In a league where protecting the quarterback is paramount, the Indianapolis Colts are taking a decidedly different approach with their dynamic young signal-caller, Anthony Richardson. Despite the inherent risks, head coach Shane Steichen and the Colts are unapologetic about utilizing Richardson’s elite rushing ability as a key component of their offensive attack.
Embracing the Unconventional
While most teams strive to keep their quarterbacks out of harm’s way, the Colts are bucking convention by frequently calling designed runs for the 6’4″, 244-pound Richardson. In a recent win over the Miami Dolphins, Richardson carried the ball a career-high 14 times, with at least seven of those being planned rushes rather than impromptu scrambles.
Richardson’s powerful running style was on full display late in the fourth quarter, when Steichen dialed up a crucial 3rd-and-4 power run. Behind stellar blocking, the second-year QB burst through the line for an 8-yard gain, emphatically moving the chains and igniting the home crowd.
“Just trying to get the energy going in the stadium,” Richardson explained after the game.
That pivotal first down helped set up a field goal that sealed the 16-10 victory, pushing the Colts’ record to 4-1 over their last five contests.
Capitalizing on a Unique Skill Set
Richardson’s rare blend of size, speed, and elusiveness is a big reason why the Colts drafted him, and they’re determined to maximize his impact, even if it means exposing him to additional hits. Against the Dolphins, Richardson’s presence as a runner clearly impacted the defense, helping Indianapolis rack up a season-high 155 rushing yards despite missing star running back Jonathan Taylor.
“I’m here because I’m me,” Richardson asserted postgame. “I think I’m one of one, honestly. Not many people can do what I do.”
Left tackle Bernhard Raimann echoed his quarterback’s sentiments, noting the energy Richardson’s physical runs bring to the entire team.
“It gets everybody fired up,” Raimann said. “He cares so much about this team, about winning football games. Anthony is going to make the most out of it, even if he has a tiny gap to squeeze through. He’s going to make it and he’s going to give it his all.”
A Calculated Gamble
Of course, the Colts are acutely aware of the gamble they’re taking. Richardson has already missed time this season with an oblique injury suffered on a scramble, and his rookie campaign was cut short by a shoulder injury sustained on a designed run. But for Steichen and the Colts, the rewards of unleashing Richardson far outweigh the risks.
In Sunday’s win, Richardson’s legs were especially vital on a day when the passing game struggled. The Dolphins dialed up frequent blitzes, pressuring Richardson on 60% of his dropbacks. But thanks to his uncanny ability to evade rushers, the young QB amazingly wasn’t sacked once despite facing a season-high 16 blitzes.
“I think it’s his strength, and his size to get out of those tough situations,” Steichen said. “You got a few of them [Sunday] to avoid some very bad plays. So, credit to him and his ability to get out of those things and avoid those situations.”
– Colts head coach Shane Steichen
Richardson’s team-high 56 rushing yards may seem modest, but his 4.0 yards per carry average and knack for moving the chains in key moments proved invaluable. His unique skill set adds a dimension that few NFL quarterbacks can provide.
The Future of the Colts Offense
Make no mistake, the Colts aren’t asking Richardson to be a full-time ball carrier. They know long-term success hinges on his continued development as a passer. Richardson completed just 10-of-24 attempts for 129 yards against Miami, which he readily admitted must improve. Steichen was quick to shoulder blame for the aerial struggles, citing his own play-calling and the Dolphins’ stingy coverage as key factors.
“There wasn’t a lot of stuff open, to be honest,” Steichen noted. “So, that’s on me.”
As Richardson progresses as a passer, the idea is that his rushing ability will become an even more dangerous complement to the Colts’ aerial assault rather than the primary focus. But until then, Indianapolis seems content to keep riding their young quarterback’s legs to victory, even if it means a few extra bumps and bruises along the way.
As Richardson himself put it: “My arm and my legs are a great part of this offense.” For the surging Colts, that’s an approach they can live with – for now.
