Anthony Richardson’s tenure with the Indianapolis Colts has gotten off to a turbulent start—though that wasn’t entirely unexpected. Coming out of Florida as a physically gifted but raw quarterback prospect, Richardson was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft with the understanding that he would require time to develop. That development was quickly derailed when a season-ending shoulder injury cut short his rookie year.
In his second season, the Colts appeared to waver in their commitment, benching Richardson midseason in favor of veteran Joe Flacco. However, Richardson eventually reclaimed the starting job later in the year.
This offseason, Indianapolis added more competition to the quarterback room by signing veteran Daniel Jones and drafting Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard. Still, general manager Chris Ballard emphasized that the team remains committed to patience at the quarterback position. He believes that healthy competition can accelerate growth.
“Competition brings out the best in everybody,” Ballard said on The Rich Eisen Show. “We’re so impatient nowadays. If a quarterback isn’t a superstar right away, we label them a failure, which I don’t agree with. They need time to struggle, fail, get back up, and improve. Both Anthony and Daniel have experienced highs and lows. Watching them push each other will be good for both.”
In recent NFL seasons, it’s become clear that some teams may have given up on quarterbacks too soon. While it’s tempting to expect immediate results—especially with young stars like C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels finding early success—not every quarterback follows the same trajectory. Some simply need more time or a better environment to reach their potential. Players like Geno Smith, Baker Mayfield, and Sam Darnold have revived their careers after initially being written off, showing that the right coaching and support system can make a big difference.
Anthony Richardson has yet to prove he can be a consistent, reliable starter in the NFL, but the Colts would be smart to show patience and give him a real opportunity to develop. After all, growth takes time—and the payoff can be worth the wait.
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