Anthony Richardson was back under center for the Indianapolis Colts in the team’s preseason opener against Denver–the first time he’s been on the football field in a live game since Week 5 of last year.
“That feels good,” said Richardson after the game. “I was able to go through my routine today. Put my pads on, get a few snaps out there. Everything felt good.”
As Shane Steichen said would be the case, Richardson and the starting offense was on the field for two series on Sunday. Richardson finished the game 2-of-4, throwing for 25 yards.
The highlight for Richardson was a 19-yard catch and run completion to tight end Mo Alie-Cox during the second series. This play came with the Colts backed up in their own territory and Denver sending a linebacker blitz.
On the Colts’ first possession, the Broncos sent a blitzer who ran through the line untouched, forcing Richardson to get rid of the ball quickly. The second time, however, the Colts’ offensive line was able to get their hands on the rusher, slowing him up, and Richardson was able to get the ball out to Cox, who made the catch and a defender miss.
“I thought it was good,” said Steichen of Richardson’s performance. “I mean, first time in over 300 days getting out there and playing with his guys. He got seven reps. He’s 2-of-4 there.
“Obviously, we wanted to start a little better on that first drive, but then we got backed up, hit a nice pivot over the ball to Mo and hit a third down we just were short on, but it was good just to get those guys out in a game-like situation.”
As should have been expected with over 300 days taking place between games, there was some rust for Richardson. On a third down pass to Kylen Granson on the first possession, Richardson’s pass was a bit high and led him to far, resulting in an incomplete pass.
Then facing another third down on the second possession, Richardson connected with Granson for six yards, coming up a yard shy of the first down, but the pass was slightly behind and could have come out a bit sooner.
“I’m just trying to manage the game,” said Richardson. “Just take what the defense gave me. I feel like it was a few plays we left out there, but it’s all good. We’re still working on chemistry and stuff and just building that as an offense.”
Of course, ideally the Colts would have wanted to have their first two possessions end as touchdown drives, but more importantly it was just good to see Richardson back on the field with the starting offense, as they continue to build upon the chemistry that’s been established and the continuity that exists in Year 2 under Steichen.
The next step is for Richardson and the Colts’ offense to build upon this performance and they’ll have the opportunity to do so in some highly competitive situations this week with two joint practices and a preseason game with Arizona.
“Throughout this whole process,” added Richardson, “I’ve been anxious to do a lot of things — just practice and put my helmet back on. So, it’s just taking it step by step, day by day. We had a game, and it just felt good being out there again.”