The Indianapolis Colts will take on the Houston Texans in Week 1. Indy’s Anthony Richardson and Houston’s C.J. Stroud will certainly be the center of attention. Eventually, the two youngsters could create the NFL’s next great quarterback rivalry.
Richardson and Stroud were both selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Houston took Stroud with the second overall pick. Then, later on, the Colts passed up fellow QB Will Levis and drafted Richardson fourth overall.
Richardson and Stroud would have completely different rookie seasons. Richardson played only four games due to injury. But he showed flashes of becoming an elite dual-threat quarterback when he was on the field. Meanwhile, Stroud had one of the greatest rookie years of all time. He threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns as he made the Pro Bowl. More importantly, he powered the Texans to the playoffs.
With only one season under his belt, Stroud has already emerged as a star. Richardson has the potential to be a star. He has to stay healthy.
Colts’ Anthony Richardson Could Form Rivalry with This Pro Bowler
Notable Quarterback Rivalries in NFL History
There have been a ton of QB rivalries in NFL history. Legends Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach battled during the 1970s. Bradshaw’s Pittsburgh Steelers beat Staubach’s Dallas Cowboys in both Super Bowl X and Super Bowl XIII.
Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning was always fun to watch. The two superstars faced each other from 2001-2015. Most fans and experts believe Brady is the best football player ever. And Manning is considered one of the top-five greatest quarterbacks in league history. Whether Brady was on the New England Patriots or Manning was starring for the Colts or Denver Broncos, you didn’t want to miss their battles.
In today’s NFL, Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen is perhaps the best QB rivalry. It’s a showdown every time the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills play each other.
Will Anthony Richardson vs. C.J. Stroud Become Legendary?
Anthony Richardson vs. C.J. Stroud can become an intense QB rivalry. But for that to happen, Richardson must avoid the injury bug. That was something he failed to do a season ago. He is currently healthy and hopefully, it stays that way for the entire 2024 campaign.
Richardson played in one of the Colts’ two contests against Houston last season. In Week 2, he produced 56 yards passing, 35 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns in a little over a quarter. Unfortunately, a concussion forced him to exit the game as the Colts ultimately won 31-20.
Without the injured Richardson, Indianapolis lost 23-19 to the Texans in the Week 18 regular-season finale. Stroud’s Houston squad won the AFC South and headed to the playoffs. Playing with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew, the Colts were eliminated from playoff contention with the loss.
Colts vs. Texans could be an exciting matchup for years to come centered around quarterbacks who have an insane amount of potential. No, Richardson vs. Stroud will never be on the Brady-Manning level. Yet, the matchup might keep fans glued to their seats twice a year. We shall see how it plays out.
Main Image: Grace Smith – USA Today Sports
