Anthony Richardson, A Puzzling Pick To Be Named The Colts Starting Quarterback

By Jordan Long

The Indianapolis Colts are looking to improve on their 4-12-1 record from last year.  They wrap up the preseason on Thursday against the Eagles.  The Colts decided rookie Anthony Richardson will be their week one starter.

            Richardson was drafted by the Colts 4^th overall in this year’s draft.  Richardson’s college stats didn’t jump out.  He played for the University of Florida.  Richardson was 215 of 393, completing 54.7% of his college passes.  He threw 24 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in his time at Florida. 

            During training camp, he went up against Gardner Minshew and Sam Ehlinger.  Minshew was the veteran compared to Richardson and Ehlinger.   Minshew started 24 games in his career for Jacksonville and Philadelphia.  His record stands at 8-16.  Ehlinger started 3 games for Indianapolis last year. They were all losses.

            To this point in the preseason, all the quarterbacks have played for the Colts.  Richardson has the least amount of passing yards compared to Minshew and Ehlinger.  Richardson is 7 of 12 passing for 67 yards and 1 interception.  Ehlinger has the most passing yards at 196.  Minshew has shown the ability to complete more passes as he is 19 of 21 passing. In the preseason, Minshew also tossed the only touchdown by a Colts’ quarterback.

            The Colts feel like Richardson earned the starting job.  He must have impressed the coaching staff during training camp.  The truth is, Richardson is still trying to learn NFL defenses.  The Colts are anticipating he is quick to do so. 

            This is a puzzling decision.   It takes a while for a rookie quarterback to understand how to play football at the NFL level. There are going to be growing pains where Richardson throws interceptions right to the defense.    

Richardson shouldn’t be their week one starter.  Watching the game from the sidelines he could learn from a veteran quarterback. If Richardson struggles at any point this season, the Colts may have to pull the plug and go with Minshew. Minshew might give the Colts the best chance to win.  The Colts start the regular season on September 10^th when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars.