The Indianapolis Colts have been informed by Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor that…
NDIANAPOLIS, PA — Anthony Richardson gave the Indianapolis Colts a sneak peek at their quarterback of the future in 2023.
They can now begin to fantasize about all the new opportunities.
Two days after losing to the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the playoffs, the team cleared out their lockers and considered what they had accomplished in coach Shane Steichen’s first season as well as what they could accomplish in the following one.
When asked about playing with Richardson, running back Jonathan Taylor responded, “That’s going to be a really awesome sight to see.” He is incredibly talented, based on both what I saw on the tape and what I witnessed in person. He’s ready to learn, though. You should always be on the lookout for individuals who possess such talent and a strong desire to learn, as they are the ones who will truly stand out.”
In 2023, the Colts (9-8) were excited to see that backfield combination.
However, Taylor was unable to participate in the Indians’ offseason exercises, training camp, the whole preseason, and the first four weeks of the regular season due to a persistent ankle injury. When the NFL rushing champion of 2021 made a comeback in Week 5, Richardson was starting for the fourth time in his career.
However, the Colts saw enough in Richardson and a healthy Taylor to feel that they made the right decision in selecting the four-and-seventh overall picks last spring, and enough to begin imagining the pressure the two can put on opposing defenses in the upcoming campaign.
“Anthony had the opportunity to observe and gain knowledge, essentially observing the entire NFL season,” Steichen remarked. Of course, we would have preferred to have him there for the entire season so he could learn in that manner. Although what happened to him was regrettable, I believe it will strengthen us.
Although Richardson’s development was expected to be the defining factor for this season, Indianapolis was able to win its first AFC South title since 2014 thanks to strong performances from backup quarterback Gardner Minshew and backup running back Zack Moss. The difference was only 15 yards, 66 seconds, and maybe one mishandled pass.
What was the Colts’ secret?
After a terrible 2022, Indianapolis’ offensive line turned things around and became one of the best in the league, and Steichen’s offense scored roughly eight more points per game than the Colts did in 2022 under head coach Frank Reich and his temporary replacement, Jeff Saturday.
The Colts recorded a franchise-high 51 sacks on defense. Despite some growing pains in the middle of the season, Indianapolis’s young secondary continued to get better as the season went on. Despite missing one game, linebacker Zaire Franklin amassed a franchise-high 179 tackles.
These encouraging developments give hope for the future, as does Taylor’s comeback and Richardson’s impressive start.
“It’s only natural to reflect on where we were a year ago and where we are now. Guys’ lives have changed, for sure. Ryan Kelly, a center for the Pro Bowl, said, “Guys are in different places.” “Yet compared to a year ago, we’re definitely much better and much closer.”
PITTMAN’S SECOND STEP
After Taylor agreed to a three-year contract extension in October, the Colts now need to determine how to best retain leading receiver Michael Pittman Jr., Taylor’s draft classmate.
He produced his second 1,000-yard season and caught a career-high 109 passes, with his output rising after he requested more targets in a midseason meeting with general manager Chris Ballard and Steichen. Pittman also sees no negative aspects to possibly being selected for the franchise tag.
“It’s unlikely that anyone would be unhappy with $23 million,” he stated. “The franchise resembles a respectable badge. You are paid among the top five for your position, of course. Do I really want to use one to play on? No, but you can also use that to move closer to a long-term agreement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FREE AGENCY
Pittman is one of 14 Colts players—among whom are some well-known players—who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents.
The more difficult decisions may come from Minshew, who won a career-high seven games, and Moss, who led Indianapolis in total yards (955) and yards rushing (794 yards), as they are expected to look for starting positions elsewhere. These three key starters are defensive tackle Grover Stewart, Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II, and safety Julian Blackmon.
NEXT ACTIONS
Following surgery on his shoulder, Richardson’s recuperation will be observed by the Colts. It is hoped that he will run more sensibly in order to maintain his health and lead the Colts back to the postseason.
The choices then have to be made. Since the Colts’ three-game losing streak in October, during which they allowed 114 points, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has come under criticism. Steichen stated he valued continuity on Monday and would not speculate as to whether there would be staff changes.
Richardson’s powerful arm would help Indy’s deep passing game, which has also been lacking this season. However, selecting a receiver with the No. 15 overall pick is another option.
