Colts’ Shane Steichen explains decision to name Anthony Richardson starting QB

The Indianapolis Colts made the decision Tuesday to name rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson their starter ahead of the 2023 season.

First-year head coach Shane Steichen came to the determination that Richardson, the team’s No. 4 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, was ready following a training camp battle with Gardner Minshew and his performance in the preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills this past Saturday.

“Anthony’s just been progressing,” Steichen said, via Stephen Holder of ESPN. “The growth he’s shown. Then, obviously, going into Buffalo, playing against a lot of their starters, he showed great signs of improvement. I like the things he did, and it’s an opportunity now for him to get a lot more with the [starters] moving forward, and we go from there.”

In one quarter of preseason action in the 23-19 defeat to the Bills, Richardson completed 7-of-12 passes for 67 yards and an interception. Though that was enough for Steichen to name him the starter for Week 1 of the regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 10, Richardson said he was “shocked” to be given the QB1 status this early.

“Honestly, I was shocked,” Richardson said. “I’ve been grinding. [Been] putting in the work to try to get the title, but it’s not really all about the title. I’m just trying to make sure I’m ready for the team. Despite being labeled as QB1 I’ve still got other guys in that room helping me to get to that standard. I’m forever thankful for them.”

Anthony Richardson earns QB1 title despite limited experience

With just 13 starts under his belt at Florida, Richardson will inevitably go through some growing pains in 2023. With his physical tools, however, Richardson is sure to wow Indianapolis his fair share, and flash the upside which made him a top pick.

Just 21 years old, Richardson admitted Tuesday’s announcement was a lot to process for him.

“Just hearing the words,” Richardson said. “You work for it, [but] you didn’t know when the timeline was going to be,” he said. “I was just looking forward to Week 1… Just being ready for the opportunity and getting thrown in the fire hopefully. But then he told me, and I’m like, ‘Wow, it really happened.’ So, I’m thankful. I’m blessed, and now, you’ve got to keep building on this opportunity.”