Yes, he is back against the Titans, but what about going forward?
Anthony Richardson was worth the risk when he was selected fourth overall for the Indianapolis Colts. His upside and potential, although it might take some time to fully see, was too much to pass up. I have no issue with what I am seeing on the field from Richardson. He is going to have lots of downs early on as he finds his way. I can live with that. What has me concerned is how often he is off the field.
I am having trust issues.
The question surrounding the young quarterback is whether he has injury issues. The start of his career could be chalked up to freak moments. A banged up ankle late in the Jaguars game to start the season. That was followed by a concussion against the Texans. Then the big one came against the Titans and cost him the rest of the year.
Maybe he needs to avoid all divisional games….
Three different injuries but injuries all the same that cost him time and development. Time and development that he desperately needs to reach his potential. Fast forward to a new year and Richardson once again found himself on the bench. Unable to make it through the first quarter against the Steelers, Richardson watched Joe Flacco play the next three quarters and the entire Jaguars game.
The time off the field is starting to add up at an alarming rate. At this rate, it might take Richarson three seasons to log a complete 17 games. That isn’t good in the short or long term. You can’t take away his ability to run. That is what makes him special. The coaches and Richardson need to learn to harness it and be safe. Get down instead of fighting for an extra yard. Slide feet first instead of diving with his head. Go out of bounds instead of taking a shot from a linebacker.
I haven’t given up on Anthony Richardson. He has the tools, and I believe he was the right pick. I simply want to see him out there. Being on the sidelines doesn’t help. Being injured doesn’t help. I’m not sure what the answer is. That’s not my job to figure out, but whoever’s job it is better figure it out quickly, before it’s too late. I don’t want to watch his career go by the wayside because he can’t stay healthy.
