Anthony Richardson’s Struggles Continue: Injuries and Passing Woes Plague Colts QB

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is facing significant challenges in his second NFL season, marked by both injuries and struggles with passing accuracy. In a recent game against the Houston Texans, Richardson was taken down by Texans linebacker Will Anderson Jr. on third down, resulting in Richardson wincing and grabbing his wrist, highlighting his ongoing injury issues.

Analyst Brad Gagnon has been critical of Richardson’s performance, describing him as “generally awful” as a passer, particularly in key situations such as the second half of one-score games and on third down. Richardson’s statistics reflect these struggles, with a 48.5% completion rate through five games, completing 49 out of 101 passes for 783 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions.

Despite his passing woes, Richardson has shown promise as a runner. He has tallied 35 rushes for 197 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry, and has scored a touchdown with his feet. This rushing ability has helped the Colts in games, such as their victory over the Miami Dolphins, where Richardson’s running performance was crucial despite his struggles through the air.

The Colts’ upcoming schedule, which includes tough opponents like the Texans, Vikings, Bills, Jets, and Lions, will be a significant test for Richardson. While he has the support of notable receivers like Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and running back Jonathan Taylor, improving his passing accuracy will be essential for the team’s success.

Fans and analysts alike are expressing concern over Richardson’s durability and decision-making skills. His injury-prone nature has drawn comparisons to other injury-plagued quarterbacks, with many questioning whether he can overcome these challenges to become a reliable franchise quarterback.