The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport would report on Sunday morning that Anthony Richardson is the Indianapolis Colts’ “presumptive” starting quarterback for the 2025 season.
I wouldn’t say that this report is surprising, but it is noteworthy given the up-and-down nature of this current season.
With Richardson expected to not only return but be the guy in 2025, that also means that head coach Shane Steichen and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter will be as well, with continuity a vital component to any young quarterback’s success.
“As coach Shane Steichen, OC Jim Bob Cooter and Richardson all enter their third season together, the hope is that it all crystalizes in continued success,” wrote Rapoport.
Richardson will miss Sunday’s game against New York due to back spasms. This will be the third game he’s missed this season due to injury and he’s played in 16 out of possible 33 NFL games in his career.
In addition to navigating a few injuries, Richardson was also benched in Weeks 9 and 10 with the team wanting him to take a step back and really focus in on the day-to-day details that come with being a starting quarterback.
Since his return to the starting lineup in Week 11, while the numbers don’t always showcase it, the Colts are pleased with the progress they’ve seen from Richardson, which includes the team going 3-2 during that stretch.
Rapoport notes that an example of this growth is the 10 yard completion to Michael Pittman on 3rd-and-8 to Michael Pittman in the team’s Week 16 win over the Titans in the final minutes of that game. The play call shows the trust that is there in Richardson and then being able to execute and make the play happen was another promising development.
“In particular,” added Rapoport, “Indy brass has been pleased with how he responded from the benching before Week 9 and how his attention to detail and preparation has increased as a result.”
On the season, Richardson has completed 48% of his passes at 6.9 yards per attempt with eight touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He’s also rushed for 499 yards and six more scores.
A key component to Richardson making a big jump in 2025 will be that he will have a fully healthy offseason ahead of him–unlike last year as he recovered from a shoulder injury.
Rapoport mentions that a focus for Richardson and the Colts in the coming months will be on “further developing his understanding of the game and honing his fundamentals.”
The 2025 season will be a make or break year for Richardson and Shane Steichen.