Amid spring exercises, Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and head coach Shane Steichen each touched upon the significance of maintaining quarterback Anthony Richardson wholesome after the fourth general choose of the 2023 NFL Draft made simply 4 begins as a rookie.
Steichen spoke with reporters throughout a Thursday information convention and indicated he desires Richardson to proceed on the lookout for methods to make performs along with his legs this coming fall.
“Individuals ask this, too, quite a bit,” Steichen defined, as shared by Bobby Kownack of the league’s web site. “It is similar to, ‘Hey, are you gonna restrict the run recreation?’ And I type of suppose, like, shoot, are you gonna restrict Steph Curry from taking pictures three-pointers? Effectively, that is one in all Anthony’s strengths. So, we’re not gonna get away from that. That is what he does properly.”
Steichen named Richardson the membership’s full-time starter final August after which watched because the 22-year-old got banged up in Week 1 earlier than he suffered a concussion the next Sunday. Richardson was then misplaced for the rest of the season when he went down with a shoulder harm within the fourth significant recreation of his younger profession.
In whole, Richardson rushed for 136 yards and 4 touchdowns on 25 carries final season. Nonetheless, he additionally tried solely 84 passes in opposition to first-choice defenses. As a lot as Indianapolis possession hopes Richardson turns into a franchise quarterback, he sounds able to as soon as once more take sure dangers to assist the Colts win video games.
“My legs [have] all the time been one in all my superpowers,” Richardson famous, per Kownack. “So, attempting to take that away from me, I do not suppose that is a superb factor for this offense. It is simply extra so me taking part in somewhat bit smarter, and studying the best way to handle myself and my teammates. Figuring out when to make the suitable play and figuring out when to attempt to get the additional few yards. Do not take my legs away, however being extra good.”
As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Richardson fourth among the many betting favorites at +600 odds to win the Comeback Participant of the Yr Award this season. That is considerably spectacular contemplating he hasn’t but proven he can stay within the lineup for a full month’s price of NFL motion.