Tuesday proved to be a challenging day for Anthony Richardson, the Colts quarterback facing off against the Bengals. As the former first-round pick tried to lead his team during joint practice, he found himself spending more time running from Bengals defenders than making successful passes.
The Bengals defenders seemed to revel in Richardson’s struggles, taunting him as he scrambled to find open receivers. Defensive tackle B.J. Hill shouted, “Throw the ball, bro!” while cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt quipped, “Is that all he does is run?” directed at Colts fans witnessing the spectacle.
Despite the pressure from the Bengals defense, Richardson did manage to make some completions. However, on one crucial play, miscommunication with wideout Michael Pittman Jr. resulted in an interception by linebacker Logan Wilson. Bengals safety Geno Stone observed, “He’s just throwing to spots. He doesn’t see his receivers.”
Overall, Richardson’s performance was mixed, with a 10 of 20 passing record, one touchdown, and the interception by Wilson. He did showcase his skills with an impressive touchdown pass to rookie Adonai Mitchell, threading the ball between Bengals defenders. Richardson also demonstrated competence during a two-minute drill towards the end of practice.
Looking ahead, Colts coach Shane Steichen announced that Richardson and the starting offense would have another opportunity to face the Bengals defense during the preseason finale. Steichen expressed optimism about the experience, noting, “I think it’ll be really good for (Richardson). Any time you can get out there in those game-like situations, it’s good.”
While Richardson faced challenges on Tuesday, he and his teammates have the chance to regroup, address their weaknesses, and come back stronger in preparation for Week 1. The potential shown by Richardson during the joint practice serves as a reminder of his abilities and the work that still lies ahead for the Colts as they gear up for the upcoming season.