By Christopher Jackson
The Colts played their first preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, August 12th and the anticipation was at an all-time high. A few days prior to Saturday’s preseason game, it was announced that Anthony Richardson would be getting the start. This wasn’t surprising as many fans wanted Richardson to play in the preseason game to get the experience in now to get comfortable in this scheme and in the game, as a whole. The Colts fanbase was more than eager to see what Anthony Richardson would do in his first start and many, myself included, had a lot to say about what they saw.
The very first thing that jumps out at you when you watch AR throw is the velocity of his passes. The very first pass from Richardson came on a short curl to Isaiah McKenzie that looked like it was shot out of a circus cannon. Passes caught by Pittman, Granson, McKenzie, and Evan Hull showed that not only can Richardson throw but he can be more accurate than advertised. Despite an early interception on a pass to Isaiah McKenzie(which was later described as a miscommunication between the Quarterback and Receiver).
Now, I don’t want this to be me just talking about the great things because the 4th overall pick did have some miscues. There were times when Richardson looked a little anxious and twitchy. The ball came out high on a pass to Michael Pittman Jr. that wouldn’t normally be a concern but with MPJ being 6’4”, overthrowing him, in that instance, could be seen as an issue. We’ve heard the criticism coming from people who watched or scouted Richardson in college regarding his accuracy, lack of awareness in the pocket, and inability to read the field and my final thought on the criticism versus his first performance on the field as the Colts’ Quarterback is this: He is what we knew and hoped he would be.
Anthony Richardson was as intriguing on the field as he was in all of his pre-draft evaluations. Is he a raw prospect? Yes but not in the way that he’s just a guy that doesn’t know how to play the position. Richardson can throw the ball very well, and that was on display in the 12 passes thrown. If 2 of those passes are held onto by Granson and Alec Pierce, a 75% completion percentage against the Buffalo Bills’ 1st team defense would probably read differently than what you’re seeing right now. Seeing the QB have the kind of day he had should be inspiring to a fanbase that hasn’t had an offense with this much quickness, youth, and potential since the days of a beloved QB the I will not name.
In closing, if you looked at this game and are worried about the offense, you’re entitled to your opinion. This game was a glimpse of what could be a very promising offense that could be lead by a QB that just needs the experience and opportunity to develop. We’re going to hear a plethora of opinions about what this team should be or what this team needs to do to be great but there’s a theme that we all need to be get behind when it comes to this offense with Richardson at QB and that’s growth!
