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Anthony Richardson starts: It's Shane Steichen's call

https://www.indystar.com/story/sport...l/70166820007/

Quote:

INDIANAPOLIS — From the sounds of it, Colts owner Jim Irsay is in lockstep with new head coach Shane Steichen on the best way to develop the team’s new franchise quarterback.

Anthony Richardson has to play.

Maybe right away.

While there are a lot of draft analysts and experts who have spent the draft process saying that Richardson needed time to sit behind an experienced starter and develop, Irsay believes a rookie should play as soon as he’s ready.

“I think it’s important,” Irsay said. “You get better by playing. Training camp, and preseason games, and being in the quarterback room, that’s all great, but you get better by playing, and it’s something that’s really important, because again, his development has so much to do with the franchise’s future.”

Irsay said he’d leave the decision up to Steichen, who didn’t rule out the possibility of Richardson playing right away after the pick was made Thursday night.

“It’s going to be Shane’s call, if (Richardson’s) ready to start the opening game,” Irsay said. “These guys gotta play to get better. Everyone knows that.

A rookie quarterback starting the season opener is not the norm in the NFL. Only 10 of the 29 quarterbacks taken in the first round over the past decade ended up taking the field as the season-opening starter.

But Irsay’s history with first-round quarterbacks is different.

Peyton Manning played right away, struggling through his rookie season in Indianapolis. Andrew Luck took the Colts back to the playoffs.

Richardson isn’t as polished a prospect as the two Indianapolis legends were. The No. 4 pick started just 13 games at Florida, and general manager Chris Ballard made it clear Thursday night that the Colts chose Richardson because of his incredible potential.

“We like what he can be,” Ballard said.

Irsay understands. As excited as he is about the possibilities Richardson brings, Irsay knows developing the new Colts quarterback is going to take patience.

“With Anthony, it’s definitely more of a gamble at (No. 4) than (No. 1) than Peyton was,” Irsay said. “They all had some things we had to talk about, in terms of concerns, and I really felt Anthony was the guy. A big part of it was, Shane and I had a long talk about ‘What does it take to develop a pure passer?’”

Steichen took Irsay through the work he’d done on Richardson, outlining the plays he’d seen on tape that suggested Richardson could improve his accuracy and efficiency in the passing game.

The presence of Steichen is also one of the reasons Irsay and the Colts believe that Richardson might be able to play faster than everybody else expects. Steichen rose through the coaching ranks quickly because of his ability to work with young quarterbacks, highlighting their strengths and minimizing their weaknesses while they develop.

If Richardson plays right away as a rookie, the Colts likely will not ask him to carry the offense alone.

“You hope so, that Shane’s going to create an offense, simplify things,” Irsay said. “Jonathan Taylor coming back is a huge plus, because of the double threat of their speed. Both of them are unprecedented players at their position, in terms of size, speed, what they can do.”

Richardson’s rushing ability could help him get on the field faster. Because of his ability to pick up yards with his legs, the Colts can design an offense around that, the way Steichen designed the Eagles offense for Jalen Hurts in his first full year as a starter in 2021.

“We’re hoping to create the perfect storm with him, and Jonathan Taylor, and that offensive line,” Irsay said.

Irsay also believes that Richardson has the right mental makeup to deal with the pressure of playing right away as the No. 4 pick. Manning had it; the best player in Colts history struggled through a 3-13 season as a rookie, the kind of season that could shake almost anybody’s confidence.

Richardson, who won’t turn 21 until next month, has already been through disappointment like that, failing to produce the results most people expected at Florida, in part because of the roster and the coaching staff around him.

“You can just see, in his eyes, when you look in his eye, what kind of man he is,” Irsay said. “He’s up to the task, mature beyond his years.”

Richardson is going to have to be.

Irsay understands that. As excited as he is about Richardson’s potential, the Colts owner preached patience to the Indianapolis fan base.

“I have to imagine, if he plays the whole season, it’s going to be tough,” Irsay said. “It’s going to be more difficult than easy.”

But Irsay believes that throwing Richardson into the fire is the right thing to do.

Richardson’s lack of experience was the biggest knock on his draft stock. The only way to correct that is to give him the game experience he lacks, and the Colts are willing to go through some lumps early to help Richardson reach his ceiling.

“Him developing into an outstanding quarterback in this league is going to determine where we go, how far we go and how long we go,” Irsay said. “Everything’s going to be based around that. That’s going to be the primary reason for starting him opening day, is you get better by playing.”

As quickly as possible.

I was listening to Chris Simms unbuttoned podcast when he was ranking the QB's and then also when he was doing his mock draft predictions and he was in essence saying he has immense physical traits, but has played so little, that the only way he is actually going to improve is to make the mistakes on the job, and that he needs to be thrown into the lions den from day 1.

Coaching, training camp, film study only does so much. He is so incredibly raw, but appears to have the right mental makeup to be someone who is going to succeed in the NFL.

+700 to win rookie of the year

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukcolt (Post 265340)

I agree, provided our OL is adequate enough to keep him from being repeatedly blindsided, and pummeled! He's going to get hit, sacked, and occasionally roughed up, it's the NFL, but we can't just let him get the hell beat out of him every game! I am totally onboard with this pick, I think we have our franchise QB for years to come if we can protect him!

I’ll be surprised if he’s ready right away. Maybe later in the season, but not right out of the gate, especially if they’re gonna change his mechanics.

He’s got a lot to learn.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoopsdoc (Post 265361)

I’ll be surprised if he’s ready right away. Maybe later in the season, but not right out of the gate, especially if they’re gonna change his mechanics.

He’s got a lot to learn.

I feel the same way. It's tough enough on rookie QBs, but he's much more inexperienced than most rookies. If he's put into the fire too soon, he may start relying too much on his athleticism and not learn all the necessary nuances of the position. I'm hoping they start with Minshew and have him on the bench right next to the QB coach Cam Turner. Then after at least 4 or 5 games, get his ass in there. Unless of course Minshew is pro bowling it.

o

On the Colts' first play from scrimmage for the 2023 season, I would like to see ......

Anthony Richardson throw a pass immediately to the wide receiver lined up on the right side of the ball, have that receiver run a few steps back toward the middle of the field, then have said receiver pitch the ball back to Richardson who will be running behind the receiver and away from the middle of the field, and then have Richardson run 75 yards into the end-zone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5Z9-QCmZyw

o

In a vacuum, sticking him out there to learn is the best method, in my opinion. If you're worried about him losing confidence or whatever, I'd say he's not got the mettle you want in your QB anyway.

That said, I don't think the roster is anywhere close to as bad as a lot of fans think. If they think we can compete with Minshew at QB, I'd expect Richardson on the bench longer. I would think they'd believe winning week-to-week trumps the benefit of live game experience for Richardson.

Now if Minshew is just straight trash... put the kid in and expedite the process.

He needs to start immediately, you tailor the offense to what he can actually do. That's what i believe Steichen is very good at doing. You then slowly progress him as the season moves along and he gets more and more comfortable.

Without the live bullets i just don't see how he is going to gain any tangible experience to be able to properly develop. But you do need to make sure you are not asking him to do things out of his comfort level too soon.

I don't mind 3 interception games, if he is making the right reads, or he is trying to make a play on the run etc, so long as he is then learning from these experiences and cutting them out for the next games. From all reports, he is a very strong character and football is his life, and he is completely dedicated to it. So it all feels like he is the perfect candidate to develop quickly.

We need to lean on our running game, and using the middle of the field, whilst also trying to create space by throwing some deep throws to Pierce to stretch the field. Do that, and it creates more holes in the 10-15 yard range. Get 8 men in the box to stop the run and then try to utilise the space behind.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colts And Orioles (Post 265369)

Adding The Temptations to this post saved it!:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaosTheory (Post 265370)

In a vacuum, sticking him out there to learn is the best method, in my opinion. l If you're worried about him losing confidence or whatever, I'd say that hasn't got the mettle you want in your QB, anyway.

That said, I don't think the roster is anywhere close to as bad as a lot of fans think. If they think we can compete with Minshew at QB, I'd expect Richardson on the bench longer. I would think they'd believe winning week-to-week trumps the benefit of live game experience for Richardson.

Now, if Minshew is just straight trash ...... put the kid in, and expedite the process.

o

When Peyton Manning was a rookie in 1998, the Colts went 3-13. In a game against the Patriots, they were getting routed by a score of 29-0 in the 4th quarter. Manning asked the Colts' offensive coordinator if he could come out of the game. Bruce Arians, the Colts QB coach at the time, said l "F--k no, get back in there. We'll go no-huddle, and maybe you'll learn something. You can never ask to come out of a game, unless you're injured. You're our leader ...... act like it."

Manning proceeded to lead the Colts to a touchdown drive right after that exchange with Arians, avoiding the shutout ...... the final score was of the game was 29-6, and Manning clearly proved to be the leader that the Colts needed him to be from then on.

THE GAME: l https://www.jt-sw.com/football/boxes...1998-02-ind-ne

**********************************

When Peyton Manning Wanted to Be Pulled From a Blowout, Bruce Arians Refused

(By Mike Florio)

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...rians-refused/

o

It makes sense to put AR out there to learn quickly as long as it’s behind a line that can allow him to learn correctly and not one that speeds up his clock, makes him over rely on his feet, and / or puts him at an increased injury risk. Play calling can help with that a decent amount, but the team needs to make sure the line has its shit together before putting AR out there. Ballard needs to find a better starting RG and add some better depth / competition.

Until the OL has its shit together I’d start GM and slowly work AR on. I wouldn’t throw him out there day one because of the line. You can’t go backwards without the narrative being he sucks, so let the line prove itself first. I personally have little confidence in any of them at this point.

[QUOTE=Colts And Orioles;265375]o

When Peyton Manning was a rookie in 1998, the Colts went 3-13. In a game against the Patriots, they were getting routed by a score of 29-0 in the 4th quarter. Manning asked the Colts' offensive coordinator if he could come out of the game. Bruce Arians, the Colts QB coach at the time, said l "F--k no, get back in there. We'll go no-huddle, and maybe you'll learn something. You can never ask to come out of a game, unless you're injured. You're our leader ...... act like it."

Manning proceeded to lead the Colts to a touchdown drive right after that exchange with Arians, avoiding the shutout ...... the final score was of the game was 29-6, and Manning clearly proved to be the leader that the Colts needed him to be from then on.

THE GAME: l https://www.jt-sw.com/football/boxes...1998-02-ind-ne

**********************************

When Peyton Manning Wanted to Be Pulled From a Blowout, Bruce Arians Refused

(By Mike Florio)

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...rians-refused/

o[/QUOTE

Manning came to the pros fundamentally ready. He'd had a childhood raised by a NFL QB, started 45 games in college, and was a tireless student that studied and prepared for each and every game. Richardson has only 13 games of experience, has some mechanical flaws that need to be corrected.

There's not just one way for a QB to be handled when entering the NFL. However, if the Coach says start him in game 1, I'm cool with that. I'm a fan, not a coach.

I hope he starts week 1, he can lean on his athleticism early on

Quote:

Originally Posted by rm1369 (Post 265384)

I wouldn't overlook the replacement of Strosser with Sparano at OL coach as a big fix for the O-Line.

But until I actually see it on the field for four or so games before starting Richardson.

I want to start the new era as quickly as possible. If he falters and turns out not to be the guy, it will definitely bring out all those wishing him to fail just so they can say I told you so. I made it perfectly clear he was not my choice, but ain't no way in hell I root for him to fail. I would much rather eat a giant plate full of crow for being wrong about him than I ever would just to say I told you so. Lord knows the kid is definitely gifted and intelligent. If Steichen can get him playing to his ability, Good Lord they would unleash a beast. Why would anyone want anything less. Throw him in there and let him get baptism by fire.

I hope he starts out of the gate, but at the very least you can't have him just holding a clipboard. At least get him some Taysom Hill type plays in.

if he can learn the offense, play the fucker.

if he can't learn the offense, play the fucker and maybe draft another guy.

No question he will learn the offense. Guy is bright and gets football, Mariucci did one of his mash ups with AR and loved how he broke down plays. Steichen is going to be a very serious teacher for Richardson. He doesn't fuck around. He wanted Richardson and I gotta believe Richardson will learn. The real unknown is how he handles adversity, as he will have a shit ton of it. I do like that he manned up and talked to the press after his worst games. And he has had a ton of it in his life and seems to have done quite well. Seems like a good guy to root for, which is really nice. Looking forward, as we all are, to watch the next few years and see where he ends up. I'm hoping he becomes a billionaire, like Irsay said he could.

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Originally Posted by nate505 (Post 265461)

I hope he starts out of the gate, but at the very least you can't have him just holding a clipboard. At least get him some Taysom Hill type plays in.

See I’m totally against this.. either put him in or let him sit fuck the gadget play bullshit you learn nothing from that

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lov2fish (Post 265403)

I've eaten Crow so many times because of my football knowledge, or lack of, that its on my local McDonalds take out menu !! Tastes like chicken !!!!!!!!!

OL better protect this kid! And if they can't, I don't want to see him beat up just to get some reps! If he knows the offense, and the OL can protect him adequately, let him play, at least he will be entertaining to watch!

My .02 are there are 2 things that need to happen for Richardson to play:

- He needs to have any mechanic improvements down to where he's naturally including them in his throwing motion rather than having to think about them.

- The OL has to have it's shit together. Not necessarily back to where they're one of the best in the league, but at least middle of the pack league-wise instead of the complete shit show they were last year. There's no point in rolling Richardson out there if he's going to get the shit beat out of him while he's trying to develop.

The thing, as much as we complained about the offensive line last year, they weren't the worst, especially in the last third of the season and finished statistically speaking at least according to PFF rankings in the middle of the pack.

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Originally Posted by ukcolt (Post 265557)

Not sure what PFF uses to gauge their rankings, but the Colts OL gave up the 2nd most sacks in the league (60) and despite the improvement in the run game over the final 1/3 of the season they still finished in the bottom third of the league in both rushing yards/carry and rushing yards/game (23rd in both).

They were a shit show.

I would add that they are costing the Colts a ton in cap space. When you spend this kind of money and get a shit return you end up with a crap team. The line sucked big time, especially with what they got paid.

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Originally Posted by IndyNorm (Post 265540)

How they run the offense will be a biggest clue on the O line. If I see play action in the first preseason game, I will be optimistic.

Build on the kids mobility, not for running, but setting up play action. The Colts have 2 good running backs, make the D respect the run. Carrol did it with Russel Wilson, and this kid is a better athlete. And make it clear, running out of bounds, throwing the ball away, isnt a sin. Taking a 15 yard loss on 3rd down trying to play hero ball, is unacceptable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndyNorm (Post 265565)

I don't know exactly, either, and I don't claim that PFF is anything more than another piece of information among many... But I believe they break down plays, grade them individually, and then aggregate them for an overall score.

In that sense, it's similar to how a position coach would break down game film and give players a grade based on individual plays being scored. Apparently Sparano and these guys watched film and came away thinking they were closer than the results indicate. That doesn't make sense to a lot of us.

This is one of those things where I think we can miss the trees for the forest (when it's typically the other way around) because we don't comb through film play by play or understand assignments. We see the sack totals, the rushing yards, and the losses and conclude that these guys don't even belong in the NFL.

I'm not saying they secretly played well and nobody could see it. Just offering a possible explanation for why they haven't seemed desperate, but actually optimistic in these interviews.

I would also say that we are generally only watching the Colts games, and not the entire league. What we deem to be awful play could be equally awful somewhere else, or worse. Sacks etc, are statistics, but maybe the Colts faced blitzes way higher than most other teams, which automatically makes thinks much harder. There are many reasons. the last few games, through my eyes and many others the play was significantly better though, so there is reason for optimism.

I am not going to say PFF are accurate, or even good, just stating what they said at the end of the season.

I'm sure the new coaches have looked at the film and decided that the individual parts of our OL is better than the sum of the whole, and that with having the starting positions settled along with a full offseason and TC spent working together they'll gel and perform better in '23.

While the continuity will probably help this very much seems like past mistakes Ballard has made. Where he/his staff/coaches believe we're fine with what we have in house and/or drafted, and it ends up leaving some gaping holes in the roster. For our new QBs' sakes I hope this is not the case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by apballin (Post 265488)

See I’m totally against this.. either put him in or let him sit fuck the gadget play bullshit you learn nothing from that

You learn nothing by sitting and watching either, or at the very least you learn the same by sitting and watching 100% of the time or sitting 90% of the time and having a few plays a game.

That said, his physical traits alone make him a huge weapon in certain situations, and it seems dumb to leave a weapon on the bench on those situations when Gardner Minshew would be worse at. Like it the Colts need a critical 4th down with a half a yard to go, I'd rather him run a sneak then Minshew.