NFL Training Camp Notepad: Under Anthony Richardson, Colts Have ‘Best Team We’ve Fielded in a Long Time’

Yahoo Sports Senior NFL reporter Jori Epstein is on the road covering training camps. Today’s stop: the Indianapolis Colts.

About the QB

Anthony Richardson has not only been cleared from shoulder surgery to throw. He has also been cleared by the team owner to run. “We know his feet can be dangerous and can get you big yards at key times,” Jim Irsay said during practice Sunday. “One of the reasons we drafted him is because of his size and strength.”

Rookie to watch

Adonai Mitchell has been targeted early and often by Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco in team drills. Michael Pittman Jr. hasn’t found the endzone often enough to be the obvious WR1, giving Mitchell the opportunity to be that guy.

I keep my eye on

Veteran safety Julian Blackmon, after intercepting Richardson 30 yards downfield in team drills. Blackmon had a career-high four interceptions and eight pass deflections last season. Quarterbacks beware.

Fantasy thought

How does a dual-threat QB and a full offseason impact Jonathan Taylor’s explosiveness? Remember, Taylor’s final outing in 2023, when he came into form, was a 188-yard, 6.27 yards-per-carry performance against a playoff-bound Houston Texans team.

What I saw was interesting

Richardson is QB1 when healthy. But the Colts have one of the best backups in 2023 Comeback Player of the Year Joe Flacco. The 39-year-old was fresh in practice and should help keep a Richarson injury from ending their playoff drought. Smart committed $4.5 million.

Wildcard

The Colts haven’t won their division in a decade. They haven’t won a playoff game since Andrew Luck abruptly retired in 2018. “I think that’s finally far enough in the rearview mirror now and we’re moving on to a new day,” Irsay said Sunday. “The best team we’ve fielded in a long time.”