One of the more noticeable changes with the Indianapolis Colts offense with Anthony Richardson back under center is the number of designed runs that Shane Steichen is dialing up for him compared to before he was benched.
As ESPN’s Bill Barnwell noted in a recent article, excluding scrambles, sneaks, and kneel-downs out of the equation, Richardson was averaging only three designed quarterback runs per game.
However, since returning to the lineup in Week 11, that figure has jumped to seven per game during this three game span.
The obvious benefit of getting Richardson on the move and in space is the ability he has with the ball in his hands. In the last three games, he ranks fourth among quarterbacks in rushing yards during that span and has the most touchdowns with three.
Barnwell adds that the 0.24 expected points added per play by Richardson on those designed runs is “excellent.”
But in addition to that, the threat of Richardson as a ball carrier, even if he isn’t the one with the ball, can have a trickle-down effect to the rest of the offense.
When paired with Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, it stretches a defense horizontally, which can help open up running lanes. Richardson’s presence as a ball carrier can help the passing game as well. All it takes is for a split second of hesitation from a defender or half a step in the wrong direction as they decipher whether Richardson is running or not for a passing window to open up.
Not to mention that, as we saw this past Sunday at the end of the game with the Colts facing a 4th-and-goal, in just about any short yardage situation, Indianapolis is going to have the upper hand with Richardson under center.
These often early down designed runs are also a great way to keep the offense ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations.
Steichen’s usage of these designed quarterback runs, or lack thereof, during the first half of the season was always a head-scratcher.
Perhaps it was done to keep Richardson out of harm’s way as much as possible and healthy. However, by not leveraging this ability, you’re taking away one of the elements of his game that makes his so special and difficult to defend.
Steichen has obviously gotten over that or whatever was stopping him from dialing these plays up.
With Richardson active in the running game, it adds a new dimension to the Colts’ offense that defenses have to gameplan for and it makes them more difficult to defend.
