Anthony Richardson's struggles are reminiscent of another Indianapolis Colts great

Let's face it: Anthony Richardson has struggled so far this season. In the Indianapolis Colts victory over the Chicago Bears, Richardson went 10-of-20 for 167 yards, and threw two interceptions. He made a lot of bad decisions, combined with a few moments of brilliance. This overall inconsistency is what Colts fans have come to expect over the past three games, and it's led some to already begin writing obituaries on Richardson's career.

And why not? Richardson was supposed to be brilliant. He was supposed to be the best athlete in the NFL, a gifted QB with a cannon for an arm and the ability to run to boot. Instead, he's thrown six interceptions so far, has a sad completion percentage of just 50%, and a QBR that is average at best. Where is the explosive offense Colts fans were expecting?

But Richardson's detractors need to stop, take quite a few deep breaths, and remember that this is essentially Richardson's rookie season. He has had just seven starts total, and he's the youngest quarterback in the NFL right now. Yes, Richardson is technically in his second season, but he spent virtually all of 2023 injured. No quarterback ever came straight out of the gate with brilliant rookie seasons. There are always going to be growing pains.

Just look at Peyton Manning.

Manning struggled as a rookie, too

Peyton Manning started with the Indianapolis Colts in less-than-stellar fashion. He holds the record for most interceptions in a rookie season, and the Colts finished with an abysmal 3-13 record. It takes time to grow into a leader, and to learn how to make the incredible plays everyone is eager for Richardson to be making right now. As Manning said himself, pulling a rookie QB because they struggled in their rookie season is a huge mistake.

"The problem is, when they struggle early with picks, that they take 'em out," he said. "Leave 'em in there! Let 'em learn."

Other quarterbacks, like Josh Allen, took time to develop into the star players they are today. Drew Brees played so badly his first few years that many said he was a bust... and, of course, he's now considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Eli Manning likewise had a dismal rookie season, and while he's no Peyton, he's also no slouch - after all, he's a two-time Super Bowl MVP. Steve Young, Brett Favre, Terry Bradshaw, John Elway, Troy Aikman... they all had bad rookie seasons, and are now revered as legendary quarterbacks in football history.

Anthony Richardson has a lot of growing to do - but all the signs of future greatness are there. Not only is he a great athlete with immense talent, he has shown that he has the humility to learn from those around him. Richardson has been shown to lean on Joe Flacco, consulting with him on a regular basis and learning from his expertise. His teammates have spoken about how hard Richardson is on himself, how he pushes to improve constantly and beats himself up after every mistake.

Richardson wants to be great now. Colts fans are expecting that, too, and they want to see a spectacular reason right now - even if that means pulling Richardson out and replacing him with Flacco. That might give the Colts a winning season in 2024, but it could hobble their long-term chances with a QB who could be a once-in-a-generation talent. For the moment, with Richardson, it's time to be patient and let him grow and learn. He'll keep making mistakes... but it'll be worth it in the long run.