(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Indianapolis Colts are one of the teams that left some meat on the bone from last season.
After losing talented rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson to a shoulder injury for the season after just four games, Indy was able to get to a record of 9-8 but failed to make the playoffs after losing the final home game of the season to the Houston Texans.
Heading into 2024, this team may be even better with the return of Richardson at quarterback.
The former Florida Gator was named as one of Pro Football Focus’s top breakout candidates at the position recently for 2024.
The 22-year-old flashed plenty of talent in his four games played in 2023.
He recorded seven total touchdowns and threw just one interception.
Additionally, he showed his mobility while rushing for 136 yards across the four games that he played in.
Looking ahead to this season, two things need to happen for Richardson to regain some of that magic.
First, the former first-round pick needs to stay healthy, which means taking fewer hits.
Additionally, he needs to utilize the key weapons around him to find success.
1,000-yard wide receiver Michael Pittman and star running back Jonathan Taylor are his best playmakers from an offensive perspective.
If head coach Shane Steichen guided this Colts team to a record of 9-8 with a backup quarterback in Gardner Minshew last season, imagine what he can do with a talented player like Richardson at the helm.
Look for Richardson to be a true difference-maker if he can stay healthy.
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