The Indianapolis Colts managed a narrow victory against the Miami Dolphins, winning 16-10 and improving their season record to 4-3. However, the most pressing topic of discussion following the game is not the win itself but the ongoing difficulties faced by quarterback Anthony Richardson. His performance has been under scrutiny, particularly highlighted by his dismal completion percentage of 41.6% against Miami.
Richardson completed only 10 of 24 passes during the game, which is particularly concerning in the modern NFL, where quarterbacks routinely achieve completion rates exceeding 70%. His struggles are compounded by the fact that he entered the matchup with the Dolphins already holding the league’s lowest completion percentage, which stood at 50.6%. Given the nature of the game and the overall offensive trends in the league, this statistic reflects poorly on his development as a starting quarterback .
At one point during the game, Richardson’s performance was notably poor, as he was only 5-for-15 passing, resulting in a completion rate of around 33%. While he improved slightly towards the end, finishing with 5 completions on 9 attempts in the latter part of the game, this still leaves much to be desired. Despite facing pressure from the Dolphins’ defense, there were several easy throws that Richardson failed to complete, raising concerns about his readiness to lead the team effectively .
The commentary from Bleacher Report underscores that while the Colts are currently enjoying a winning record, Richardson’s performance has been a critical area of concern. The focus for the remainder of the season will primarily be on his development and understanding his capabilities as a franchise quarterback. While veteran Joe Flacco has demonstrated impressive performance with a completion rate of about 66% and a strong touchdown-to-interception ratio, Richardson’s numbers tell a different story. His stats include just 49 completions on 101 attempts for 783 yards, with only 3 touchdowns against 6 interceptions .
Despite his passing struggles, Richardson showcased his mobility, which was pivotal in securing the victory against Miami. He rushed 14 times for 56 yards, demonstrating that he can still be an effective offensive weapon even when his passing game falters. His ability to run, coupled with the talent of teammates like Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Adonai Mitchell, gives the Colts a promising offensive foundation. Additionally, the return of running back Jonathan Taylor is expected to play a significant role in enhancing Richardson’s development by alleviating some of the pressure on him .
Looking ahead, the Colts face a challenging road matchup against the Houston Texans in Week 8. This game will be crucial for Richardson as he attempts to improve his completion percentage and reduce turnovers. The pressure is mounting for the young quarterback to perform at a higher level, especially in a competitive division .
