Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson made an odd declaration earlier this week, suggesting the NFL game is easier to play than the college game.
Richardson doesn’t exactly have a breadth of knowledge to draw from, having played in just four games during his rookie season, two of which ended for him before the half due to injury.
Twelve quarters of football does not a seasoned vet make.
Richardson though, in an appearance on the “Club 520 Podcast”, seems to think he’s got this pro ball thing figured out.
“Playing in the NFL, I feel like, is easier than in college,” he said.
Colts QB Anthony Richardson on playing in the NFL vs playing in College:
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) June 11, 2024
“Playing in the NFL, I feel like, is easier than in college.”
(Via @club520podcast) pic.twitter.com/D2jj9bROyg
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Anthony Richardson Explains Why The NFL Is Easier
Now, before we jump all over a guy with a career total of 84 pass attempts, let’s allow Anthony Richardson to explain himself.
“In college, you got players that are good, they know they’re good, but they’re not as confident,” he said. “They’ve got to rely on other players to do this for them to do that.”
“But in the league, everybody is trying to work to stay in the league and try to keep their job. So everybody is trying to ball out,” adds Richardson. “That just let me know I ain’t gotta do too much. I’m going to do my job and he’s going to do his job, and it’s going to work.”
Okay, so the Colts QB is clearly referring to the dependability of his own teammates. Which is a reasonable analysis.
Everybody in the NFL is balling out while you might have guys on the college roster who aren’t quite sure of their role, assignment, or future with the squad.
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Probably Not Going To Be Easy This Season
Anthony Richardson played pretty well during his shortened 2023 NFL season.
In the season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he threw for a touchdown, ran for one, and tossed his first interception in the loss.
His week 3 performance was his best, as he threw for two touchdowns while rushing for another, and committed no turnovers against the Los Angeles Rams. Richardson led his team back from a 23-0 deficit midway through the third quarter.
What his comment neglects though are two things. One, while his own teammates are ‘balling out,’ everybody on the defensive side of the ball is as well. And playing against them is going to be harder than the defenses he faced in college.
Two, there are coaches in the NFL on a different level who will study Richardson’s film and adjust to his tendencies. Will he still think the NFL game is “easier” once that happens?
Richardson is hoping to have a breakout season in 2024. He’s going to find things won’t be easy in week 1 as the Colts open up their season against the Houston Texans, who won the AFC South last year.
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