The Indianapolis Colts have made it abundantly clear that the process with QB Anthony Richardson is built upon patience and trusting the process. According to GM, Chris Ballard the Colts drafted Richardson for “what (they) think he can really be in the future”. Colt owner Jim Irsay mentioned during an interview with Pat McAfee that “It’s going to be tough, we know that, but he has to play to get better… we have to get Anthony on the field”.

GM Chris Ballard and Head Coach Shane Steichen Draft Press Conference

The quarterback position is one of the most pressurized and scrutinized positions, and in today’s league, forgiveness is scarce and patience is short. Up until the mid-2000s, it was very normal for rookie quarterbacks drafted in the first round to sit on the sidelines in game one. Terry Bradshaw was the #1 overall pick in the 1970 NFL Draft and split time with Terry Hanratty his first season before becoming the starter his second season. Dan Marino was drafted in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, #27 overall, and would make his NFL debut in week 6. Aaron Rodgers was drafted #24 overall in the 2005 NFL Draft and would eventually become the starter in 2008.

It was also normal for rookie quarterbacks to struggle and sometimes struggle badly their first season or two. Peyton Manning still holds the record for most interceptions thrown by a rookie at 28. Terry Bradshaw had a very rough couple of seasons before getting his bearings and within those struggling years, he threw a combined 46 interceptions in 27 game appearances. Troy Aikman, drafted #1 overall in 1989 went 0-11 his first year as a starter and John Elway, selected #1 overall, completed less than 50% of his passes in his 1983 rookie season.

Richardson’s physical traits and intangible abilities are almost transcendent, so the goal would be to exploit those abilities and play to his strengths. Time will tell for Richardson, but I believe the Colts need to have all their chips in the middle of the table for him and be patient with the rookie process.

For those worried that the Richardson experiment might not work, first round QB busts typically end up being busts because of off the field problems, poor work ethic, or dysfunction in an organization. Richardson appears to have good stability with his family and has shown good worth ethic this offseason. The Colts are not a dysfunctional organization, so the trend would point in the right direction for the young QB.

The bottom line is that rookie quarterbacks are just that – rookies. It’s a new environment, often times a new system, and new teammates. Some rookies adapt very well in the NFL but others take time. If the Colts want Richardson to be the quarterback that they think he can be, then they will need to let him play, let him take his lumps, and let him make mistakes.