In the four games Richardson started in 2024 – Weeks 1, 2, 4 and 5 – the Colts were ninth in explosive runs (14) and 10th in explosive passes (21), per Pro Football Focus. The Colts weren’t able to build on those early encouraging signs with their rookie quarterback, of course, as Richardson sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5.
Notably, the timing of Richardson’s injury – which came in Taylor’s season debut after he was activated from the PUP list – meant he and Taylor were on the field for just two plays in 2023, both in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans. The first was a toss sweep to Taylor that gained three yards; the second was on a third-and-26 screen pass that went to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
And while we didn’t get to see it in 2023, having two of the Colts’ most explosive playmakers lining up next to each other could create headaches for opposing defenses in 2024.
“Combining those guys in the backfield is going to be big for us,” head coach Shane Steichen said. “Obviously, we’ll get those reps in the spring and training camp and gel and create that chemistry with those two back there. We’ve got a chance obviously with both those guys in the backfield to be very explosive.”
Richardson had four explosive runs as a rookie, with all of them coming on intentional running plays (either read options or designed QB runs). In other words: None of his explosive runs came on scrambles.
But that also gets at a part of Richardson’s game we saw a glimpse of in 2023: When he escapes the pocket, he keeps his eyes downfield and looks to pass unless there’s a clear lane for him to run. And his willingness to take shots downfield, either inside or outside the pocket, adds another aspect to the Colts’ offense opposing defenses may come to respect.
“When he plays, people defend you a little differently,” general manager Chris Ballard said. “I do think – I think we saw…
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