Colts owner makes big statement about playing style of Anthony Richardson

Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters last week that the Indianapolis Colts are "not gonna get away from" having quarterback Anthony Richardson make plays with his legs despite the physical setbacks Richardson encountered as a rookie last season.

Steichen seems to have the blessing of Colts owner Jim Irsay regarding that particular topic.

"I really don't," Irsay responded when asked Sunday if he thinks Richardson needs to alter his playing style, per James Boyd of The Athletic. "That tackle that happened (when Richardson went down with a season-ending shoulder injury on a run play in his fourth start), it could happen at any time. It’s a physical game."

Before Richardson was lost for the campaign, he was banged up in Week 1 and then suffered a concussion the following Sunday. While Steichen and Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter previously hinted they could limit how much Richardson scrambles moving forward, Irsay indicated that won't yet be the case.

"I think he has to seize the opportunity to use his feet when he can and protect himself also," Irsay said about the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. "He knows that. … We drafted him because we know … he can be dangerous and pick up critical yards at critical times. I think his style is great, and we’re just really looking forward to him having a great year."

In total, Richardson made just 25 carries for 136 yards and four touchdowns before his injury. He also completed 50-of-84 passes (59.5 percent) for 577 yards with three scores and one interception.

Irsay added that the Colts "didn’t really have a chance" to see Richardson and star running back Jonathan Taylor play together last season. Taylor missed the first four games of the campaign before he signed a three-year, $42M contract extension that included $26.5M guaranteed.

"It’s the speed that they bring, and that’s really exciting," Irsay said about Indianapolis' offense featuring Richardson and Taylor as a one-two punch. "We know what Jonathan can do, and both of them together can be a really dangerous combination from a big-play standpoint."

For better or for worse, it sounds like the Colts are banking on Richardson attacking defenses with his arm and legs while also knowing when to get down and avoid the type of hits that can sideline any quarterback.