The preseason game against the Buffalo Bills provided a tantalizing glimpse of Richardson’s potential and skill set. The young quarterback demonstrated poise, precision, and athleticism that left a lasting impression on both his coaches and his teammates. His ability to read the defense, make quick decisions under pressure, and deliver accurate throws showcased his readiness to take on the role of a starter in the NFL.

Richardson’s journey to becoming the Colts’ starting QB has been a remarkable one. A product of the University of Florida, Richardson showcased his talents in college, blending a powerful arm with surprising mobility for a player of his stature. This unique combination of skills drew parallels to some of the league’s top quarterbacks and made him an intriguing prospect for the Colts.

The decision to name Richardson as the starting quarterback reflects the team’s belief in his potential to lead the offense effectively. Head coach Shane Steichen, known for his offensive prowess, sees Richardson as a dynamic player who can bring versatility and excitement to the Colts’ game plan. Richardson’s performance against a formidable opponent like the Buffalo Bills has undoubtedly bolstered the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities.

Anthony Richardson showing his best traits in 3 plays vs the Bills pic.twitter.com/CD4ym2fYun

— RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) August 14, 2023

While the decision marks a significant step in Richardson’s career, it also signifies a shift in the Colts’ offensive strategy. With his mobility and arm strength, Richardson has the potential to extend plays and create opportunities that could keep opposing defenses guessing. Fans can expect an exciting brand of football under his leadership, as the Colts seek to make a mark in the highly competitive AFC conference.

Of course, challenges lie ahead for Richardson as he transitions from preseason success to regular season responsibilities. The pressure and expectations that come with being a starting quarterback in the NFL are substantial, and Richardson will need to continue honing his skills, adapting to different defensive schemes, and building chemistry with his teammates.

As the regular season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating Richardson’s debut as the Colts’ starting quarterback. The excitement surrounding his ascension to the starting role is palpable, and the anticipation of what he can bring to the team adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming NFL season.

Anthony Richardson’s impressive performance in the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills has earned him the role of starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts in the regular season. His dynamic skill set, coupled with his ability to excel under pressure, has captured the attention and confidence of the coaching staff. With Richardson at the helm, Colts fans have reason to believe that an exciting era of football awaits them.

Accroding to various reports, Luck’s deal will be slightly higher than the one QB Cam Newton received last year as the NFL Draft’s first overall selection. It is being reported that Luck’s deal will be in the neighborhood of $24 million dollars with approximately $16 million guaranteed.

thepigskinreport.com

Per Adam Schefter:

It’s unclear precisely when the Colts informed Luck of this, but a league source said the Colts have known for weeks that Luck would be their pick. His style most closely resembles that of former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and he is the player Indianapolis wants to rebuild around, the source said.

Don’t be sad if you are Robert Griffin III. Griffin will likely be the #2 pick, unless the Redskins traded all those picks for something crazy like a WR. Justin Blackmon to DC? That’s maybe not that crazy considering its a Shanadraft pick. Either way we are a week away and will have all the answers at the 2012 draft.

If they are going to take Griffin (which they will not, Jim Irsay is bluffing) they are going to have to do it without private workout time:

A Luck private workout 2day..we want 2b as thorough n disciplined n process of #1 pick..we wanted 2do private with RG3,but his agent said no

Source: @JimIrsay on Twitter

Griffin isn’t a fool. Don’t waste time for a team that was never going to pick you in the first place. He will be a Redskin, and that’s that.

Here is what he said:

“It’s up in the air. We have to look at this thing completely open-minded. You have two outstanding athletes, two great pure passers, two guys from families that are incredible … If we get to the point where we’re going to negotiate early, get something done before the draft, you never rule that out. We’ve talked to both agents. We haven’t negotiated yet.”

We all know the Colts are still going to select Luck but you have got to love Irsay playing this like a true poker player. Never let them see your hand, even when they know what you are going to do… this keeps the window open in case a team like the Browns or Dolphins want to do something crazy like trade 10 draft picks for the #1 spot.

If you didn’t see it here is the teary press conference:

Upon news of Manning being a free agent pretty much the entire NFL has chimed on it. Darnell Dockett has already pledged his barber and parking spot to the cause down in Phoneix. Raheem Brock has pledged a crop of young WRs:

Yes Larry fitzgerald is a great player! But in seattle he wld have about 4 or 5 wr’s and 2 tight ends that he can work with!

But what about the Broncos? Adam Schefter reported this on twitter:

Broncos will inquire about former QB Peyton Manning’s availability and see if he has interest in coming to Denver.

That sound you just heard was Broncos fans erupting in joy all across the country simultaneously. After a season in which the last guy threw just over 46% of his intended passes to their mark, having Peyton Manning out as a free agent is like a gift from above.

And with that said, I am on the bandwagon.

If I am the Broncos I roll the red carpet out and get Peyton Manning’s signature on a contract before Monday morning. Is Peyton 36? Yes. Is there risk in his current condition? Yes. You have to obviously get a physical on him and make sure you are comfortable putting your money into him, but if all things are go this is a no-brainer.

Why?

I’ll end it with this.

The Broncos started the statistically worst PASSING quarterback in the last 10 years and were two games away from the Superbowl. Two games. You don’t think Peyton could have made a difference in last year’s playoff run? You don’t think it’s worth the risk to see what happens if you add Peyton Manning to the current Broncos roster?

All I have to say is this. Without Peyton Manning the Colts were the worst team in the NFL. The WORST. With Peyton Manning this happened:

Peyton Manning will never wear a Colts jersey again.

Ever.

Although the vertebrae in Manning’s neck have healed as expected, which allowed him to start throwing again back in December, the same can’t be said for the nerves in his arm, according to the sources. They say the velocity on his passes has not improved and possibly never will.

All of which, the sources say, indicates the four-time MVP will probably never play again.

Two league-affiliated doctors with experience in spinal fusion surgery told Cole that it would be too risky for Manning to play again and that it could take as long as a year for Manning to know whether a return is possible.

Credit: LA Times

The team LUCKED out and sucked the year that the most complete collegiate prospect since Peyton happened to be in the draft. They will be selecting Peyton’s replacement with the #1 overall pick and move forward. As of the minute the clock hit 0:00 on the last Colts game of the season this was Andrew Luck’s team. Let’s not dance around that fact.

The Colts would be well served to work out something with Peyton before he has to be cut from the team. No one actually thinks Jim Irsay is cutting that $28 million dollar check. Irsay and crew should simply ask Peyton to retire, have a big press conference and thank him for his legendary career. The first game next year they can then invite Peyton back, retire Peyton’s number 18, celebrate his career, and move on smoothly into the new era with Andrew Luck.

The move is a very sound and safe bet. Despite Peyton Manning probably being the best regular season QB of all time, you still have to take in account that even he cannot defeat father time. Father time is undefeated, and has already thrown a huge blow to Peyton’s career with the uncertainty surrounding the neck surgeries.

From everything that has been reported so far there is no direct indication that the Colts will deal Peyton Manning to another team or cut him. Of course it would make no sense to tip your hand if you are Jim Irsay right now. Let the other teams approach you and create the best market you can for your 35 year old quarterback and his bad neck.

Andrew Luck is the consensus best quarterback in the draft and would have been selected #1 last year over Cam Newton. Though a lot of scouts are liking Baylor’s Robert Griffin more and more, you cannot deny it. Luck should and will be the #1 pick.

If anyone asks you how the 2011 season went for the Indianapolis Colts that is all you have to tell them.  They sucked for Luck.

With Peyton Manning’s neck injured and the general unable to play, the AFC South was unexpectedly competitive this season.  The Texans won the division for the first time ever with a rookie QB, and the Titans were alive for a playoff berth with CJ barely getting 1k.  The Colts became the bottom feeder of the division and only managed to win 2 games after Dan Orlovsky started playing at quarterback for an ineffective Curtis Painter.

With all of that said…

Do you draft Andrew Luck if you are the Colts?

Of course you do.

Even if Peyton Manning has 1-2 good years left who is the future? Dan Orlovsky? That is laughable.  You take Andrew Luck with the #1 overall draft pick whether he likes it or not.  I do agree with the sentiment that isn’t a good idea to have both men on the same roster going into 2012.  The Colts probably should start fielding offers for Peyton Manning now, and trade him sooner rather than later.  It will be better on Peyton, Andrew, and the fans if it is a quick and clean break moving forward.

The Colts unlikely win over the Houston Texans has their win total now at two wins.  That is tied with the Minnesota Vikings and St. Louis Rams for worse in the league.  The Colts hold the tiebreaker among the three teams, but if they win next week and the Vikings or Rams or both lose, the Colts could see themselves sliding all the way down to the third pick.

Here are a few quick draft scenarios and how they could play out:

1. St. Louis- Andrew Luck QB Stanford
2. Indianapolis- Ryan Kalil OT USC
3. Minnesota- Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma State

1. Minnesota- Andrew Luck QB Stanford
2. St. Louis- Morris Claiborne CB LSU
3. Indianapolis- Ryan Kalil OT USC

Of course there are thousands of scenarios that could happen but if the Colts don’t have the #1 pick they may have to take another player such as Ryan Kalil or Justin Blackmon as a consolation prize.