NFL Analysis
9/9/24
4 min read
Anthony Richardson Is Special, But Colts QB Still a Work in Progress
The Indianapolis Colts are seeing the flashes from QB Anthony Richardson, but the second-year quarterback needs to clean up his game if he wants to lead his team into the playoffs at the end of the year.
The Colts could not mount a comeback against the Houston Texans in Week 1, failing to win their season opener for the 11th straight year. It wasn't all bad in the 27-29 loss, however, as Richardson showed some very real flashes as a big-time playmaker.
Richardson completed 9-of-19 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He added another 56 yards and a score on only six rushing attempts, making some significant plays with his legs.
The box score perfectly encapsulates what makes Richardson such a special playmaker but also what he still needs to work on to become a more reliable franchise quarterback.
Anthony Richardson's big-play ability
The advanced metrics show that Richardson can put points on the board.
He went toe-to-toe with C.J. Stroud, averaging 0.21 EPA per play in Week 1, according to RBSDM.com. Those expected points were generated while Richardson continued to push the field vertically, averaging a league-high 16.4 yards in average depth of target.
Richardson's passing chart shows just how often he was willing to go deep. His longest touchdown of the game, which went over 60 yards in the air, couldn't even be shown on the graphic.
There are only a small handful of quarterbacks who have comparable arm strength to Richardson. Even when throwing off balance and slipping, he connected with Alec Pierce for his first touchdown of the game by hitting the receiver in stride with a throw that went over 65 yards through the air.
The end zone angle of Richardson's throw is a sight to behold.
Quick check of the all-22 this morning and yeah this throw is still completely unbelievable pic.twitter.com/f0kUszkwRy
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 9, 2024
Despite only having nine completions, three went for more than 50 yards. Opposing secondaries will have to adjust their drops and pre-snap depth going forward to account for Richardson's willingness and ability to throw deep.
As a runner, Richardson showed good speed and escapability but also impressive play strength. His rushing touchdown came at the goal line after he ran through multiple defenders into the end zone.
Anthony Richardson is a tank. pic.twitter.com/IfC0SThYU9
— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) September 9, 2024
Most quarterbacks would have been stopped short, but Richardson used his 244-pound frame to bully his way for a touchdown.
His arm strength and rushing ability resemble Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen. However, he still has a long way to go before being considered on the same tier as the Bills superstar.
Layups Aren't So Easy For Richardson
For all of the exciting flashes, there are just as many (if not more) plays that are still missed opportunities.
That shouldn't be a surprise. Richardson is inexperienced, with few snaps played at the college and professional level. He started just 13 games for the Florida Gators and just five games at the NFL level.
For as impressive as Richardson's arm strength is, he still left some easy deep throws on the board. One of the easiest throws he could have made all game came to a wide open Adonai Mitchell near the red zone.
Unfortunately, Richardson put too much mustard on the pass and overthrew what should have been a layup touchdown.
I still need to see more consistency from an accuracy standpoint from Richardson.
— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) September 9, 2024
So much arm talent, but misses the layups. pic.twitter.com/4ALQp64DPK
Even some of Richardson's short throws have too much velocity behind them, leading to them sailing over his receiver's heads.
Richardson had a -14.2 completion percentage over expected on Sunday. The erratic ball placement on makable throws is an issue for the Colts when they need sustained drives.
Their running game is dynamic with Richardson's athletic ability and Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, but the Colts need to be able to complete the quick layups to keep teams from stacking the box.
The good news is that Richardson still has plenty of time to get comfortable in Shane Steichen's offense. The bad news is that the Colts need to start getting some wins if they want to make the playoffs this year.
Defense is a real issue for the Colts, but they need their second-year quarterback to carry even more of the load to turn them into a true playoff contender in the AFC.
