In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, the Indianapolis Colts made headlines during the 2023 Draft by selecting Anthony Richardson as their fourth overall pick, a decision brimming with both promise and uncertainty. Richardson, hailing from the University of Florida, was seen as a high-risk, high-reward prospect. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 244 pounds, his physical attributes are undeniably impressive. Yet, with just 13 college starts, he shared a notable distinction with Mitchell Trubisky for having the fewest starts among first-round quarterbacks in this century.
As the 2024 NFL season unfolded, the potential and pitfalls of selecting such an unproven talent came into stark relief. The Colts found themselves with a balanced record of 4-4 midway through the season. However, recent performances suggested underlying issues, particularly with Richardson under center. Following a Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans, a decision was made that underscored the unforgiving nature of professional sports: Richardson was benched.
The move to bench Richardson came amidst a backdrop of struggles. His completion rate stood at a mere 44.4%, marking the second-lowest for starting quarterbacks this century. Yet, it’s not all doom and gloom; Richardson also leads the league with 16.2 yards per completion, indicating a capacity for explosive playmaking. However, such a feat matters little if it doesn’t contribute to consistent wins.
Transitioning from promise to pragmatism, the Colts turned to veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. At 39, Flacco was tasked with steadying the ship in what has proven to be a tumultuous season. His presence brings experience, but questions remain about whether it’s enough to secure the Colts' playoff aspirations. Flacco's first test off the bench ended in a Week 9 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings, where the Colts succumbed 21-13 on "Sunday Night Football."
The victory in that game was a testament to the Vikings’ under the guidance of head coach Kevin O'Connell, a former NFL quarterback himself. O'Connell, understanding the ebbs and flows of a quarterback’s journey, extended words of encouragement to Richardson, echoing sentiments of belief and support. "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," O'Connell advised after the game.
Richardson’s journey, thus far, is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by first-round quarterbacks. Out of 66 first-round quarterbacks drafted between 2000 and 2022, 25 have been benched during their rookie contracts. It's a stark reminder of the pressures and expectations that come with being a top pick, where the margin for error is slim and the tolerance for development often slimmer.
The Colts, by drafting Richardson, cast their lot with potential rather than proven pedigree. As the season progresses, the organization must contemplate the broader timeline for Richardson’s development. With the league’s growing trend towards quick success, patience is a luxury few can afford. Yet, Richardson's attributes suggest a foundation upon which greatness can be built, if given the right support and time.
As Indianapolis navigates the remainder of the season, the narrative of their young quarterback remains unwritten. Whether Richardson reemerges as the franchise cornerstone they envisioned depends as much on his response to sideline adversity as it does on the organization’s commitment to nurturing his talent. Such stories are the lifeblood of NFL lore, where potential meets resilience, and future legends are born. The Colts, and Richardson, undoubtedly hope for such an outcome. Time, as always, will tell.