Anthony Richardson’s tenure with the Indianapolis Colts hasn’t unfolded as the team envisioned when they selected him fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now entering his third season, he isn’t even guaranteed the starting quarterback role.
Bomani Jones of Wave Sports + Entertainment, formerly with ESPN, believes the uncertainty surrounding Richardson has more to do with the team’s handling of his development than the quarterback himself.
“I was high on Anthony Richardson coming out, at least based on his potential, while fully understanding the wide range of possible outcomes,” Jones said on his podcast, The Right Time with Bomani Jones, last Friday.
“The Colts now say they’re going to have an open quarterback competition with him— and I get it, Year 3 is a big deal—but they have completely mismanaged this. There’s no other way to put it.”
Jones’ guest, Charles McDonald, agreed, highlighting how the decision to bench Richardson in favor of veteran Joe Flacco last season likely hindered his growth.
“Last year, when they put in Joe Flacco, I was like, ‘For what? Why? What did they need to see from Joe Flacco?'” McDonald said. “Did they really think they had a Super Bowl-caliber roster or something?”
Given these concerns, is this a make-or-break season for Richardson?
“I think every year is like that in the NFL,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. “You have to show up and perform. Every year brings pressure situations, and you have to deliver week in and week out.”
