Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is currently sidelined with a right shoulder injury. Yes, that’s bad news, but it’s not necessarily the end of the world for the Colts. The team certainly has what it takes to win several games while the rookie is out.
Richardson sustained an AC joint sprain in last Sunday’s victory over the Tennessee Titans. He was then placed on injured reserve, meaning he’ll miss at least the next four games. He could possibly miss up to eight weeks. The fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Richardson has struggled to stay healthy so far this season. The former Florida Gator has left three of the Colts’ five games early due to injury. Plus, a concussion made him miss the Week 3 contest against the Baltimore Ravens.
When he is healthy, Richardson has been fun to watch. He can make exciting plays with his arm as well as his legs, and has the potential to be a superstar quarterback. However, the team still has the talent to survive without him.
3 Reasons the Indianapolis Colts Can Win Without the Injured Anthony Richardson
Gardner Minshew
Anthony Richardson isn’t the only quarterback in his first year with the Colts. Veteran Gardner Minshew signed with the team as a free agent during the offseason. Minshew has appeared in all five games this season. In his lone start, he helped lead Indianapolis to an impressive 22-19 overtime road victory over Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.
Minshew has thrown for 553 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions this year. Perhaps the league’s best backup quarterback, he’ll start in place of Richardson going forward and could power the Colts to a few wins along the way.
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Top-Notch Running Game
After missing the first four games while on the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) list, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor made his season debut against the Titans. The former Wisconsin Badger generated six carries for 18 yards in the 23-16 win. The Colts decided to bring him along slowly as he shakes off the rust and gets back into playing shape. Meanwhile, fellow running back Zack Moss went off versus the Titans, producing 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He’s currently the league’s third-leading rusher behind Christian McCaffrey and De’Von Achane.
Taylor is one of the NFL’s top offensive players when healthy. He led the league in both rushing yards and touchdowns two seasons ago. With he and Moss leading the way, Indianapolis has a dynamic one-two punch that can be difficult for defenses to stop each and every Sunday. While the Colts rushing attack is more dangerous with Anthony Richardson, they can still be effective with Minshew.
Respectable Defense
One of the Colts’ biggest weaknesses is their defensive secondary. The unit has allowed 1,314 passing yards, which ranks 30th in the league. Overall, though, the team’s defense is solid. Linebacker Zaire Franklin is putting together a monster year, leading the league in total tackles with 69. He has registered at least 12 tackles in each game this season, which is incredible.
Against the Titans, the Colts’ defense held running back Derrick Henry to just 43 yards. It was his lowest rushing total against Indianapolis since his rookie year back in 2016.
Indy’s D, which also includes pieces like DeForest Buckner and Kwity Paye has been respectable. The current 3-2 Colts will need all the help they can get in order to remain a competitive team.
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Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan – USA Today Sports
