Head coach Shane Steichen informed reporters final week that the Indianapolis Colts are “not gonna get away from” having quarterback Anthony Richardson make performs along with his legs regardless of the bodily setbacks Richardson encountered as a rookie final season.
Steichen appears to have the blessing of Colts proprietor Jim Irsay relating to that specific matter.
“I actually do not,” Irsay responded when requested Sunday if he thinks Richardson wants to change his enjoying fashion, per James Boyd of The Athletic. “That sort out that occurred (when Richardson went down with a season-ending shoulder damage on a run play in his fourth begin), it might occur at any time. It’s a bodily recreation.”
Earlier than Richardson was misplaced for the marketing campaign, he was banged up in Week 1 after which suffered a concussion the next Sunday. Whereas Steichen and Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter beforehand hinted they may restrict how a lot Richardson scrambles transferring ahead, Irsay indicated that will not but be the case.
“I feel he has to grab the chance to make use of his ft when he can and shield himself additionally,” Irsay mentioned in regards to the fourth general choose of the 2023 NFL Draft. “He is aware of that. … We drafted him as a result of we all know … he may be harmful and choose up crucial yards at crucial occasions. I feel his fashion is nice, and we’re simply actually trying ahead to him having a fantastic 12 months.”
In complete, Richardson made simply 25 carries for 136 yards and 4 touchdowns earlier than his damage. He additionally accomplished 50-of-84 passes (59.5 %) for 577 yards with three scores and one interception.
Irsay added that the Colts “didn’t actually have an opportunity” to see Richardson and star operating again Jonathan Taylor play collectively final season. Taylor missed the primary 4 video games of the marketing campaign earlier than he signed a three-year, $42M contract extension that included $26.5M assured.
“It’s the pace that they convey, and that’s actually thrilling,” Irsay mentioned about Indianapolis’ offense that includes Richardson and Taylor as a one-two punch. “We all know what Jonathan can do, and each of them collectively could be a actually harmful mixture from a big-play standpoint.”
For higher or for worse, it sounds just like the Colts are banking on Richardson attacking defenses along with his arm and legs whereas additionally realizing when to get down and keep away from the kind of hits that may sideline any quarterback.
