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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Paul Bretl

Colts’ Anthony Richardson among most pressured QBs since Week 11

Since his return to the starting lineup in Week 11, the Indianapolis Colts’ Anthony Richardson has been among the more pressured quarterbacks in football over that stretch.

During that five-game span, Richardson has been pressured on 43.8% of his dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. This is the third-highest rate out of 36 eligible quarterbacks, and if we remove Sam Howell, who has just 19 dropbacks, and Drew Lock with his 43 dropbacks, Richardson sits at the top of that list.

Richardson hasn’t been lights out when playing from a clean pocket, but the difference for him when under pressure versus when he has time is staggering.

When facing pressure, Richardson’s completion rate is just 37.8% while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt with one touchdown and three interceptions. But from a clean pocket, his completion rate is at 57% with 6.9 yards per attempt and two touchdowns to one interception since Week 11.

In fact, Richardson has the seventh-largest difference in PFF’s passing grade when operating from a clean pocket versus a muddy one.

Pressure in general, but particularly for a young quarterback, can be quite devastating as it disrupts the timing and rhythm of the play, forcing the quarterback to speed up their process, which can lead to poor mechanics and mistakes.

The offensive line was an expected strength for the Colts this year and things did start off that way early in the season, but constant injuries have disrupted that continuity and forced the Colts to rely on rookies.

The Colts’ offensive line will enter Week 16 allowing the seventh-highest pressure rate this season, according to Pro Football Reference. If it wasn’t for Richardson’s elite ability to avoid sacks, they would likely rank near the bottom of the NFL in that category as well.

The offensive line’s play certainly isn’t the only issue that the Colts’ offense faces right now. When struggling as often as they have, it’s everyone and everything, to varying degrees.

However, having said that, while success for the Colts begins will being able to move the ball on the ground, if there is going to be any chance of finding consistency through the air, Richardson will need more time in the pocket.

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