Colts owner Jim Irsay wants Anthony Richardson to run the ball

WESTFIELD – Colts owner Jim Irsay was riding in a golf cart during training camp, speaking publicly for the first time in 2024 and raving about the potential of his offense when the crowd noise became too much to shout about.

To his right on a grass field, Anthony Richardson ran to his right, evaded pressure and made a deep pass to Josh Downs, who caught the ball through contact and slid it past for the touchdown. The fans at Grand Park Sports Complex enjoyed it, and the owner decided to lean in a little, too.

“It was really tough being injured last year, but he’s already shown what potential he has,” Irsay said. “It’s so exciting to see him here.”

The drills are the first glimpses of Richardson in a live setting since Week 5 of his rookie season, when he made a designed run against the Titans and felt his shoulder pop. A sprained A/C joint required surgery and ended his rookie season after just 84 pass attempts, and a series of health issues, including a brain injury against the Texans, have fueled conversation about whether his dual-threat style of play is sustainable through a 17-game NFL season.

So far, the Colts have been preaching caution to him about staying away from defenders as much as possible when a play is clearly over, but coach Shane Steichen has also stressed that the offense won’t dwell on its fears.

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“People ask this a lot, too, it’s like, ‘Hey, are you going to limit the run game?'” Steichen said. “I’m like, shooting, are you going to limit Steph Curry from shooting 3-pointers? Well, that’s one of Anthony’s strengths, right? So we’re not going to take away from that. That’s what he does well.”

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Irsay confirmed that point. He’s been through it with quarterbacks and shoulder injuries dating back to Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement, but Irsay remains focused on getting Richardson to the ceiling they all dreamed of.

“No way,” Irsay said when asked if Richardson needs to change his style. “That tackle that happened, it could happen at any time. It’s a physical game. He’s got to take the opportunity to use his feet when he can and protect himself. He knows that. At the same time, we drafted him because we know he can be dangerous with his feet and get crucial yards at crucial times.

“I love his style. We’re really looking forward to him having a great year throwing and running – definitely more throwing than running.”

A key part of those competing desires to retain and maximize Richardson is Jonathan Taylor. A year after the 2021 rushing champion missed practice due to a contentious contract dispute and subsequently saw only a handful of plays with Richardson, he’s sharing a backfield with the quarterback and raising hopes for what two 4.4-second 40-yard dash runners can do together.

Taylor ran for 741 yards on 4.4 yards per carry in just 10 games last season while limited following a contract holdout and with a thumb injury. He showed his 2021 ceiling in the season finale against the Texans, when he rushed for 188 yards and a touchdown and nearly led the Colts to an AFC South title.

“We know what Jonathan can do. Both of them together can be a really dangerous combination from a big-play standpoint,” Irsay said. “We haven’t really had a chance to see that with Anthony’s injury and Jonathan’s late arrival to training camp. In some ways, I really think the team has improved just by the nature of their willingness to go.”

A year ago, Irsay’s annual training session with the media took place, just after he and Taylor had talked on the bus about the contract dispute. Taylor, however, walked out of the conversation and requested a transfer.

This year, his running back is signed, his quarterback is healthy, and his team is confident in its chances of making the playoffs. For now, the drama has been replaced by intrigue.

Contact Nate Atkins at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.