Analyst doesn't believe Colts will start Anthony Richardson

At least one knowledgeable individual believes those assuming the Indianapolis Colts will immediately start rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson over veteran Gardner Minshew should pump the figurative brakes.

"I think there is this assumption in Indianapolis that we’re going to get Anthony Richardson right out of the gate," Pro Football Focus analyst Brad Spielberger recently told Michael Grant of Awful Announcing. "I don’t totally see why people think that— one year as a college starter, just turned 21. I think he’s going to be a good player. I don’t think he’s as raw as some people made him out to be. Shane Steichen didn’t just sign any backup quarterback. He brought the guy he was with in Philadelphia the last two years in Gardner Minshew." 

Spielberger pointed out that the Colts signed Minshew early in the offseason and before new head coach Shane Steichen completed final conversations that resulted in Indianapolis drafting Richardson with overall pick No. 4. As Spielberger mentioned, Richardson recorded just 13 college starts while with the Florida Gators and may still be viewed as a project for the future by Indianapolis' Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 10. 

Minshew, meanwhile, had Steichen as an offensive coordinator when both were with the Philadelphia Eagles the past two seasons. 

"(Minshew) played against (the Dallas Cowboys) on Christmas Eve and had 300 passing yards and a couple of touchdowns," Spielberger continued. "I think that’s pretty fascinating. I think we’ll see Minshew for about a month. Let (Richardson) adjust, gather his footing, and then we’ll see a transition." 

Specifically, Minshew filled in for an injured Jalen Hurts against Dallas this past December and connected on 24-of-40 passes for 355 yards with a pair of touchdowns, one score on the ground and two interceptions. Philadelphia lost that game 40-34. 

One reason Steichen may temporarily stash Richardson on the bench is that Colts owner Jim Irsay has seemingly ruined the team's relationship with star running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the upcoming campaign. If Taylor isn't around to serve as a security blanket for the rookie signal-caller because he receives a desired trade this summer, Steichen and company may decide it's best for the long-term health of the organization for Richardson to learn about life in the NFL from the sidelines for at least half of his debut pro season.