Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard sees a new-and-improved Anthony Richardson entering Year 2. The quarterback is more familiar with Shane Steichen's system and has become a leader.
Ballard knows, however, that it won't all be roses in 2024.
"Look, there are going to be some roller-coaster moments," Ballard said on Wednesday, . "Most quarterbacks, when they're young, they go through those moments, but you have to learn from them, grow from them, and keep moving forward. Just look around the league and it's a little bit up and down."
Particularly, quarterbacks with so few starts will experience growing pains. Richardson started just 13 games at Florida and four tilts as a rookie in Indy before being shut down due to injury.
In his brief time last season, Richardson flashed tantalizing skills, owning a big arm, dynamic rushing ability, and better-than-expected processing in Steichen's system.
The big issue for the Colts is keeping Richardson healthy. Ballard believes the QB protecting himself will come with more reps.
"The more he plays, the more he sees, the better he's going to get," Ballard said. "I do think he will do a better job protecting himself, I do think is one area you'll see him improve. But look, eventually the game starts and the instincts turn on. So we'll see."
In brief preseason appearances in 2024, Richardson again displayed ups-and-downs, firing rifles into tight windows but also missing some plays badly and throwing a pick-six against backups.
The Colts have an interesting roster heading into 2024. It's a club that could contend for the AFC South title or see the bottom fall out. Much of Indy's fate rests on how much Richardson improves -- and stays healthy -- in Year 2.
