to trust, lean in, and know that the storm will pass.”
Richardson is doing everything he can to ensure that once the storm passes, it will never return. To do so, he must improve on and off the field as a professional, never providing the team an excuse to sideline him again.
