Colts HC makes telling comment on Anthony Richardson's playing style

Amid spring workouts, Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and head coach Shane Steichen both touched upon the importance of keeping quarterback Anthony Richardson healthy after the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft made just four starts as a rookie.

Steichen spoke with reporters during a Thursday news conference and indicated he wants Richardson to continue looking for ways to make plays with his legs this coming fall.

"People ask this, too, a lot," Steichen explained, as shared by Bobby Kownack of the league's website. "It's just like, 'Hey, are you gonna limit the run game?' And I kind of think, like, shoot, are you gonna limit Steph Curry from shooting three-pointers? Well, that's one of Anthony's strengths. So, we're not gonna get away from that. That's what he does well."

Steichen named Richardson the club's full-time starter last August and then watched as the 22-year-old got banged up in Week 1 before he suffered a concussion the following Sunday. Richardson was then lost for the remainder of the season when he went down with a shoulder injury in the fourth meaningful game of his young career.

In total, Richardson rushed for 136 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries last season. However, he also attempted only 84 passes against first-choice defenses. As much as Indianapolis ownership hopes Richardson becomes a franchise quarterback, he sounds ready to once again take certain risks to help the Colts win games.

"My legs [have] always been one of my superpowers," Richardson noted, per Kownack. "So, trying to take that away from me, I don't think that's a good thing for this offense. It's just more so me playing a little bit smarter, and learning how to take care of myself and my teammates. Knowing when to make the right play and knowing when to try to get the extra few yards. Don't take my legs away, but being more smart."

As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Richardson fourth among the betting favorites at +600 odds to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award this season. That's somewhat impressive considering he hasn't yet shown he can remain in the lineup for a full month's worth of NFL action.