Anthony Richardson To ‘Play Smarter’ In Year 2 With Colts
Second year Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson says he needs to make smarter runs next season, not stop running.
Anthony Richardson only played four games of his rookie year due to surgery on his left shoulder. As a result, many are suggesting the Colts should limit how much ground he covers.
In 2023 Anthony Richardson ran the ball 25 times, gaining a down around 30% of the time. That amounts to 136 yards and four scores on the ground, as well as 577 yards and three touchdowns with his arm.
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“My legs [have] always been one of my superpowers,” Richardson said.
“So, trying to take that away from me, I don’t think that’s a good thing for this offense. It’s just more so me playing a little bit smarter, and learning how to take care of myself and my teammates. Knowing when to make the right play and knowing when to try to get the extra few yards. Don’t take my legs away, but being more smart.”
Head coach Shane Steichen is in full agreement, saying he doesn’t want to place any limits on his quarterback.
“People ask this, too, a lot,” Steichen said. “It’s just like ‘Hey, are you gonna limit the run game?’ And I kind of think, like, shoot, are you gonna limit Steph Curry from shooting three-pointers? Well, that’s one of Anthony’s strengths. So, we’re not gonna get away from that. That’s what he does well.”
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The worst part of Richardson’s injury is that he didn’t get to spend more than one game playing with Jonathon Taylor. With both now fit, they could form a deadly duo in the new season.
“I don’t know how many plays we got last year together — I think like one or two,” Richardson said. “But hopefully we’ll have way more than that this year, and I can rely on him a little bit more than just relying on myself.”
