Colts might have to face an uncomfortable truth with Anthony Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts spent the fourth overall pick on Anthony Richardson in the 2023 NFL Draft. What followed was four starts of excitement before the rookie quarterback injured his shoulder and had to miss the rest of the season.

As we enter the 2024 season, not everyone is sold on Richardson. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report wrote about the biggest question that every team should have this year and for the Colts, it was "Will Anthony Richardson have growing pains?"

"Despite being viewed as a project coming out of Florida, Richardson earned the Week 1 starting job in Indianapolis last season. However, injuries limited him to four games in 2023, which isn't ideal for a young quarterback who needs experience."

- Matt Holder

Should Colts fans worry about growing pains with Anthony Richardson?

As Holder mentioned in his blurb, Richardson was viewed as a project pick but earned the starting gig over Gardner Minshew. During his four starts, the Florida signal-caller tossed for 577 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception while rushing for 136 yards and four scores with his legs. He's definitely thought of more as a running quarterback and that style can work in the NFL now (as evidenced by Lamar Jackson, who has two MVPs to his name).

Richardson didn't get to take his lumps during his rookie year and now he's behind the development schedule, which is a bit worrisome. Hopefully, the surrounding talent and the coaching staff will be good enough to guide him through his sophomore season and this Colts team can make the playoffs and not have to worry about any growing pains from their first-round investment.