Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson faced a challenging day during Wednesday’s joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals, and Bengals players did not miss the opportunity to let him know about it. Richardson, who has shown promise in training camp, struggled to make accurate throws and find open receivers during the session, which was noted by James Boyd of The Athletic.
Richardson’s difficulties became evident when he tried to run the ball at one point, a move that seemed out of place in the context of a joint practice where strategic evaluations are prioritized over individual plays. On another occasion, Richardson attempted a risky pass to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., which resulted in an interception. This further highlighted his struggles and the challenges he faced in connecting with his targets.
The Bengals’ defensive players did not hold back in their responses. Defensive tackle B.J. Hill was particularly vocal, taunting Richardson with a dismissive remark, urging him to “throw the ball, bro.” This comment underscored the frustration the Bengals’ defense felt as they intercepted his pass attempts and disrupted his plays. Additionally, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt added to the mocking atmosphere by rhetorically asking the Colts fans in attendance if “all (Richardson) does is run,” emphasizing the quarterback’s perceived ineffectiveness in the passing game.
Bengals safety Geno Stone also weighed in, criticizing Richardson’s performance by saying, “He’s just throwing to spots. He doesn’t see his receivers.” This remark highlighted a key issue in Richardson’s performance that day: his apparent inability to read the defense effectively and locate his receivers as needed.
Despite these setbacks, it’s worth noting that Richardson had generally received positive reviews during training camp leading up to this practice. His performance during the joint practice might have been an anomaly rather than a reflection of his overall ability. It’s not uncommon for players to have off days, especially in high-pressure practice environments where the defense is actively trying to disrupt the offense’s rhythm.
Interestingly, Richardson had previously mentioned that he found playing in the NFL to be easier compared to his college experience. This comment might have added extra motivation for the Bengals’ defense to challenge him more aggressively during the practice. The Bengals appeared to take the opportunity to make a statement and demonstrate that the NFL presents its own set of challenges, regardless of what Richardson might have suggested.
Overall, the joint practice session highlighted both the challenges Richardson faces in his development and the competitive nature of NFL training environments. The intense defense from the Bengals served as a stark reminder of the level of skill and preparation required at the professional level, as well as the importance of consistent performance in practice to prepare for real game situations.
