Colts HC Steichen elaborates on Richardson decision

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Colts HC Shane Steichen elaborates on Anthony Richardson decision

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/16/23

Anybody wondering if Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen is questioning his decision to name rookie Anthony Richardson the team's starting quarterback should put such thoughts to bed.

As shared by Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Steichen hinted during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio that Richardson was always on track to earn the QB1 job over veteran Gardner Minshew going all the way back to organized team activities this past spring.

"Starting in OTAS, getting him in here after the draft, his work habits, what he’s doing, the playmaking ability he brings," Steichen said about Richardson. "Great, high-character guy. The way he treats people, he’s a charismatic guy, he cares about people, great teammate, he wants to do everything right."

Minshew had Steichen as an offensive coordinator when both were with the Philadelphia Eagles across the past two seasons, and the 27-year-old seemed to be a perfect bridge option who would allow Richardson to learn about life in the NFL from the sidelines after the 21-year-old made just 13 college starts with the Florida Gators.

Richardson then very much looked like a raw prospect with plenty of promise when he completed 7-of-12 passes for 67 yards and one ugly interception in this past Saturday's preseason opener at the Buffalo Bills.

Despite concerns about possibly rushing a rookie into action before he's ready, Steichen indicated Richardson is too special to sit for any amount of time next month.

"You see the upside on film, it just jumps off the tape," Steichen added about Richardson. "Holy smokes, there aren’t many guys that can do the things that he’s doing, so let’s roll."

The impressive athleticism Richardson flashed at the combine as a 6-foot-4, 244-pound signal-caller helped make him the fourth overall pick of this year's draft.

Only time will tell if he ultimately would've been better off beginning his first pro regular season as a backup for a team that realistically isn't in a hurry to compete for much of note.

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