The Indianapolis Colts play their first game of the 2023 season on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills. Since it’s just the preseason, it won’t be an official game, but it will look like one. With that being said, there will be a ton of storylines to watch for, so let’s jump right into those storylines.
1. Anthony Richardson's NFL Debut
Everyone across the nation understands that this game and preseason will (and should) be centered around Anthony Richardson's professional debut. Believe it or not, I would rather see Richardson execute the little things flawlessly and have no big plays early on than to have it the other way around.
We all want to see his masterful pocket presence turn into an off-platform 65-yard bomb to Alec Pierce, but fans and pundits of all kinds should temper their expectations. Is there always the possibility that a never-before-seen play execution happens with Richardson on the field? Of course there is, but what's more important is that Richardson gets his feet wet in the ever humbling NFL.
From his overall poise to his command of the huddle, I just want to see Richardson prove that he belongs. He's been hungry to do so even long before his draft selection, so the focus should be of his mechanics and overall feel of the game. After all, earning that starting role is Richardson's focus and playing reckless in lieu of highlights will bring more worry than promise.