The Indianapolis Colts have named rookie Anthony Richardson the starting quarterback this season per head coach Shane Steichen.
"(I) Like the progress he's made. Excited about his future and his playmaking ability that he brings to this football team."
Richardson was the fourth overall pick of April's NFL Draft. Last season at Florida, the 6-foot-4-inch 240 pound quarterback threw for 2,549 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions in 12 games.
Richardson is classified as a glorified raw talent with strides to make before solidifying himself as a top-end starting quarterback in the league. Due to his frame, playmaking ability, and flashes that Richardson showed with the Gators last season, Richardson is a fascinating prospect. So much so that I see a ton of comparrison to former league MVP Cam Newton.
The Colts elected Richardson as the starter of their week one preseason matchup on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills where he completed 7-of-12 passes for 67 yards and an ugly interception. Although not the prettiest stat line, the B-team receiving group Richardson was throwing the ball to didn't exactly do the first-rounder any favorites, dropping a handful of balls throughout his numbered series.
Indianapolis drafted Richardson for the big picture, with the hopes of handing him the reigns as its franchise quarterback in due time. It would be a nice change of pace for the Colts, as Richardson becomes their eighth different week one starting quarterback in as many years.
Veteran Gardner Minshew will play the backup role and mentor for the young quarterback. Minshew has a fair amount of experience with succeeding expectations as a rookie. Back in 2019, Minshew took the field for the Jacksonville Jaguars - replacing the injured Nick Foles. Gardner would finish the year as the starting quarterback for the Jags, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns in 12 starts. Fast forward to last season, Minshew was backup to Jalen Hurts, who led the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance. Perhaps Minshew isn't the best-of-the-best when it comes to veteran backup quarterbacks to mentor a young QB, but he certainly has something to offer.
Are the Colts making the right choice starting Richardson day one? Brandon and I discuss that at the top of the show today on 'In The Zone' at 3 p.m. Dial in to 96.9 The Game or find us on the iHeartMedia app.