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The Indianapolis Colts have named Anthony Richardson as their starting quarterback for Week 1.
Richardson had been in a quarterback competition with Gardner Minshew for the job.
Heading into this year’s NFL Draft, one of the biggest questions at the quarterback position was when Anthony Richardson would be ready to be an NFL starter.
He had displayed plenty of athleticism and impressive arm strength during his time at Florida and during the pre-draft process.
However, it was clear during his college career that he still needed some time to develop as a passer to be able to take full advantage of those traits.
With that, there was some belief after the draft that he would spend some time sitting behind Gardner Minshew in his rookie season to give him time to hone his passing skills before having to face off against NFL competition.
More recently, signs have pointed to him being the starter right away.
Today it was confirmed that this will be the approach the Colts will be taking with Richardson.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced that Anthony Richardson will be the team’s starter for Week 1 of the regular season.
More on today’s quarterback announcement: https://t.co/W17ApUK3m9
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 15, 2023
Richardson is now the second QB from this class to be named an NFL as Bryce Young was already confirmed as the starter for the Panthers. CJ Stroud shouldn’t be far behind.
Richardson made his preseason debut over the weekend. He went 7/12 for 67 yards and threw an interception.
It isn’t a particularly memorable stat line, but it seems he did enough to prove to the Indianapolis Colts that he’s ready to lead the team.
He’ll bring a pretty big change to the Colts’ offense and it will be a welcome one after the team watched Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan struggle the past couple of year.
There may be some growing pains while Richardson adjusts to playing in the NFL, but the Indianapolis Colts are committing to him early and that should give him plenty of chances to show off his potential early in his NFL career.