The Indianapolis Colts quarterback struggled during the second week of the season. Anthony Richardson shone at times. Anthony Richardson batted a few more times. To this, I answer: so what? That’s part of the development of a young quarterback, especially one as young and inexperienced as Richardson. The Colts didn’t draft him fourth overall because he was great. They chose it for “what could have been.” This remains present in his game, as long as the team does not do something completely stupid.
Enter the Carolina Panthers.
Bryce Young struggled. There is no doubt. Young also had three hits in 19 regular season games. Young has no offensive linemen and the talent in the front room was stripped to bring him to Carolina. I love a good Adam Thielen, but his best days are behind him. The team made an incredibly bold and ill-advised move (in my opinion) by sitting Young just two games into the season. To me, it means his days in Carolina are over. When you have an erratic owner who makes hasty decisions, Young can bounce back, but his confidence is shattered. Not only that, his trade value is at an all-time low.
The Colts would do well to stay as far away from that model with Richardson as possible. I want to see the team and Richardson flourish this year. I want to see him take that next step and lead the team to the playoffs. But that might not happen, and that’s okay. It requires repetition and experience. Putting him on the bench because he has difficulties will not do. He has to tackle, shoot, throw interceptions. Must see exotic covers and vibes. He needs to be in the game when he has a farm and when he needs to fight for wins in the fourth quarter. All of this is essential if we want to see anything approaching its potential. Fans, coaches and players must be patient.