Aside from a concussion, the Anthony Richardson era is off to good start for the Indianapolis Colts. Richardson lost his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the rookie, and the Colts as whole, exceeded expectations. Indy was competitive and Richardson was clearly ahead of schedule in his development, as his performance had the NFL world buzzing.
On Sunday, Richardson got his second career start, as Indy traveled to take on the Houston Texans in another AFC matchup. The rookie QB got Indy off to a hot start before he left the game with a concussion. Richardson started things by executing a beautiful 10-play, 75-yard opening touchdown drive. The drive was capped off with an 18-yard touchdown run from Richardson, scoring the first points of the game.
With the score, Richardson not only got the lead, but he did something that has never been done in Colts’ history. He became the first rookie quarterback in franchise history to run for a touchdown in each of his first two games. To put some icing on the cake, Richardson came back the very next drive and scored a 15-yard touchdown run, making him the first Colts player with two rushing touchdowns in an opening quarter since Edgerrin James did it back in 1999— another fourth-overall pick for Indianapolis.
Anthony Richardson makes Colts’ history with rushing touchdowns
Richardson is undoubtedly the most athletic quarterback Indianapolis has had, because he’s one of the most athletic quarterbacks the game has ever seen. He’ll do a lot of special things with his legs throughout his career in Indianapolis. The concern was always his passing, and that has looked great as well.
Richardson completed 6-of-10 passes for 56 yards before having to leave the game. He has been accurate, on time, and making great reads. As he continues to develop, he’ll keep doing special things, and there should be even more history in his future. The biggest concern for him now is staying healthy.