Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson showcased a mix of promise and areas for improvement in the team's final preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, led an impressive touchdown drive on his first series, demonstrating his potential with a well-executed 80-yard march down the field culminating in a 9-yard scoring pass to Adonai Mitchell.
However, Richardson's performance became more inconsistent as the game progressed. He struggled with accuracy and consistency, completing 8 of 14 passes for 86 yards overall. The young quarterback faced challenges, including an interception returned for a Bengals touchdown and missed connections with his receivers on critical downs.
Despite the ups and downs, Richardson remained optimistic, acknowledging the learning curve and the inevitable setbacks that come with the game. Colts coach Shane Steichen expressed confidence in Richardson's abilities, emphasizing the growth and potential for impactful plays in the upcoming season.
While Richardson took the spotlight, other Colts players made notable contributions. Running back Jonathan Taylor showcased his skills with four carries for 15 yards before exiting the game. Demetric Felton added a highlight with a 40-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
On the Bengals' side, coach Zac Taylor opted to rest all starters, giving opportunities to backups to gain valuable experience. Despite finishing winless in the preseason, Taylor emphasized the importance of the games in preparing the team for the regular season.
Looking ahead, the Colts are set to open their regular season at home against the Houston Texans on September 8, while the Bengals will host the New England Patriots in their season opener on the same day.
Overall, the preseason finale provided insights into the strengths and areas for improvement for both teams as they gear up for the start of the regular season.
