During spring practice, Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and head coach Shane Steichen both emphasized the necessity of keeping quarterback Anthony Richardson healthy, after the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft made only four starts as a rookie.
Steichen told reporters at a Thursday press conference that he wants Richardson to continue looking for ways to make plays with his legs this autumn.
“People ask this a lot,” Steichen said, as reported by Bobby Kownack on the league’s website. “It’s just, ‘Hey, are you gonna limit the run game?'” And I’m wondering, are you going to limit Steph Curry’s ability to shoot three-pointers? Well, that is one of Anthony’s strengths. So we aren’t going to get away from it. That’s what he does best.”
Steichen made Richardson the club’s full-time starter last August, and then watched as the 22-year-old was injured in Week 1 before suffering a concussion the following Sunday. Richardson was then sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a shoulder injury in only his fourth meaningful game.
Richardson rushed for 136 yards and four touchdowns on 25 attempts last season. However, he attempted only 84 passes against first-choice defenses. As much as Indianapolis’ ownership hopes Richardson becomes a franchise quarterback, he is willing to take risks again to help the Colts win games.
“My legs [have] always been one of my superpowers,” Richardson explained to Kownack. “So, taking it away from me, I don’t believe that’s a smart idea for this offensive. It’s just that I’m playing smarter and learning how to care for myself and my teammates. Knowing when to make the correct play and when to attempt to gain an additional few yards. Don’t take my legs away; instead, be smarter.”
As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had Richardson as the fourth favorite to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award this season, with odds of +600. That’s rather impressive given that he has yet to prove he can stay in the lineup for a full month of NFL action.
