Shane Steichen announced on Wednesday that Anthony Richardson would be back as the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.
“Man, there’s a lot of appreciation, but it’s more so more understanding now,” said Richardson of being the starting quarterback. “You understand the magnitude of everything. You understand the magnitude of the position. You understand the magnitude of the work that you have to put in just to make sure you’re right for the team.
“But I definitely appreciate it. I’m forever grateful and happy and excited to get going this week again, but I’m thankful.”
The messaging–at least outside of the building–behind the decision to bench Richardson two weeks ago in favor of Joe Flacco was that Flacco gave the Colts the best chance to win. That became hollow pretty quickly, however, with the Colts offense struggling mightily over these last two weeks.
We then learned on Wednesday from Steichen that where the Colts wanted to see Richardson make strides was in the day-to-day details that come with the preparation of being an NFL quarterback.
So what did Richardson work on specifically over these last two weeks?
“Just showing them that I could do my work day-in and day-out consistently,” Richardson said on Wednesday. “As a pro you feel like, okay, I’m doing my work, I’m getting it done. That’s enough, but it’s never enough, especially not for the vets. They feel like if they have to do the extra work, you have to do it too. So that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
Throughout the last two weeks, Steichen has been clear in that the team had never lost faith in Richardson, but that they were going through a necessary process to help with his development.
There was never a timeline for Richardson’s return to the starting lineup, it was all dependent upon how quickly he responded to the challenge that was in front of him.
“I’m still new to this,” said Richardson of being an NFL quarterback. “I’m still learning information. But when it comes to being a professional, you feel like you’re doing a lot of things right, but when it comes to sacrifice, there are always more things to sacrifice – like time and stuff like that. So just being a pro and just learning more about that. I’m glad Shane gave me the opportunity to do so.”
However, even with the setback and Richardson forced to watch from the sidelines these last two weeks, the locker room continued to support him as if he was the starter.
“Man, since I got here the guys always supported me,” Richardson said of the team. “I wasn’t even worried about them losing faith in me and losing any support.
“I just feel like there were more things that I had to showcase to them and show them that I’m willing to do a lot of things for them. So, the guys always supported me throughout this whole process, and I definitely appreciate them.”
In six games this season, Richardson was completing a league-low 44 percent of his throws at 7.2 yards per attempt with four touchdown passes to seven interceptions.
Consistency, particularly on the short to intermediate throws is what was lacking, but with his arm talent, Richardson brought a big play element to the passing game, not to mention the boost his presence provides the run game.
Although at 4-6, the Colts still find themselves in the AFC playoff mix. With Richardson showcasing improved attention to detail off the field, the hope now is that will translate to his play on the field, and give the Indianapolis offense a much-needed boost.
“I appreciate it,” said Richardson of the support from the fanbase, “but the only thing I’m willing to prove now is just like, I’m willing to be the guy for this team. Anything they need from me, anything they ask of me, I’m going to try to do it the best way I can.
“Whether that’s leadership, note taking, meetings, play style – anything that they need from me, I’m willing to do that and showcase that for the team and for the fan base because we all are trying to win and that’s the goal.”
(All quotes via the Indy Star.)