Nonetheless, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reviews that the Colts plan to maneuver ahead with Richardson as their beginning signal-caller in 2025. The No. 4 total choose of the 2023 draft was benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco in Week 9, however Flacco didn’t play properly in Week 9 or Week 10 (each losses), and Richardson was reinserted into the starting lineup in Week 11.
One of many causes for Richardson’s demotion was his lack of ample pre-game preparation, however the membership is happy with how the younger passer responded to the benching and the enhancements he has made to his preparation and a focus to element. Since his return, the Colts have posted a 3-2 document, and the Florida product has proven flashes throughout that stretch.
His accuracy continues to be trigger for concern, as he has related on simply 47.7% of his cross makes an attempt this season and has thrown eight TDs towards 12 interceptions. He has not proven a marked enchancment in that regard since he regained his beginning job, as he has tossed 4 TDs towards 5 interceptions and has accomplished 51.1% of his passes within the final 5 video games.
Richardson’s well being points are additionally troubling. He performed in simply 4 video games in his rookie marketing campaign on account of a sprained AC joint, and even earlier than his benching this yr, he missed two video games on account of an indirect damage. He will miss right this moment’s crucial matchup with the Giants because of foot and again points.
That mentioned, the present illnesses should not thought of long-term ones, per Rapoport, and since Richardson is not going to must spend the upcoming offseason specializing in rehab as he did final offseason, the hope is that he’ll be capable of additional develop his fundamentals. Plus, regardless of his accuracy woes, the big-armed passer continues to be able to making performs by the air and on the bottom (he leads the league with 14.4 yards gained per cross completion and has rushed for practically 500 yards and 6 scores whereas sustaining a 5.8 yards-per-carry common).
Rapoport means that head coach Shane Steichen and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter can be retained for 2025, noting that the 2 coaches and Richardson hope to search out sustained success collectively subsequent season. He doesn’t, although, point out Ballard in his report, so it’s theoretically nonetheless potential that proprietor Jim Irsay elects to maneuver on from his high government. In such a situation, the brand new rent might really feel in a different way about Richardson’s upside and will search to go in a special course underneath middle.
