Colts QB coach details how Anthony Richardson grew despite lost season

The ongoing development of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson following a largely lost rookie season is a significant talking point hovering over the Colts this spring. 

Indianapolis quarterbacks coach Cam Turner addressed the topic this week during the latest episode of the "Official Colts Podcast."

"In the meeting room, it's — he's taking that step as far as the knowledge and the maturity of the questions he's asking now are the next-level questions," Turner explained, according to JJ Stankevitz of the club's website. "As opposed to the questions he was asking a year ago were more basic. He's definitely grown in our scheme and then identifying defenses as well."

The Colts made Richardson the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft and later named him their starter shortly after his preseason debut. However, he suffered a concussion in Week 2 and then went down with what became a season-ending injury to his throwing shoulder in his fourth start. 

In total, Richardson attempted just 84 regular-season passes before his shoulder setback. He completed 59.5% of those throws for 577 yards with three touchdowns and an interception, and he also rushed for 136 yards and four scores on 25 attempts. 

Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter and head coach Shane Steichen previously discussed how Richardson must balance protecting himself while still using his impressive athleticism during games. Turner acknowledged he was "shocked" upon seeing Richardson throw a football coming off shoulder surgery this spring. 

"There was no hesitation," Turner said. "He was out there cutting it loose. Some guys will come back and ease into it, and you're kind of having to hold Anthony back — like, you don't have any throws left today. That's it. You're not making any more. There was no hesitation and you could tell he trusted his shoulder and his strength and everything he's done up to this point."

Turner added that Richardson better "understands the base rule" of plays in his second NFL offseason and is now working on "[Speeding] up the decision-making process." Richardson processing information more quickly while facing live defenses could help him avoid the punishing blows that made him a spectator for over half last season.