Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently praised Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, noting his growth in recent weeks. Campbell believes the Colts have unlocked Richardson’s potential by allowing him more freedom to play.
“I think what you saw was, last week [was Richardson] really, at his best,” Campbell told reporters, per Yahoo. “I’m not even sure you can go back to earlier in the year because I feel like they’ve taken the handcuffs off of him and allowed him to just go.”
Richardson, drafted fourth overall in 2023, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in Week 11 against the New York Jets. He set a career high with 272 passing yards and ran for two touchdowns, including the winning score with 46 seconds left, in the Colts’ 28-27 win.
In college at Florida, Richardson was known for his impressive rushing ability, including a 160-yard game against Florida Atlantic in 2021. At 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, he combines size and speed — he ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
For the 9-1 Lions on Sunday, facing a mobile quarterback such as Richardson presents a unique challenge. Detroit has seen similar threats in the past, particularly from Justin Fields, who averaged 110 rushing yards per game against the Lions over the past two seasons. The success of the former Bears QB — he’s now with Pittsburgh — against Detroit offers a useful blueprint for the Lions’ defense.
With the 5-6 Colts fighting for playoff contention, Richardson’s continued development will be key. For the Lions, containing him as a passer and a runner is crucial to staying on a roll.