Anthony Richardson gave the Indianapolis Colts a sneak peek at their quarterback of the future in 2023.

Two days after losing to the Chicago Cubs in the first round of the playoffs, the team cleared out their lockers and considered what they had accomplished in coach Shane Steichen’s first season as well as what they could accomplish in the following one.

When asked about playing with Richardson, running back Jonathan Taylor responded, “That’s going to be a really awesome sight to see.” He is incredibly talented, based on both what I saw on the tape and what I witnessed in person. He wants to learn, though. You should always be on the lookout for individuals who possess such talent and a strong desire to learn, as they are the ones who will truly stand out.

However, Taylor was unable to participate in the Indians’ offseason exercises, training camp, the whole preseason, and the first four weeks of the regular season due to a persistent ankle injury. When the NFL rushing champion of 2021 made a comeback in Week 5, Richardson was starting for the fourth time in his career.

Then, following exactly one snap shared by the two, Richardson sustained a shoulder injury that ended his season.

However, the Colts saw enough in Richardson and a healthy Taylor to feel that they made the right decision in selecting the four-and-seventh overall picks last spring, and enough to begin imagining the pressure the two can put on opposing defenses in the upcoming campaign.

“Anthony had the opportunity to observe and gain knowledge, essentially observing the entire NFL season,” Steichen remarked. Of course, we would have preferred to have him there for the entire season so he could learn in that manner. Although what happened to him was regrettable, I believe it will strengthen us.

Though Richardson’s development was meant to be the defining factor for this season, Indianapolis was able to win its first AFC South title since 2014 thanks to strong play from backup quarterback Gardner Minshew and backup running back Zack Moss, who combined for 15 yards, 66 seconds, and maybe one intercepted pass.

After a terrible 2022, Indianapolis’ offensive line turned things around and became one of the best in the league. Meanwhile, Steichen’s offense scored roughly eight more points per game than the Colts did in 2022 under head coach Frank Reich and his temporary replacement, Jeff Saturday.

The Colts recorded a franchise-high 51 sacks on defense. Despite some growing pains in the middle of the season, Indianapolis’s young secondary continued to get better as the season went on. Despite missing one game, linebacker Zaire Franklin amassed a franchise-high 179 tackles.

These encouraging developments give hope for the future, as does Taylor’s comeback and Richardson’s impressive start.

“It’s only natural to reflect on where we were a year ago and where we are now. Guys’ lives have changed, for sure. Ryan Kelly, a center for the Pro Bowl, said, “Guys are in different places.” “But we’ve improved and gotten closer over the past year,”