The Indianapolis Colts know there will be growing pains as quarterback Anthony Richardson develops his game, but one former NFL quarterback is out.
During Richardson's erratic outing in the preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night, former quarterback Kurt Benkert has already made up his mind about the young quarterback.
It took all of five drives from a preseason game for Benkert, a quarterback with -1 passing yards in his only career NFL game with the Green Bay Packers, to determine his thoughts on Richardson.
"I’ve seen enough, I’m out on Anthony Richardson," Benkert posted on X during the game.
He even attempted to clarify what he meant but more or less doubled down on his evaluation.
"And by out, I mean 6th qb in fantasy this year, no chance. Able to lead the colts to anything worth while this year, no chance."
By nature, Richardson's game is going to be erratic. The 22-year-old quarterback needs reps after making only 17 combined starts in college and the NFL .
Richardson is a physical freak who even flashed the type of upside he brings on the first drive of Thursday's game when he went 7-of-8 for 65 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive.
The young quarterback should not be absolved of his mistakes, of course. His inconsistent base often leads to sailed throws, especially when his feet get too narrow. There was also the miscommunication with Kylen Granson that led to a pick-six.
It's going to be a season full of growing pains for Richardson. That's clear to anyone with eyes.
What's also clear is the untapped potential Richardson brings to the Colts as they compete in a league that is more quarterback-centric than it ever has been.
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