The Indianapolis Colts are set to play their first preseason game of the year on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills. On Thursday, head coach Shane Steichen made a major announcement about the lineup, sharing that Anthony Richardson will be starting at quarterback.
The No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft will be receiving his first reps against another team for the first time as a professional. It is something that he is looking forward to and excited about after only getting practice reps thus far against his own teammates.
“I’m definitely excited to go against a different opponent instead of going against Zaire [Franklin] and Shaq Leonard every single day,” Richardson said Thursday, via Mike Chappell of Fox59.
This will be a good opportunity for the Colts to gauge where Richardson is at in his development. Practice reps are always good, but live reps in games are a different animal. What stage of development Richardson is at is something that he isn’t even sure of.
“Honestly I don’t know because I haven’t gone up against anybody yet,’’ Richardson said. “But I feel I’m in a good spot and hopefully I can showcase that Saturday.
“I think I’ve taken a big step regarding everything, whether it’s chemistry, play-calling or even just recognition of a defense. I feel like I’ve grown a lot, but there’s still room for improvement. I feel like I can just keep on pushing.’’
Preseason games are merely exhibitions, so they don’t count for anything in terms of standings or stats. But, they will provide invaluable experience for someone such as Richardson, who needs all the reps he can get to push his development along.
While the game on Saturday won’t officially count, Richardson is still hoping that he can help lead the Colts to a victory.
“First NFL experience, just try to get a victory and just showcase my talent and my ability and just be a leader and just push the team,” Richardson said. “Just consistency. I know I can run. I know I can pass. Whatever coach calls, I’m just gonna make sure I do my job the right way and just be consistent.’’
The future is bright for the Colts with Richardson under center and Steichen on the sideline. They are hopeful that pairing will lead the franchise back to the promised land.
