Colts WR weighs in on Richardson, Minshew QB competition

Indianapolis Colts receiver Alec Pierce is looking to build off a productive rookie season, and he'll be doing so with a new starting QB within a new offensive scheme. 

Former Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is now the Colts head coach, and Indy hopes to have more success in the passing game than they did in 2022, ranking No. 20. 

"We definitely want to be able to stretch the field vertically," Pierce said, per Colts.com. "Create explosives on offense, especially in the passing game."

Pierce believes his strengths as a receiver cater to creating explosion downfield, he hopes to "be that guy in the offense". 

The biggest question for the Colts on offense right now is whether 2023 No. 3 overall pick Anthony Richardson will be QB1 or if it'll be Gardner Minshew, who played in Steichen's offense in Philadelphia last season.  

Pierce called Richardson a "super-incredible athlete" and noticed "the ball just flies off his hand". While Pierce is excited to see Richardson develop and what he can do, he believes Minshew's been a valuable addition to the Colts as well. 

"It's been great having Gardner here. Being in the offense for the last year, he really understands what's going on," Pierce said. "He's been a great leader for the offense and a guy that's really rallied the team. I'm excited to play with him too."

Richardson and Minshew have been splitting first-team reps in mini-camp, with Steichen saying he's pleased with both quarterbacks right now. However, Colts owner Jim Irsay recently said that Richardson "will start this season". 

“His development is so key to the franchise’s future," Irsay told The Athletic. "He gets better by playing."

At the very least the Colts righted some wrongs in their roster construction at QB from last season. Matt Ryan was lackluster and is gone, Nick Foles was even worse in two starts and he's out the door, Sam Ehlinger started three games and now he'll be QB3. The Colts, on paper, have more hope at the QB position right now than they've had in a long time. While Richardson or Minshew might not perform at an Andrew Luck level, they both might scratch and claw to earn Indy some wins this fall.