Since returning to the starting lineup, Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Anthony Richardson has made strides in a number of areas.
However, Bill Barnwell of ESPN recently highlighted one area in particular where Richardson has seen major improvement that also draws comparisons to Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen.
Taking sacks has never been an issue with Richardson. His ability to escape pressure is among the best in football. So his 5.9% sack rate before being benched was never worrisome.
But since returning in the last three games, the Jets, Lions, and Patriots have sacked Richardson on only two of his 84 dropbacks. That’s a 2.4% sack rate, which Barnwell calls “elite” if he can maintain that.
Barnwell also added that one of the biggest strides Allen made during his 2020 breakout season was when he cut his sack rate in half that year, and it has remained around that high-level mark since.
To state the obvious, sacks are bad. But to be more specific, it puts a much larger burden on the passing game, which for the Colts is still up and down. Sacks put the offense behind the sticks and in disadvantageous situations where the pass rush can pin its ears back and the secondary has the upper hand in coverage.
On the flip side, however, avoiding sacks keeps the offense out of those dreaded long down-and-distance situations, not to mention that there is the potential for a big play to ensue when Richardson is in scramble mode, whether that be with his legs or his arm.
In addition to avoiding sacks at a higher rate, Richardson has displayed greater command of the offense, and often playing within the rhythm and structure of the play, resulting in a much improved all-around performance.
