“No one has a clue if he’ll end up being a star, a bust, or somewhere in between.” That’s how Bob McGinn summed up Indy #5’s pro journey so far while writing for the ‘Go Long’ article, titled: ‘The Great Anthony Richardson Debate’. It’s the kind of statement that sticks with you because, honestly, isn’t that exactly how Richardson’s time in Indy feels? From being the Colts’ future hope to riding the bench, it’s been a rollercoaster—and we’re not even at the halfway point.

But now, Peyton Manning, dropped some wisdom like its second nature during the Colts’ loss to the Broncos: “Never take being the starting quarterback for granted.” Did Anthony Richardson hear him loud and clear? Probably.

Did it save the Colts from falling 31-13? Not quite. But a “so far this season” recap of Richardson’s performance would leave us fascinated. Unpredictable and full of lessons.

Okay, let’s take you through a ride (or dare I say whirlwind!). After recovering from shoulder surgery, he reclaimed the QB1 spot and hit the field ready to roll. Good? But then came week 9—a benching in favor of Joe Flacco. Ouch. Richardson was hitting just 44.4% of his passes in six games. It wasn’t pretty, but as Richardson would later reflect, it was a “teaching moment.”

A little time on the sideline and some introspection worked wonders. By week 11, he was back under center, putting up 272 passing yards, a touchdown, and two rushing scores. A glimmer of hope, right? But here’s the thing: developing an NFL quarterback isn’t a straight line. Richardson’s numbers—1,683 yards, 7 touchdowns, 11 picks, and a 60.1 passer rating—might make you wince. Especially when you’d learn that this isn’t even his rookie season. But the first season as a starter is a pressure alone, only some could bear.

For instance, let’s take Peyton Manning’s rookie year (not a sunshine either) because he did not MISS a single snap that season and he threw for a record-setting 28 interceptions. So, are these growing pains just part of the deal? Absolutely. Manning himself emphasized the importance of “getting the snaps in.” Experience builds quarterbacks, plain and simple. I mean, that’s another issue that Manning finished his debut season with a 3-13 record. However, that was the learning curve for him… AND the rest is history.

But that’s not all. It’s Shane Steichen’s play-calling around Richardson, that has also impressed Manning.

Shane Steichen’s handling of Anthony Richardson

The handling of AR. Sounds like a weapon right? The flashes of brilliance that he displayed proves that he could be molded into one. So, what is a step in the right direction? Remember the Colts benched Anthony Richardson? Yeah, we mentioned that above.

But Steichen’s decision to sit Richardson for those two games to get him refocused to what it takes to be the starter in this league really left Manning in awe… Why? For one reason and one alone, because it took guts. When CBS’ Aditi asked him if that decision was hard. Steichen’s reply was a straightforward: “ONE thousand percent! It was honestly one of the hardest decisions I had to take as a head coach.”

But a lil something about Shane. He does not see himself as the Colts’ head coach, or the man holding the playbook. Nope! When it comes to Richardson, it’s all about the 1-on-1 mentoring sessions and hard decisions. I mean, benching the franchise QB just to teach him from the sidelines is like a gem you didn’t ask for but you still got it. Manning’s been watching and likes what Steichen’s doing with Richardson.

The game plan isn’t perfect (what is?), but there’s a method to the madness. Sure, the Colts are 6-8, and Sunday’s loss was a gut punch. But this isn’t just about wins and losses anymore. It’s about molding Richardson into the quarterback Indy believes he can be.

So, is Richardson a future star, a bust, or somewhere in between? Well, well, well… Thanks Bob for nailing it. However, if anything, we do know is that the journey is just beginning—and every snap is another step forward.