After an injury-shortened rookie campaign, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is ready to show the rest of the NFL what Indianapolis’ offense can do.
“We’ve got young athletes, people who can run,” Richardson said. “It’s going to be a crazy year.”
The Colts retained receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on a three-year, $70-million extension. The AFC South club then added second-rounder Adonai Mitchell to the wideout group, which also contains Josh Downs, who had 771 yards as a rookie in 2023.
Moreover, Indianapolis will see Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor and Richardson in the backfield together after they were only on the field at the same time for two plays last season.
Richardson will be among the most inexperienced starters in the NFL. The 22-year-old started 13 games in college and threw just 84 passes last year before his season-ending shoulder injury.
To make his young quarterback more comfortable, Colts head coach Shane Steichen is being flexible with his offensive system.
“We just toss ideas around,” Richardson said. “He asks me how I feel about certain things, and, then if I see certain things on the internet, like if I see a sweep or an option play or something like that, I’ll say, ‘Hey, that’s kind of nice.’ I’ll show it to him and he’ll be like, ‘OK, we might be able to throw that in.’
“It’s amazing to have a coach like that because we get to use our offense and use our weapons.”
Richardson, the 2023 No. 4 overall pick, flashed potential in his four starts as a rookie. He threw for 577 yards and three touchdowns against one interception while adding 136 yards and four scores on the ground.
