Richardson is still a developmental player.
Teams are always prepared to live and die for potential young quarterbacks with physical tools, and the Indianapolis Colts are currently experiencing that roller coaster with Anthony Richardson. The first two games have demonstrated just how wild the swings can be for the brilliant Florida alum.
The Colts are 0-2 in their first two games, and Richardson has had two very different performances to start the season. After a good start against the Houston Texans, including a game-changing 60-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce, Richardson was defeated by Malik Willis and the Green Bay Packers.
Richardson leads the NFL with four interceptions after two games and has completed less than half of his throws. These figures are concerning on their own, but what makes matters worse is that Indianapolis cannot use the excuse of having another young team that is unprepared to win.
According to Pro Football Focus, Richardson has benefited from the greatest pass-blocking offensive line in a league where good line performance is uncommon. Richardson entered the league as an inaccurate shotgun sprayer, and he remains much the same player.
Anthony Richardson is completing just 49% of his passes despite having the best pass-blocking offensive line in the league through two games https://t.co/aY8TTgyKS1
— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) September 17, 2024
Anthony Richardson struggling with accuracy despite good Colts OL play
Richardson was always going to be a long-term gamble since the Colts recognized he was a raw talent who was not particularly accurate in college. However, the assumption was that putting him in a Colts scheme with solid protection would allow Richardson to gradually smooth out the wrinkles in his game.
To be fair to Richardson, the Colts have sought to maximize his all-world arm by throwing it long on a regular basis. They need to keep this going, because converting him into Captain Checkdown would be like instructing an aggressive heavyweight to be defensive and jab. However, a few safer throws might not go amiss.
The Colts’ primary underneath target, Josh Downs, will return to full speed soon, which will be a tremendous boost for Richardson and the offense. Going up against two of the league’s finest defenses, Houston and Green Bay, probably didn’t help matters.
The Colts are swiftly slipping behind in the AFC South, which the Texans will most certainly win after a 2-0 start. If they want to get themselves out of this hole, Richardson needs to be a little more efficient when given time in the pocket.