INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson tries to ignore the glaring numbers everyone else is talking about. He has the lowest completion percentage and second-lowest passer rating of any NFL starter after three games, and he leads the league with six interceptions. No, this is not how the former Florida star envisioned starting his second pro season, but the unflappable 22-year-old has managed to keep his head down, his mind focused on improving and putting this rough patch in perspective.
“It's just trusting myself, trusting my instincts. You know I've been throwing the football for a long time,” Richardson said Wednesday. “Why not just keep spinning it? Just let it rip.
” Richardson's ability to throw — and run — is what made him such an intriguing prospect that Indy (1-2) took him with No. 4 overall pick in 2023, hoping to stop what seemed an unending quarterback carrousel. At times, Richardson has shown glimpses of his star power.
He completed three passes of 50 or more yards, two for touchdowns, in a season-opening loss to Houston including a perfect 60-yard dart to Alec Pierce just outside the goal line despite slipping on the throw. Coach Shane Steichen called it, perhaps, the best throw he'd ever seen. At other times, though, Richardson has shown two flaws critics questioned when he came out of college — inaccuracy and inexperience.
He's missed open receivers in key situations or worse , often resulting in short, empty seri.