The biggest need for the Indianapolis Colts heading into the 2023 offseason was upgrading at quarterback. Indianapolis has looked for quick fixes at the position for the last few years but was determined to find a long-term option.
The first move they made was Gardner Minshew following new head coach Shane Steichen from the Philadelphia Eagles. His presence will be important as someone that knows the offense after spending the last two seasons in it.
If he has to start games at the beginning of the season, there are certainly worse options. But, the Colts did find their long-term solution when they selected Anthony Richardson No. 4 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Oozing with potential and with a sky-high ceiling, there is a lot of optimism surrounding Richardson and the future of the Colts. Minshew knows that the starting role will eventually be earned by Richardson, as he was aware of what he was signing up for.
Despite being his direct competition for playing time, even Minshew admits how impressive the Florida product has looked in the early going. During an appearance on a radio show, Minshew shared what his early thoughts are of Richardson.
“I’ve been really impressed, a lot of times the bigger guys with big arms aren’t as quick with some of the RPO stuff and underneath, [but] he’s very quick and his feet are really quick,” Minshew said on Wednesday, via Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. “And I think he gets the ball out fast and can process fast.”
Minshew got a look at Richardson on the field even before they were teammates. Earlier in the offseason before the draft, both players worked out at the same facility in Florida. That is where the former Gator first caught the eye of Minshew.
“Obviously, the first thing is just how impressive the ball jumps out of his hand,” Minshew said. “Physically, he’s got everything you want.
“Then getting around him and seeing how he works, how he takes criticism, wants to learn and get better, all those things are really, really encouraging.”
While the Colts aren’t close to deciding who will be under center in Week 1, both players are putting in the work necessary to claim the starting spot. Minshew likely has a small lead given the fact he has two years of experience in the system Steichen wants to run. However, he did note that Richardson is doing everything you want to see from someone competing for a starting spot.
“He’s making the right checks, doing that kind of stuff. And that’s how you kind of gradually earn respect and, eventually, earn that kind of leadership spot,” Minshew said. “I think he’s coming out with a great attitude, very humble, willing to learn, willing to admit he’s wrong. Those are all very important things in the process of getting better.”
It would be an upset if Richardson was able to surpass Minshew on the depth chart before Week 1. Coming into the draft many thought that the former Gator was a major project and would take some time to develop enough to turn into a starter.
But, in the early going, he is passing all the tests with flying colors. It will certainly be different once live action occurs, but for now, Richardson is on the right path to getting into the regular season lineup sooner than later.
