Dan Orlovsky: Anthony Richardson going to 'surprise people' this year, Colts will be competitive

Colts QB Anthony Richardson has remained a bit of a question mark heading into his first NFL season. The talent and potential is obviously there for the former Florida star that went fourth overall in the NFL Draft. Still, there are plenty of questions about him and his abilities at the position as he enters his rookie year.

Even so, Dan Orlovsky is not one of those doubters. In an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’, he named Indianapolis as a team that could surprise people next season. That’s because, in his opinion, he believes Richardson is going to be a surprise himself considering the Colt’s new staff and his pure athleticism as a prospect.

“I still think that Anthony Richardson is going to, very much so, surprise people this year,” Orlovsky said. “I still believe that because of the element of the coach matchup and his athleticism. It’s going to be real, man.”

Again, it’s not as though anyone is doubting what Richardson can eventually become. During his time in The Swamp, he was a highlight factory that threw for over 2,500 yards, rushed for 600 more, and finished with a total of 26 touchdowns overall. He has all the talent, paired with maturity as well, to succeed as a pro as he continues in his development.

With that said, he, like every rookie, comes with a red flag or two. For one, he lacks experience as he played a small sample size while in Gainesville, specifically as QB1. For two, accuracy came into question at times as he ended his college career with a completion percentage of 54.4% while never cracking 60% once in his three seasons. In his 12 games as a starter in 2023, he threw nine interceptions as well.

As far as Indianapolis as a whole, Orlovsky named them amongst a group with Pittsburgh and Denver that could make an interesting amount of noise in the AFC in 2023.

“I think the Colts and Steelers? I think that next tier would be a tier that could surprise some people and be more competitive than expectations (see) them,” said Orlovsky. “Colts, Steelers, Broncos.”

There’s plenty of reason for hype with Richardson and Orlovsky is someone that is buying into it. The rest now falls on his shoulders as he attempts to prove himself as the high-ceiling quarterback that many believe him to be.

Mike Tannenbaum says Richardson should ‘absolutely not’ be Colts’ starter in 2023

Colts QB Anthony Richardson is one of the highest-upside rookies in the NFL if he pans out as a prospect. Still, considering many see him more as a project at the moment rather than a player that’s ready to produce, one former NFL GM says somebody else needs to be QB1 in Indianapolis in 2023.

Mike Tannenbaum shared that opinion in an appearance on First Take. He said that the focus for the Colts should be on ensuring that Richardson is ready for the next decade. With that in mind, making another quarterback on the roster, like Gardner Minshew for example, the starter and making that apparent to the fanbase might be the best thing while he develops into the player that they’ll need him to be.

“Absolutely not,” said Tannenbaum. “What’s so important is Anthony Richardson needs to be great for the next 10 years. If the Colts are, whatever it is, 4-13? 7-10 this year? It doesn’t matter. What matters is that he’s great for a long time. So, take all the time.”

“You have Gardner Minshew. You can win games with him,” Tannenbaum said. “Just go out on the front end and say, ‘Hey we’re gonna play Anthony Richardson whenever he’s ready. There is no rushing this season.’”