With the Indianapolis Colts’ first training camp practice of the 2024 season complete, both Shane Steichen and Anthony Richardson were happy with the second year quarterback’s performance.
“Yeah, I think decision-making, quick processing,” said Steichen after practice. “Being in this system for two years now, he looks sharp. We’ll go back and look at the tape, but he looked really good today.”
The focus for the day during the team portion of practice was in the red zone, with Steichen mentioning that this is part of the ramp-up period that comes at the start of training camp.
Jake Arthur of SI’s Horseshoe Huddle was in attendance for Thursday’s practice and noted that during the 11-on-11 red zone period, Richardson was 4-for-5 passing, which included three touchdown passes to Alec Pierce, Michael Pittman, and Kylen Granson.
Arthur also noted that there was a heavy focus on the run game and RPOs. While Richardson is coming off a season-ending shoulder injury, the Colts won’t hesitate to use him as a ball carrier this season.
“It feels a lot more smooth,” said Richardson of his performance. “Day 1 out here, I’ve been in the offense for quite some time now. So, I trust myself in this system. I trust my teammates. It’s just about adding a little bit more flare, a little bit more flavor and sauce to it and going out there and making plays.”
Although inexperienced with just 98 career dropbacks and 84 pass attempts, Richardson is in an ideal position make a jump in his second season. As GM Chris Ballard mentioned, there is a lot of talent around Richardson so that he doesn’t have to do it all each week.
Another key factor in Richardson’s growth will be the continuity and familiarity of being in Steichen’s offensive system for a second season.
“It’s been good,” said Steichen about his relationship with Richardson. “I think with anybody, your relationship builds and builds and builds, you get to know each other.
“But I can’t say enough about him and the communication that we’ve had together. How he learns, how he processes things, and just life too. Just getting to know the person. Phenomenal person, and again, just extremely grateful that he’s on our team.”
In addition to Richardson’s play, Steichen was happy with the overall performance from the team.
“I thought we came out good,” Steichen added. “We looked sharp, crisp, and not a lot of mental errors.”