Doug Pederson highlights challenges of preparing for Anthony Richardson, compares him to Cam Newton

Doug Pederson recognizes the Jacksonville Jaguars will have their hands full with Anthony Richardson come Week 1.

The Indianapolis Colts are starting their rookie quarterback as soon as they can, and Pederson is readying to attempt to slow down the athletic specimen. Speaking with the media on Wednesday ahead of their AFC South divisional matchup, Pederson compared Richardson to former NFL MVP Cam Newton, and theorized how Jacksonville will stop him.

“I mean, it’s tough. You think of him, you think of Cam Newton — these are big, physical, strong quarterbacks that can also throw the football. And they’re athletic.” Pederson said Wednesday, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. “It is a challenge. So each quarterback who can — when you watch the tape, he can break arm tackles. And then he can run for 15, 20, 30, 40 yards and beat you with his legs.

“So, we’ve got to stay disciplined, obviously, defensively. We’ve got to be a good tackle football team against guys like this.” 

Alas, Pederson is doing everything he can to try and slow Richardson down, including watching tape from the former Florida Gators quarterback’s college days, and other quarterbacks that the Colts’ coaching staff has dealt with.

“You definitely go back and watch [college tape], just to see who he is and how [Richardson] operates,” Pederson added. “And then you go back and watch his preseason tape. And then you go back and watch some of the Philly stuff — what they did with Jalen [Hurts].

“Maybe you even go back and watch a little bit of Daniel Jones a little bit because some of their coaches have worked with him. And just see how these different QB runs can affect the game.”

Last season, the Jaguars ascended to the top team in the AFC South, and even won a playoff game in Pederson’s first season on the job. However, they’ll have a massive target on their back in 2023, and Richardson is hoping to make an impact in his first NFL game against Jacksonville.

Will that translate to Week 1 success for the first round quarterback? It remains to be seen, especially if Indianapolis decides to keep the training wheels on for Richardson. His immense ability has many advising against that, but it’s up to the coaching staff.

We’ll see if Doug Pederson or Anthony Richardson emerges victorious during what will likely be the first of many showdowns between them, but it should be an exciting game nevertheless in Indianapolis for Week 1.