Gardner Minshew is the veteran quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, and he recently talked about rookie Anthony Richardson and their QB competition.
This offseason, the Indianapolis Colts signed veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew. With Matt Ryan and Nick Foles being released, Minshew came over from the Philadelphia Eagles with Shane Steichen as the perfect veteran for a rookie quarterback. That rookie quarterback turned out to be Anthony Richardson, who the Colts selected with the fourth-overall pick in the draft.
Coincidently, Minshew already had somewhat of a relationship with Richardson, working out with him down in Florida. In a recent conversation with the media, Minshew explained that he has been really impressed with the young quarterback, saying, “his feet are very quick, and I think he gets the ball out and can process fast.”
Gardner Minshew on Anthony Richardson: "I've been really impressed. A lot of times, the bigger guys with the big arms aren't as quick with some of the RPO stuff and the underneath (stuff). ... His feet are very quick, and I think he gets the ball out and can process fast." #Colts
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) May 17, 2023
Gardner Minshew has been impressed with Anthony Richardson
However, as impressed as Minshew has been with Richardson, he knows they’re still in somewhat of a competition. Obviously, the Colts drafted Richardson to be the future of the franchise, Minshew understands that, however, he’s bringing his best everyday and competing. He explained that all of the quarterbacks want to compete and win, but emphasized that the QB room or competition shouldn’t be toxic.
Minshew said the point of the competition should be to make everyone better, and that the QBs should be close so that a competition doesn’t separate the team.
#Colts QB Gardner Minshew said the quarterbacks all want to compete and win but also compete to make each other better. They want to be a tight-knit group because it can splinter the team otherwise.
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) May 17, 2023
Time will tell if Minshew starts any games or if Richardson will be able to secure the QB1 spot by Week 1. However it unfolds, Minshew knows Anthony Richardson needs to get on the field eventually, making the same argument that others within the Colts organization have made, that young QBs need to play to get better.
Whatever happens at QB for the Colts, it won’t be an experience that Minshew is unfamiliar with. Minshew started in this league for the Jacksonville Jaguars and went through an offseason with Trevor Lawrence before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. In Philly, Minshew backed up young quarterback Jalen Hurts. Experiencing it all, Minshew seems like he’s ready to be a great veteran for Anthony Richardson.