How Colts are counting on Anthony Richardson’s legs to create big plays through the air
Joel A. Erickson
Indianapolis Star
INDIANAPOLIS — One of Colts coach Shane Steichen’s best traits is his ability to identify and exploit a defense’s weaknesses.
Every defensive call has flaws. No matter how much a defensive coordinator tries to disguise his intentions, he has to give up something to take away the rest of the field, and Steichen has proven he’s got a knack for seeing the vulnerabilities in the plan.
But one of the pieces of the offense the Colts expect to produce big plays is something Steichen cannot draw on a board, and it’s not something a defensive coordinator can truly anticipate.
The unpredictability of Anthony Richardson’s legs
“A lot of explosive plays can come from there,” slot receiver Josh Downs said. “I love scramble drill. It’s a free big play.”
The Colts need a lot more explosive plays in 2024.
Particularly through the air. Indianapolis produced just 45 passes of 20 yards or more in 2023, a number that ranked the Colts 24th in the NFL and set the tone for the offseason. Explosive plays are the north star for Steichen’s offense, and as good as the Indianapolis head coach might be at finding a defense’s weaknesses, too many opportunities went unrealized last season, in large part because of Gardner Minshew’s lack of arm strength and reluctance to push the ball downfield.