Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Why Colts rookie QB needs more time before becoming the next Josh Allen

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 8/14/23

Will Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson follow the same path as Bills quarterback Josh Allen?

"The dude looked good. It looked real good. It was eye-popping," NBC Sports analyst and former NFL QB Chris Simms said of Richardson's preseason debut Monday on "PFT Live." "It's Josh-Allen looking a little there with some of those throws."

The comparison to the two-time Pro Bowler makes some sense. Richardson (6-foot-4, 244 pounds) and Allen (6-foot-5, 237 pounds) share similar frames and rocket arms.

Yet Allen, 27, was more pro-ready at this point in his career. Even though he was raw, he started 27 games in three seasons with Wyoming. Richardson—the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft—only started 13 games in three seasons at Florida.

The 21-year-old's inexperience showed during his first start against Buffalo on Saturday when he threw an interception to cornerback Dane Jackson during the opening drive. Also, Gardner Minshew, who's battling for the starting job, looked more accurate. Minshew completed 6-of-6 passes for 72 yards, while the rookie completed 7-of-12 passes for 67 yards.

Buffalo with the early INT!

: Stream #INDvsBUF on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXevVUR pic.twitter.com/8bS0A8RKBw
— NFL (@NFL) August 12, 2023

After the 23-19 loss, Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen took the blame for the pick, saying "That starts with coaching." However, he didn't quiet skeptics.

"This is what happens when a great prospect begins to play," NBC Sports' Peter King wrote. "If there's a mistake by the great hope guy, coaches/teammates fly in and say no, no, no it was my fault. I've never understood that."

If Richardson's inconsistency persists throughout the preseason, the Colts should name the fifth-year QB as the Week 1 starter since he played under Steichen for two seasons while he served as the Eagles offensive coordinator from 2021 to 2022.

Richardson holds elite potential but needs time to develop, let alone reach Allen's caliber.

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