Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson appears to be fitting in well at training camp this year.
He steps back, assesses the defense, and confidently throws long passes. Occasionally, he runs, and when he reaches the sideline, fans of the Indianapolis Colts cheer loudly.
In Westfield, Indiana, where the camp is held, every action Richardson takes is closely watched, and his mistakes seem to be highlighted more — like an impressive interception, a pass that bounced off a receiver’s hands, or a pass rush that led to an intentional grounding penalty during a two-minute drill.
However, Richardson feels he is in a much better position to lead the Colts compared to last year.
“It’s definitely easier to manage our offense now,” Richardson said. “I’m a lot more comfortable, much more familiar with the plays that coach Shane Steichen is calling. It’s been good so far — making plays with the offense, learning more about the offense, and trying to take advantage of the defense.”
Richardson believes he could have done this last summer while adjusting to a new role, new expectations, and new teammates. Coaches, however, wanted him to take his time and he shared first-team snaps with Gardner Minshew.
Now, after a full offseason with the team, Richardson seems more in sync with his receivers.
Still, Richardson knows that his real challenge won’t come until the season starts. After an injury-plagued rookie season that limited him to just four starts, he needs to show he can stay healthy and be consistent.
Richardson’s shoulder surgery in October gave him the chance to learn by watching others.
“He had that opportunity to sit back and watch,” Steichen said. “Throughout the season, you have extra meetings with him on the side and just go through football stuff, football knowledge, and keep filling his memory bank with different looks and things we’ll use in the season.”
