After the Indianapolis Colts selected former Florida Gators star quarterback Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, team owner Jim Irsay made it very clear from the start that the team planned to play Richardson early and often and have him learn and develop on the field. And it seems that’s going to start on Week One.
On Tuesday morning, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shan Steichen officially named Anthony Richardson the team’s starting quarterback to begin the regular season.
“After evaluating training camp and film and all that, I made a decision – Anthony [Richardson] will be the starting quarterback for us. [I] like the progress he’s made. Excited about his future and his playmaking ability he brings to this football team.”
#Colts head coach Shane Steichen has officially named Anthony Richardson the starting quarterback. pic.twitter.com/pno7bu8aPh
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) August 15, 2023
It’s a big announcement, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it on social media.
The right decision… and probably the decision all along. https://t.co/fupQM4VMtx
— Derek Schultz (@Schultz975) August 15, 2023
the wheels: they are all the way up. https://t.co/It1BEwkYAs
— Denny Carter (@CDCarter13) August 15, 2023
I mean… did we really think this was going to go any other way? https://t.co/LPT0Z8cSPM
— Joe Pepe (@jpep20) August 15, 2023
Payoff for those of us who took Richardson early in fantasy drafts expecting him to start.
His QBASE was terrible because of a lack of experience but the upside is SO great. https://t.co/YxS8bMUHYc
— Aaron Schatz 🏈 (@ASchatzNFL) August 15, 2023
This is important to do right now. He needs all the reps. A QB competition takes too many away. https://t.co/6uj9ZmcZIC
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) August 15, 2023
I’m kinda surprised but absolutely supportive of this decision
AR looks comfortable playing at NFL speed with his decision making and pocket movement, might as well get him as many in-game reps as possible to develop the accuracy https://t.co/1CQXCiyKmP
— Nico (@elitetakes_) August 15, 2023
Richardson had been splitting first-team reps with veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew, but it’s now clear that Minshew will have a backup role with the Colts. But Steichen made it clear that he thinks that will be a positive
“We’re super excited to have Gardner Minshew. Ultimate teammate, ultimate pro, does everything right – grinds and grinds and grinds,” Steichen said of Minshew. “He’s gonna be great for Anthony. He’s been great for him all season – through training camp and all those different things.”
