The Anthony Richardson era is about to begin, and I think we’re all excited to see how it goes. The Indianapolis Colts will host Jacksonville on Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium, and all eyes will be on #5.For a franchise known for QB’s like Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, it’s been quite the QB Carousel since they’ve left. Seven years and seven opening day QB’s later, the No. 4 pick in this year’s NFL Draft will take center stage, hoping to put an end to the revolving QB door for the shoe.I’m interested to see how the fans react to whatever this season brings. Most NFL experts think it will be an understandably rough season for the Colts. They’ve got a rookie QB, a disgruntled running back who will be out somewhere between four weeks and forever, and a very young overall team with plenty of question marks. It’s been a rough stretch of years for the fan base, so asking them to be patient with this progress is no easy task. It’s still possible this team shocks the world and competes this year. But more than likely, there will be growing pains this season, and the fan base will have to understand it takes time to build.If it’s a bad season, but Anthony Richardson shows flashes of greatness? That’s a win. Remember Peyton Manning had a 3-13 record his first season, which allowed the Colts to get the 2nd pick in the next draft. Things took off in year two for Manning. Richardson himself is quite possibly the best athlete the QB position has ever seen in the draft, but he only had 13 starts in college and at times struggles to make simple throws and/or reads. I’m sure he’ll get his fair share of criticism this year. He’ll make lots of mistakes and there’s no guarantee he ever pans out in this league. But he definitely has the talent, the character, and the work ethic to be special.. even if it takes a little time. He recently spoke to my nephew’s youth football team in Westfield, and he’s an impressive young man. Pair him with the new QB-minded coach Shane Steichen, and there could be a winning formula in the making.No matter what happens in terms of wins and losses this season, it’s going to be a lot more exciting to watch. The days of watching an older QB limp around the field are gone. And at any given time, Anthony Richardson can break off a huge play that brings the crowd to their feet. Even if this team wins four games this season, there is at least some direction for the future. The Pacers finally chose a direction a few years ago, and are about to see the pay-off for that. It’s time for the Colts to follow their lead.We’ve got a new collection of Colts shirts that are now for sale, as a partnership with the Obvious Shirts brand. Head to my Twitter page to check them out! Anthony Richardson.. the stage is yours.
Tyler Smith covers the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Hoosiers for IndySportsLegends and is a frequent contributor to the Journal Review. He is also the sports director at New Hope Christian Church
