Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts expressed his genuine excitement at the prospect of playing with Jonathan Taylor, saying that he is “excited” about Taylor’s return.
One of the most alluring features of Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis when he was selected to be the team’s quarterback in the draft was the combination of Richardson and sensational running back Jonathan Taylor.
The 2023 season is four games underway, and Richardson and Taylor are still not together on the pitch. Recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Taylor has been on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list since the start of the regular season. From the conclusion of the previous season, when the Colts placed Taylor on injured reserve, Taylor has not taken part in any football-related activity.
Although the two have not played together just yet, Richardson is already familiar with Taylor’s game. A simple YouTube search of Taylor’s name brings up dozens of videos of the 2021 NFL rushing champ shredding defenses. Richardson has been watching Taylor do his thing for a long time and is ready to be a part of it.
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“Oh yeah, all the time,” Richardson admitted when asked if he had watched Taylor’s highlights. “Even when he was back in college just seeing the way he played, watching him last year and the year before that. Watching his highlights and stuff – he’s a dog, he’s a great player and I’m glad I’m a quarterback with him.”
Because Taylor has not participated in any football activities, Richardson has not been able to create any on-field chemistry with his running back. There is always the question of how long will it take for Richardson and Taylor to be comfortable playing with one another. While some on the outside may be worried, Richardson thinks they will have no trouble getting on the same page.
“I don’t think it takes too long,” he remarked. “It’s pretty simple just handing the ball off, knowing where to step. It’s also learning the running back; also learning how he wants the ball given to him, how he wants the passes thrown to him. Maybe a couple days, maybe. We’ll see how everything goes.”
Richardson has gotten off to a fast start as the signal-caller for the Colts. In technically 2.33 games, Richardson has gone 41-of-72 (56.9%) for 479 passing yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Richardson also has 131 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
The thought has always been that the threat of Richardson and Taylor together would help make each player’s job easier. Defenses must account for Taylor’s home run ability, opening things up for Richardson in the passing game. The threat of Richardson through the air and on the ground will give Taylor more opportunities as well.
Richardson has already witnessed how a successful running game with Zack Moss can make things easier for the passing game. Moss sits tenth in the NFL in rushing with 280 yards. But when Taylor is humming at 100%, his ability is on another level, and difficult for any defense to stop.
“That’s with any running back – any running back that’s running the ball pretty well can open up the passing game for us,” Richardson explained. “I can use my legs as well to help and getting our running backs get going. That’ll help the offense as well. Any running back in the game with me or helping our offense move the ball – that will pretty much open up the passing game.”
Taylor’s status for this weekend is still up in the air. However, if Taylor can make his season debut on Sunday, it could not come at a better time as the Colts welcome the Tennessee Titans to Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts are currently in a four-way tie atop the AFC South standings at 2-2, and Richardson already knows how important these divisional matchups are
“Division games, that’s extremely important for us because it boosts our chances of winning the division and also getting into the playoffs,” he said. “We just focus on one game at a time and luckily this is our game right here – a division game and we’ll try to get the victory this week.”
Not only is it a divisional matchup, the Colts need to take advantage of their home field. Indy has dropped both games on the Lucas Oil Stadium turf this season. The Colts have not won at home since Week 6 of last season, October 16, 2022. Richardson wants to change that and get his first career win at home.
“Just doing your job, especially at home, you got the home advantage. We just try to focus up and make every play and just be on point. We want to win these division games when we need to. That’s our focus is to win the game.”
Having Taylor back in the fold would certainly help the Colts’ chances of getting the victory. A backfield featuring Richardson and Taylor has been fantasized about by Colts fans and football fans alike for months. With the All-Pro’s return seemingly around the corner, the rookie quarterback is just as excited to see the duo in action as the rest of us.
“I know he’s a great player and I know I can do some things pretty well,” Richardson said with a smile. “Just trying to combine those two things, I can only imagine what it’s like but we won’t see until it actually happens. We’ll see and I’m excited.”