The 2023 NFL Draft brought anticipation and hope to the Indianapolis Colts as they selected Anthony Richardson, an imposing figure from the University of Florida, with the fourth overall pick. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 244 pounds, Richardson was expected to inject new energy into the Colts' quarterback position, despite having only 13 college starts under his belt.
Richardson's entry into the NFL was historic yet challenging. He joined Mitchell Trubisky as the quarterbacks with the fewest college starts of any first-round picks in the 21st century. This lack of experience, however, didn’t immediately deter the Colts organization from placing their trust in the young quarterback.
Yet, as the 2024 NFL season unfolded, Richardson's journey encountered significant hurdles. By the halfway point of the season, the Colts found themselves with a 4-4 record. Richardson, entrusted to lead the team, faced mounting scrutiny following a Week 8 defeat to the Houston Texans. This loss was pivotal, resulting in Richardson being benched in favor of a more seasoned veteran, Joe Flacco.
At 39, Flacco brought a wealth of experience to the field. His introduction as the starting quarterback came during the Colts' Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on "Sunday Night Football." Despite Flacco's familiarity with the NFL stage, the Colts fell short, losing 21-13 to a Vikings team helmed by head coach Kevin O'Connell, himself a former NFL quarterback.
Richardson's early NFL statistics were a mixed bag. His 44.4% completion rate ranked as the second-lowest for starting quarterbacks in this century, shedding light on the struggles he faced adapting to the league's demands. Conversely, he demonstrated a capacity for big plays, leading the league with an impressive 16.2 yards per completion. This duality highlighted both his raw talent and areas in need of refinement.
The Colts' decision to bench Richardson echoed a broader trend among first-round quarterbacks. Between 2000 and 2022, out of 66 quarterbacks drafted in the first round, 25 were benched during their rookie contracts. This statistic serves as a reminder of the pressures and challenges that accompany young quarterbacks stepping into the NFL spotlight.
Amid the tough times, support and belief continued to flow toward Richardson. Following the Colts' Week 9 loss, Kevin O'Connell offered words of encouragement to the young quarterback: "Hey, do me a favor and remember something: You're a bad dude. And you're going to play a long time in this league. Go to work every day. Good things will happen for you. I still believe in you. I know these guys do. Shane does, too. Man, this organization love you. Go to work."
These words, filled with optimism and reassurance, underscore the patience and long-term perspective some within the league have regarding Richardson's potential. It’s a sentiment likely shared by Colts head coach Shane Steichen, indicating that, while Richardson’s current journey is complex and layered, his story in the NFL is far from over.
For Richardson, the immediate future involves introspection and growth, catalyzed by his benching—a momentary setback in what many hope will be a long and successful career. As he learns from the likes of Flacco and absorbs the league's complexities, the young quarterback is faced with an opportunity to refine his skills and resilience.
As the Colts navigate the rest of their season, they do so with a mix of veteran presence and the promise of youthful potential. Anthony Richardson stands as a pivotal figure, encapsulating both current challenges and future possibilities, as he works to secure his place in the storied annals of NFL quarterbacks.