A priority for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson this offseason was on the short-to-intermediate throws.
Richardson and the Colts’ passing game were able to generate explosive plays through the air at a decent rate, but his overall 47% completion rate ended a lot of possessions early with the offense unable to move the sticks and sustain drives.
A key component to accomplishing that, as Richardson discussed earlier this offseason, was focusing on his footwork. Oftentimes at the quarterback position, the base is where proper mechanics and accuracy begins.
The end goal of this work is to help Richardson be more accurate and raise his completion rate. However, a big part of that equation is not only being able to put the ball where is required, but also being able to do so in a variety of ways.
“That was a huge emphasis when it came to my offseason training this year,” Richardson said on Sirius XM NFL Radio about working on his touch passes. “Everybody knows I can rip it and gun it when I get the chance.”
Richardson continued, “I just wanted to be able to take a step in my game and be able to do those touch passes when it’s there because you don’t have to run and gun every single thing. I also just think about my rookie year, playing against the Rams and I just see Stafford throwing the ball just so nice and so soft, and I’m like, man I gotta add that to my game. That just throws guys open, gets guys open, and just get them to the ball.”
Colts’ wide receiver Michael Pittman recently discussed the improvement he’s seen from Richardson in being able to put touch on his throws to layer the ball over linebackers or drop it between defensive backs.
Another priority for Richardson this offseason has been to become a master of the Colts’ offense, as he put it.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has noted the increased “sense of urgency” that Richardson has been operating with, while Pittman mentioned that Richardson’s preparation has “gotten to an even higher level.”
Shane Steichen would also tell ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently that he’s seen “great strides” from Richardson as a leader as well.
“Also, when it comes to the offense,” Richardson added, “I just feel like I’ve been putting in the work to understand the offense more. I told coach, I wanted to be able to master the offense. So whenever there’s a chance for me to coach the offense, I want to be just as good as him when it comes to teaching that. That’s just me trying to take a step and improve my game every step of the way.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2 Offseason priorities for Colts’ Anthony Richardson to prepare for QB competition
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
