Did Saturday flip the Colts’ depth chart toward Anthony Richardson?

Did Anthony Richardson’s performance Saturday just earn him the starting quarterback role for the Colts? The Former Gator looks ready.

Anthony Richardson shut down any doubt about whether a dislocated pinky was still bothering him from week one of preseason and put on a show on Saturday, impressing head coach Shane Steichen and making a very strong case to be named the Colts' starting quarterback.

Anthony Richardson has bounce back performance

Richardson on Saturday in the second quarter against the Packers was 6-for-11 with 73 yards, no interceptions, and no fumbles. He was on point throughout the game, including a great play-action bootleg pass that found Anthony Gould for a nine-yard gain by the sideline and an under-pressure 38-yard pass downfield that was spot on to Gould as well.

A penalty negated that play, but it was an encouraging pass from Richardson as defensive linemen surrounded him and still made a spectacular downfield pass to Gould that, if it weren’t for the penalty, would’ve been a beautiful completion. It showed Richardson’s ability to roll out of the pocket, stay composed, and make a great play downfield.

Along with throwing for 73 yards, Richardson averaged 6.6 yards per pass, and he was only sacked once.

On the ground, Richardson had one carry for nine yards.

The starting quarterback position is very much still up for grabs in Indianapolis. Daniel Jones played two drives and Richardson played three, but by the books, their performances were similar.

Jones was 7-of-11 for 101 yards while Richardson was 6-for-11 for 73 yards. Neither threw a touchdown and neither completed a pass longer than 25 yards or gave up a turnover. 

But Richardson on Saturday proved that he has elite escapability to get out of the pocket and make great plays under pressure. One of Richardson’s drives was 12 plays for 90 yards and a 21-yard pass, which was encouraging to see him lead the team 90 yards down the field as well.

Richardson spoke with the media after the game and said he’s been focusing on getting better at making the routine plays he had been struggling with.

“Making a routine play and just moving the ball downfield, that helps you stay on the field, move the ball, get down in the red zone you can guarantee some points and secure some points. So I just want to get better at that, and when the big plays do come, I’ll be able to hit them,” stated Richardson.

He said he felt smooth and in rhythm on the first drive. And overall, he said it felt good to be out on the field. 

“Felt good just being out there that second quarter, just moving the ball,” said Richardson. “Making the routine plays, being out there moving the ball, managing the game, I felt good about that. But just trying to keep going and keep improving,” he stated.

Head Coach Shane Steichen said he is “very close” to making a decision on who the Colts’ week one starter will be when they take on the Dolphins. But a decision has not yet been announced. But according to some, with the show Richardson put on Saturday, he may have done enough to earn his spot.