From cautious optimism to specializing in the following quarterback class: Chronicles of a typical Colts’ offseason

This can be a rant/dialogue article, not an evaluation one. At this stage within the offseason there’s not a lot else we are able to do. I’m very completely satisfied to debate (politely or not) with anybody within the feedback and can attempt to get again to everybody.

There appears to be a vicious cycle repeating itself time and again ever since Anthony Richardson was drafted with the 4th total decide of the 2023 NFL draft. Wants enjoying time and observe reps to succeed in his full potential as he’s nonetheless uncooked -> Can’t keep on the sphere due to accidents -> When he does play he’s nonetheless uncooked and it exhibits loads, followers defend him saying he wants extra enjoying time, and again to sq. one. What can the crew do when there’s seemingly no affordable path for his or her younger quarterback to develop into that franchise cornerstone to steer the crew for the following decade?

Generally rookie quarterbacks endure from unreasonable expectations, poor supporting casts, or mediocre teaching. That has not been the case in any respect with the Indianapolis Colts and Richardson. As a small market crew the nationwide highlight and scrutiny was by no means too targeted on AR, he has a comparatively gifted supporting solid, top-of-the-line offensive traces within the NFL, and Shane Steichen is a strong head-coach. This isn’t a case the place a change of surroundings may assist him, as I doubt there’s a higher touchdown spot for a younger quarterback in at present’s NFL than Indy is true now. There’s a probability that he overcomes this new damage and is prepared for coaching camp, however along with his observe document if I needed to guess the O/U on video games began by Richardson this season I might simply shut my eyes and guess on the below. Daniel Jones and rookie Riley Leonard are intriguing choices. Now I’m not saying good or dangerous, as a result of final time I stated that I want to see Daniel Jones because the starter folks the place reacting like I claimed he was the second coming of Joe Montana suiting up for the crew. I’m saying intriguing. One may argue that DJ by no means obtained an trustworthy shot in New York, and Riley Leonard has proven flashes for Notre Dame. We are going to most likely see the 2 of them beginning at one level or one other subsequent season, as at the moment my base case state of affairs contains Anthony Richardson not suiting up for greater than ten video games, and the Colts wanting to take a look at what they’ve in Riley Leonard.

At this level within the offseason although, there isn’t a telling how the quarterback scenario will unfold for the Colts, however my intestine tells me that the long run reply for the crew is simply not on the roster proper now. With maybe the very best quarterback class in current reminiscence arising, there’s a respectable probability that the Colts are selecting one other sign caller subsequent April. This isn’t an article about that draft class, however you have got Arch Manning, Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar, Garrett Nussmeier, and Sam Leavitt as potential first spherical picks, and if this season goes south, you’ll have a brand new proprietor, and most probably a brand new GM/HC combo, when that occurs normally they need their man at quarterback, not the one from the earlier tenure. The Irsay heirs may not be as tolerant as their late father was, and maybe is not going to wish to be caught within the Jeff Fisher purgatory the Colts have been the final three seasons. Adjustments will certainly be there if this crew doesn’t make the playoffs this season.

Going again to the primary day of the offseason, as talked about, I used to be cautiously optimistic concerning the crew. Giving Richardson a full offseason to get these reps in, changing a defensive coordinator that was not working, some strong free-agent signings to assist shore up the protection, after which lastly managing to get the very best tight finish of the category in Tyler Warren, upgrading what was probably the most evident gap on the roster. Richardson was about to lastly get that wholesome offseason to completely deal with refining his sport, he was reportedly taking ir “very critically” (since when is that one thing to reward somebody for, I imply it’s your job…), and dealing with some recognizable coaches. That shoulder damage simply throws all of it away, it’s the ultimate straw, and this franchise doesn’t have the very best document with quarterbacks struggling offseason accidents. On a vacuum, this looks as if an overreaction, only a minor offseason damage, one which didn’t even require surgical procedure, however for this crew, and for this quarterback, this simply looks as if an excessive amount of.

So, it’s purgatory as soon as once more for the Colts. We are going to most likely get sufficient wins that we’ll not be selecting within the high 10, however I feel our playoff possibilities at this level are drastically slim. That is the NFL, the place every little thing is topic to alter, however issues don’t normally go surprisingly proper for this crew, when the surprising occurs, it tends to be in opposition to us.