2023 NFL Power Rankings: Indianapolis Colts

Best debut performance: QB Anthony Richardson
Week 1 stats: 24-of-37 passing for 223 yards, TD, INT

The No. 4 overall pick had an impressive debut in a losing effort, mostly avoiding huge mistakes and making several plays with his legs that lifted his team. He was accurate, completing 65% of his attempts against Jacksonville. The challenge moving forward will be making the progression to more explosive plays and throwing with a little more anticipation. The Colts aren't consistently winning matchups down the field, so they're going to need to produce some runs after the catch. That will require timely throws from Richardson. -- Stephen Holder

Anthony Richardson's first NFL start was an interesting Rorschach test, simultaneously providing encouragement and a reminder of how far he and the Colts still must come. Elements of the Jalen Hurts playbook that made Shane Steichen a hot coaching candidate were on display, notably with Richardson's TD draw play. But part of what was missing was the downfield passing. Most of Richardson's throws were quick, and 136 of his 223 passing yards came after the catch. He also dealt with a knee injury (suffered in the first quarter) and ankle injury on Sunday, coming out of the game in the final minute. Richardson's running ability was as advertised, and there were impressive throws scattered throughout, but you can tell this offense is in its developmental infancy.

Anthony Richardson flashed at times in his first start, but there was too much inconsistency and he held the ball too long. He also got banged up late.

Despite the presence of rookie QB Anthony Richardson, the youngest player (21 years, 111 days) in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) to pass for a TD and run for one in the same game, Indianapolis hasn't won its opener in 10 years.

Anthony Richardson might be OK. All three rookie quarterbacks who started Sunday lost, but Richardson looked the best. He completed 24 of 37 passes for 223 yards and led the Colts in rushing with 40 yards on 10 carries, and he had a nice connection with Michael Pittman Jr., who had eight catches for 97 yards.

It seems awfully encouraging that Anthony Richardson could make such a poised debut after making a mere 13 starts in college. I still don't think the Colts have a good enough supporting cast on offense, especially without Jonathan Taylor. Richardson vs. Stroud next weekend will be a fun test for both young guys.

Anthony Richardson's passing chart was startling. He threw almost exclusively to the right side of the field.

Anthony Richardson's passing chart from his first game. It's very heavy on the right side of the field and nothing over 20 yards.

His interception came on one of his limited throws to the left side of the field. pic.twitter.com/BhlKyIFTmi

— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) September 11, 2023

Teams will often try to make half-field reads for young quarterbacks, especially in run-pass option heavy attacks, but at some point soon defenses are going to force Richardson to show he can use the other half of the field.

Anthony Richardson gave us a glimpse of what he could become.

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