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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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There are a lot of questions regarding Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. The young signal caller came under plenty of fire in 2024, when he chose to pull himself from a game in Week 8.
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Richardson stated that he was tired and "needed a break." The result of this action led the Colts to bench the young passer for longtime veteran Joe Flacco.
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Flacco did not play well enough, and Richardson was named starter again a mere two games later. Despite finishing out the season, the Colts and everyone watching are wondering what kind of quarterback Richardson will be in 2025.
One of the people who was hypercritical of Richardson "quitting" on the team is former Colts legend and host Pat McAfee. The host ripped into Richardson over the decision, stating:
"I had never seen an NFL QB tap out while still being healthy until watching Anthony Richardson.. The QB is your franchise. The message it sends is loud and influential."
Now, Richardson has a chance to not only right the ship, but remind the Colts franchise why they took a chance on him. The young quarterback was also very self-aware of his need to improve in 2024.
McAfee has taken notice of the way Richardson is handling himself in camp, and didn't hold back about what he thinks of the Colts' passer.
"Now, this year, what we have seen," McAfee said. "He's slimmer, he's fitter. He's acknowledging how he needs to be different. He's taken the pre-practice mental reps by himself. It feels like he has matured immensely after a very tough start to his career."
Richardson has shown a lot of maturity, as he also has reportedly been taking the quarterback battle between him and Daniel Jones very well.
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Read more: Colts HC Offers Major Update on Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones QB Battle
Colts head coach Shane Steichen commented on the quarterback battle, stating that Richardson and Jones are "neck and neck." Richardson also commented on what he needs to do better in 2025.
"I need to pick up the slack. I did not work hard enough last year, and that is essentially why I got benched," Richardson stated to reporters.
The starting job is certainly his to lose, and Jones is obviously gunning to lead the team. However, Jones also has his own negative reputation from the time he spent with the New York Giants.
Either way, McAfee sounds like he is buying into the new, more "mature" version of Richardson. The Colts quarterback can also start the year off strong by winning the starting job, and also playing the full season without taking himself out of a game.
For more on the Colts and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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