NFL.com projects Anthony Richardson's rookie season stats
You never really know what you’re going to get with a rookie quarterback. But NFL.com is doing its best to project what Colts starter Anthony Richardson will accomplish in 2023.
NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter provided some thoughts on what to expect out of the former Florida quarterback in his first NFL season. It may be a bit of a rocky road for Richardson in his first year.
Reuter first provided a “best-case scenario” for Richardson’s first season with the Colts.
“Head coach Shane Steichen helps Richardson begin the path to stardom, as he did with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia,” he said. “Running back Jonathan Taylor ends up staying in Indianapolis instead of being traded, and the Colts’ receiver group becomes better than advertised.”
On the flip side, he also projected what a “worst-case scenario” might look like in Indianapolis.
“Richardson struggles behind an offensive line that fails to rebound from a poor 2022 campaign, and receivers Alec Pierce and Isaiah McKenzie do not step up,” Reuter wrote. “Taylor is traded and the team’s running back committee does not rise to the challenge.”
So, there’s really quite a mixed bag for the Colts in 2023. When it comes to expectations, Reuter projects Richardson’s numbers to be 3,100 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also expects the rookie to rush for 650 yards and eight scores.
Early in training camp, Steichen announced Richardson as the starter. So, right from the jump, this will be his franchise to lead.
Indianapolis begins the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Will Jonathan Taylor be with Colts for 2023 season?
One of the biggest offseason stories in the NFL has been the contract disputes between Jonathan Taylor and the Colts. Weeks after requesting a trade out, Indianapolis granted the running back the opportunity to seek a trade.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the news earlier in the week.
Taylor has been seeking a better contract deal with the Colts, sitting out of training camp until an agreement was reached. Obviously, neither side budged. Now, the running back hopes to find a new home — or at least that’s the threat.
Taylor had an exceptional year in 2021, leading the NFL with 1,811 rushing yards. He’s exceeded the 1,000-yard mark twice in his career and has emerged as a tremendous weapon out of the backfield for the Colts over the last three years.
Will he still occupy that spot in Indianapolis this year? Or will Taylor find a new home by the time the season kicks off?