April 27th, 2023, is the date Anthony Richardson will never forget. It was on that date when the Indianapolis Colts used the fourth overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft to make him what most thought would be their next franchise quarterback. Now, he's battling just to remain on the team.
Richardson's first two seasons have been disastrous, as we all know. So much so that the Colts signed free agent QB Daniel Jones during the offseason and announced a battle for the starting quarterback position. A battle Richardson lost.
In the aftermath of being named the backup QB, AR5 has the opportunity to show how much of a professional he is. After being taken so early in the draft, it can be a blow to his ego to be relegated to clipboard duty. He will need to humble himself and learn by watching what Danny Dimes does, or does not, do.
Indianapolis Colts could give up on this player in the first game of the season
Coach Steichen wants Richardson to be a pro, day in and day out. This mindset comes from seeing Richardson not take his job seriously thus far in his career. GM Chris Ballard, seemingly on the hot seat himself, said he wants Richardson to "be prepared (and) continue to work on your fundamentals." These are items AR had plenty of time to develop, as he spent most of his rookie season injured.
Since he's had ample time to learn how to be a quarterback at the professional level, fans and coaches alike are wondering if he is willing to learn. He will need to be ready to go at a moment's notice should Jones go down with an injury or if he simply isn't performing himself.
There is no guarantee Richardson would be called upon in a short-yardage or goal-line situation either. Even when Joe Flacco was under center last season, he was left in the game in such situations instead of the team turning to Richardson.
Given how Riley Leonard performed in the preseason, there's now even more pressure on Richardson to mature and grow. The coaching staff will most certainly be watching what's going on out on the playing field, as well as what's going on with Richardson and Leonard. It's now or never in Indianapolis for Anthony Richardson, and week 1 could show that it's never.