Anthony Richardson Makes His Demand Clear on New Role Under Shane Steichen as Colts QB1

In July, when Colts QB Anthony Richardson stood off the field during practice, his white undershirt was soaking wet. Fans watched him take those post-practice reps, but Richardson’s mind was busy self-evaluating. “I didn’t do enough,” a feeling that came in waves after his second NFL season. He had completed a league-worst 47.7% of his pass attempts while tossing 12 interceptions. And while that stung, it also became the spark for something deeper: “I feel like last year, I knew the offense. Now, I’m trying to master it.”

Richardson began drawing mock routes on his iPad, went through old notes, and started learning how to beat certain coverages and concepts. And now, by mid-August, he is ready to go beyond this. In a new discussion with ‘Sirius XM NFL Radio’, he emphasized just that. “When it comes to the offense, I just feel like I’ve been putting in the work just to try to understand the offense more. I told coach, ‘I wanted to be able to master the offense.’

“So, whenever there’s a chance for me to teach the offense, I want to be just as good as him when it comes to teaching that. That’s just me trying to take a step and just improve my game every step of the way.” As his quarterback competition with Daniel Jones intensifies, those around him are certainly witnessing changes in his mindset. Take wide receiver Michael Pittman, for instance.

On Sunday, Pittman was on the ‘Up and Adams’ show, where he outlined how Richardson has been blocking out all noise and is focusing on what he can do to become QB1. As part of this preparation, fans have often seen the quarterback on the field with his call sheet and also taking mental reps before practice. Then, there is also defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who has detected a sense of urgency in the way Richardson now operates. But whose opinion would matter than HC Shane Steichen?

Thankfully for Richardson, the coach sees his extra efforts. Last week, he appreciated the “great strides” the QB made from a leadership standpoint. However, while the 23-year-old gives his best, he will also need to stay healthy. Truth be told, that’s one of the biggest concerns. And it dates back to his high school days in Florida. It all started with knee issues, and in 2021, when he enrolled in the University of Florida, strained hamstrings, a concussion, and a torn meniscus constantly kept him sidelined.

In fact, his rookie NFL season (2023) was somewhat similar. He suffered a concussion and an AC joint sprain. Then, last year, he also suffered hip and lumbar injuries, which forced him to miss playing time. Right now, he also has a dislocated pinky, which he suffered during the first preseason game against the Ravens. And so, if he really intends to be the QB1, he will need to stay clear of injuries.

Regardless, the team’s first preseason game against the Ravens is done (L 16 – 24). What’s next? Well, Steichen wants Daniel Jones to start their second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. While Jones will play the first few series in the first quarter, the coach intends to bring Richardson for the rest of the first half.