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Posted (edited)

49ers seems like the best situation for Richardson.  Seems like Purdy is oft-injured himself, so an opportunity to learn from Shannahan and potentially come in for a couple of starts to boost future contract value?  I'd be in.  

Atlanta seems a little unstable yet, though Stephanski showed he can make lemonade out of lemons (to a degree) in Cleveland.  Still, I think anywhere that expects Richardson to be a day one starter is no bueno for him.  I'll be honest, I was super excited about his potential when he was drafted, but hindsight being 20/20, he definitely wasn't, and still likely isn't, ready yet.  He's got to be closer that what he was, but still.

Edit: bigger question for Colts fans - what is a team going to be willing to give up for him?  Likely nothing higher than a 3rd round pick at best... and I'd think that is an ABSOLUTE best case scenario.

Edited by wabashalwaysfights
  • Like 1
Posted
On 2/26/2026 at 3:53 PM, Bash Riprock said:

Darnold skill sets far exceed Richardson.  He's not exactly tearing it up with McCarthy's development.  Atlanta....as much as I like Penix, jury still very much in deliberation.  

But I do agree....he would absolutely require a QB guru.

Why did Darnold fail in NY JETS but succeed in 1 year with Minnesota?   Then onto Seattle?    McCarthy??  As in new Pitt coach former Dallas and GB Coach??  

There was a reason most NFL had Richardson in the top 15 big board and top 3 QB, same as Darnold when he came out, talent there, but can it translate with proper coaching ?    

Posted
1 hour ago, Coach Nowlin said:

Why did Darnold fail in NY JETS but succeed in 1 year with Minnesota?   Then onto Seattle?    McCarthy??  As in new Pitt coach former Dallas and GB Coach??  

There was a reason most NFL had Richardson in the top 15 big board and top 3 QB, same as Darnold when he came out, talent there, but can it translate with proper coaching ?    

I'm not disagreeing the level of coaching matters...certainly has with Darnold.

Darnold was a far more accomplished as a passer at USC than Richardson was at Florida.  Can't believe you compare them in that fashion.  Richardson was taken in a draft that was not that deep with QB's (especially after the first 2 taken and the verdict is very much still to be determined for each of them) and his athleticism stood out...not his passing and processing abilities.  Can coaches help with this...sure?  Enough to make him a solid NFL starter....we shall see.  But to compare Darnold and Richardson's passing resume's as equal is not correct Coach.  

Posted

Darnold failed in NY because... no QB has been successful in NY since what? Chad Pennington?  That franchise has been so criminally mismanaged...

Richardson is a product of the ability of these guys to leave school early to "maximize" their value.  The downside of this is that they leave much to be desired in terms of development.  Even in the current age where QB play in college doesn't necessarily translate to the NFL (disproportionate number of RPOs, under center reps, etc.), reps are reps and when you make the jump to the League that quick you leave a lot of those reps on the table.  I don't blame guys for making the jump to avoid injury, and the transfer portal makes this even all the more complicated, but it seems that ultimately his inexperience has been his downfall.  An amazing counterfactual to all of this: what if Richardson takes at least one more year in college?  He likely is not in Indy, but his NFL career likely has a more than probable more positive trajectory.

4 minutes ago, Sparty said:

Richardson on the JaMarcus Russell trajectory.  

Not even: Russell, if I recall correctly, was billed as a can't miss, Richardson's potential flaws were well documented and the Colts decided it was worth the risk.

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Posted

Darnold ran a Pro Set at USC vs Florida and more Run components from the QB position:   So that could POSSIBLY be the reason one was more "Accomplished" passer than the other, however, go back and RE READ what I stated and ask yourself, did Coach Nowlin mention anything about prolific passing or either player?    

So let me ask you:  Why did you make this assumption?    What part of my statement led you to come firing back criticizing my post about a specific thing such as "Accomplished Passer".    Show me where I claimed Richardson was better or on Par with that specific attribute?     All I did was say that NFL folks must of loved him as he was projected to be 3rd QB taken, most had him in top 15 big board, nothing more, nothing less, Darnold played 24 total College games as a starter to 13 to Richardson.   So essentially 1 full season.  

PERHAPS, just MAYBE, some of this angst it seems to come firing back should be pointed towards the organization that CHOSE to spend a 4th overall pick for the QB of the future after only staring 12 games because his arm talent was off the charts, his elite athleticism couldn't be passed up and they would just coach em up on the poor accuracy.... amirite......  

Lets go back shall we: 

1.1. Bryce Young 

1.2. CJ Stroud 

1.4 Richardson 

2.2 Levis   (33rd overall) 

Rest is the rest .... (ALL HOT GARBAGE) 

For Colts mental health, DO NOT go back though that 2023 DRAFT ....... to see all the players taken from picks 5 to 43.........

 

 

 

 

8 minutes ago, wabashalwaysfights said:

Darnold failed in NY because... no QB has been successful in NY since what? Chad Pennington?  That franchise has been so criminally mismanaged...

Richardson is a product of the ability of these guys to leave school early to "maximize" their value.  The downside of this is that they leave much to be desired in terms of development.  Even in the current age where QB play in college doesn't necessarily translate to the NFL (disproportionate number of RPOs, under center reps, etc.), reps are reps and when you make the jump to the League that quick you leave a lot of those reps on the table.  I don't blame guys for making the jump to avoid injury, and the transfer portal makes this even all the more complicated, but it seems that ultimately his inexperience has been his downfall.  An amazing counterfactual to all of this: what if Richardson takes at least one more year in college?  He likely is not in Indy, but his NFL career likely has a more than probable more positive trajectory.

 

SPOT ON:  

which leads to the fact that COLTS ORG really really really fumbled this one.    Even if he was a "project" , do you really take those guys 4th overall???     In Colts world you do and you get to keep your job!!!  

Posted (edited)
26 minutes ago, Coach Nowlin said:

Darnold ran a Pro Set at USC vs Florida and more Run components from the QB position:   So that could POSSIBLY be the reason one was more "Accomplished" passer than the other, however, go back and RE READ what I stated and ask yourself, did Coach Nowlin mention anything about prolific passing or either player?    

So let me ask you:  Why did you make this assumption?    What part of my statement led you to come firing back criticizing my post about a specific thing such as "Accomplished Passer".    Show me where I claimed Richardson was better or on Par with that specific attribute?     All I did was say that NFL folks must of loved him as he was projected to be 3rd QB taken, most had him in top 15 big board, nothing more, nothing less, Darnold played 24 total College games as a starter to 13 to Richardson.   So essentially 1 full season.  

PERHAPS, just MAYBE, some of this angst it seems to come firing back should be pointed towards the organization that CHOSE to spend a 4th overall pick for the QB of the future after only staring 12 games because his arm talent was off the charts, his elite athleticism couldn't be passed up and they would just coach em up on the poor accuracy.... amirite......  

Lets go back shall we: 

1.1. Bryce Young 

1.2. CJ Stroud 

1.4 Richardson 

2.2 Levis   (33rd overall) 

Rest is the rest .... (ALL HOT GARBAGE) 

For Colts mental health, DO NOT go back though that 2023 DRAFT ....... to see all the players taken from picks 5 to 43.........

 

 

 

 

SPOT ON:  

which leads to the fact that COLTS ORG really really really fumbled this one.    Even if he was a "project" , do you really take those guys 4th overall???     In Colts world you do and you get to keep your job!!!  

Cmon Coach….breathe. No one is responding in angst. It’s called discussion. Isn’t this a forum?

I simply don’t agree with your comparison with Darnold, that’s all. You have your opinion..I can have mine. Not every team was sold on Richardson just because he was chosen 3rd QB.  Top 2 QB’s came off board and because Colts were desperate for a QB, they rolled the dice. Didn’t pan out. Richardson probably better off somewhere else as clearly Steichen not sold. Will he improve with a better QB whisperer?  Most likely. Will he get to a Darnold level?  I’m skeptical. 
 

BTW, caps aren’t necessary. I follow you. 

Edited by Bash Riprock
Posted
1 hour ago, Bash Riprock said:

Cmon Coach….breathe. No one is responding in angst. It’s called discussion. Isn’t this a forum?

I simply don’t agree with your comparison with Darnold, that’s all. You have your opinion..I can have mine. Not every team was sold on Richardson just because he was chosen 3rd QB.  Top 2 QB’s came off board and because Colts were desperate for a QB, they rolled the dice. Didn’t pan out. Richardson probably better off somewhere else as clearly Steichen not sold. Will he improve with a better QB whisperer?  Most likely. Will he get to a Darnold level?  I’m skeptical. 
 

BTW, caps aren’t necessary. I follow you. 

perfectly calm.... 

I love CAPS because it's FUN and adds emphasis of excitement while discussing things.  I enjoy them, will continue to use them in MANY different ways.  For the record, I do this in school emails too, it super fun !!  

So let me ask you again:   Based on the 2 posts that I made, 1 responding to MUDA where I offered up where I think he would get a good reset playing the hardest position in professional sports, then followed up with commentary about coaching matters, as seen in Darnold career arc.   In those statements, you combatted in this discussion to drive home a point about the proliferation of ones passing skill set for which I never once brought up, so that is where I am lost in this discussion 

The comparison is CAREER SAVING ARCs made by QB GURUS who have helped OTHER QBs.   That is all.   How is that not relevant with in this case? 

 

Posted
12 minutes ago, Coach Nowlin said:

perfectly calm.... 

I love CAPS because it's FUN and adds emphasis of excitement while discussing things.  I enjoy them, will continue to use them in MANY different ways.  For the record, I do this in school emails too, it super fun !!  

So let me ask you again:   Based on the 2 posts that I made, 1 responding to MUDA where I offered up where I think he would get a good reset playing the hardest position in professional sports, then followed up with commentary about coaching matters, as seen in Darnold career arc.   In those statements, you combatted in this discussion to drive home a point about the proliferation of ones passing skill set for which I never once brought up, so that is where I am lost in this discussion 

The comparison is CAREER SAVING ARCs made by QB GURUS who have helped OTHER QBs.   That is all.   How is that not relevant with in this case? 

 

Sounds like a Seinfeld episode….

Posted

I really hope Jones accepts that offer. He has to know he still has to prove himself over a full season. Odd are though that if he chases a better offer, the Colts won't match it because if they do, they likely have to let Taylor go in free agency. I have seen that the Vikings are likely to make an offer first. Based on the direction that team went, it would be like signing his own death warrant. 

Posted
9 minutes ago, Irishman said:

I really hope Jones accepts that offer. He has to know he still has to prove himself over a full season. Odd are though that if he chases a better offer, the Colts won't match it because if they do, they likely have to let Taylor go in free agency. I have seen that the Vikings are likely to make an offer first. Based on the direction that team went, it would be like signing his own death warrant. 

perfectly makes sense on all accounts:   

Lets say JONES walks somewhere else bc Colts didn't match 

Mac Jones?  Tyson Baggent?   What's the move ? 

ME personally:   I am all in on Malik Willis, I think he is very talented, has been talented and just needs an actual legit opportunity to roll with it.   He is my #1 for any teams seeking a new QB direction.  He is too good IMO, to be holding a clipboard 

Kyler if he gets released,  meh 

Cousins??  double meh 

this much I do know of what very little I do overall in this world:  WITHOUT a bonafide consistent QB, your NFL ship is sunk from day 1

1 hour ago, Sparty said:

Sounds like a Seinfeld episode….

only watched a handful of episodes over the years 

  • Like 1
Posted
31 minutes ago, Coach Nowlin said:

perfectly makes sense on all accounts:   

Lets say JONES walks somewhere else bc Colts didn't match 

Mac Jones?  Tyson Baggent?   What's the move ? 

ME personally:   I am all in on Malik Willis, I think he is very talented, has been talented and just needs an actual legit opportunity to roll with it.   He is my #1 for any teams seeking a new QB direction.  He is too good IMO, to be holding a clipboard 

Kyler if he gets released,  meh 

Cousins??  double meh 

this much I do know of what very little I do overall in this world:  WITHOUT a bonafide consistent QB, your NFL ship is sunk from day 1

I'll bite here, but with the following caveats: I don't know that I see a bunch of teams willing to take that big a risk on a guy who likely won't even be ready come week 1. I get that Achilles injuries aren't the DEATH sentence they were once upon a time, but they're still serious. For that matter, to return briefly to Richardson in all this, his eye injury may be a potential road block to a trade that the Colts are comfortable with because you just don't know with an orbital bone injury. Secondly, I don't know what Taylor's contract situation is, so im assuming you've got him for at least the next three years. 

In the scenario you present, it likely differs because of Ballards feeling of relative job security, which can't be all that great. If you are a secure Ballard (or a 1st year GM) you likely consider patience. Maybe you just roll with Leonard and see what happens: he was at least competent at the end of the year and if you go 4-13, eh, you tool up somehow for next year. If you are a desperate Ballard, which I think is the reality (and honestly, the Gardiner trade seems to imply that he is indeed desperate  that was VERY un-Ballard like), I think you take a big swing. I would agree on Willis being option #1, so the rest of this is pure unadulterated JUST FOR FUN... you've been warned.

First, what about Derek Carr? He jas said he only would come back for a contender, and I don't think its a massive stretch to make the case that the Colts AREN'T a contender. Elite RB, elite TE, maybe not an elite WR corps, but more than serviceable (even assuming Pierce would leave with Jones), and i would say an elite offensive line with an above average defense competing in the AFC South, which is an "uneven" division at best. Plus, youre playing for Steichen, who while may not be a "QB whisperer," but is certainly well respected. Think of it this way: David Carr or Kyler Murray if I'm desperate to make the playoffs and a possible run? To me its Carr and its not particularly close.

Now for the stretchiest of all stretches: what if the Texans were ready to move on from CJ Stroud? Again, I don't LOVE Stroud, but is he better than any of the guys you listed? Probably. I think the Texans still have him under contract, so you'd have to give something up, but the Colts are fairly deep on the offensive line, a place of need for the Texans. Again, this is more than a pipe dream, but if you're Ballard and youre desperate do you at least pick up the phone?

Again, those two, Carr and Stroud, are purely for giggles. If its not Jones/Leonard, Willis is the most logical option and the one I would hope we'd go with. All that said, because I'm a Colts fan and I've seen this movie before, if Jones does walk watch Ballard sign Cousins and we rinse/repeat 8-9 or 9-8 and finish a game out of the playoffs and be right back at square one...

31 minutes ago, Coach Nowlin said:

only watched a handful of episodes over the years 

Me too. Ive been told its "a show about nothing" so I guess I'm not sure what im missing?

  • Like 1
Posted
2 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

perfectly makes sense on all accounts:   

Lets say JONES walks somewhere else bc Colts didn't match 

Mac Jones?  Tyson Baggent?   What's the move ? 

ME personally:   I am all in on Malik Willis, I think he is very talented, has been talented and just needs an actual legit opportunity to roll with it.   He is my #1 for any teams seeking a new QB direction.  He is too good IMO, to be holding a clipboard 

Kyler if he gets released,  meh 

Cousins??  double meh 

this much I do know of what very little I do overall in this world:  WITHOUT a bonafide consistent QB, your NFL ship is sunk from day 1

only watched a handful of episodes over the years 

The perceived over/under use of the “!”   

1 hour ago, wabashalwaysfights said:

I'll bite here, but with the following caveats: I don't know that I see a bunch of teams willing to take that big a risk on a guy who likely won't even be ready come week 1. I get that Achilles injuries aren't the DEATH sentence they were once upon a time, but they're still serious. For that matter, to return briefly to Richardson in all this, his eye injury may be a potential road block to a trade that the Colts are comfortable with because you just don't know with an orbital bone injury. Secondly, I don't know what Taylor's contract situation is, so im assuming you've got him for at least the next three years. 

In the scenario you present, it likely differs because of Ballards feeling of relative job security, which can't be all that great. If you are a secure Ballard (or a 1st year GM) you likely consider patience. Maybe you just roll with Leonard and see what happens: he was at least competent at the end of the year and if you go 4-13, eh, you tool up somehow for next year. If you are a desperate Ballard, which I think is the reality (and honestly, the Gardiner trade seems to imply that he is indeed desperate  that was VERY un-Ballard like), I think you take a big swing. I would agree on Willis being option #1, so the rest of this is pure unadulterated JUST FOR FUN... you've been warned.

First, what about Derek Carr? He jas said he only would come back for a contender, and I don't think its a massive stretch to make the case that the Colts AREN'T a contender. Elite RB, elite TE, maybe not an elite WR corps, but more than serviceable (even assuming Pierce would leave with Jones), and i would say an elite offensive line with an above average defense competing in the AFC South, which is an "uneven" division at best. Plus, youre playing for Steichen, who while may not be a "QB whisperer," but is certainly well respected. Think of it this way: David Carr or Kyler Murray if I'm desperate to make the playoffs and a possible run? To me its Carr and its not particularly close.

Now for the stretchiest of all stretches: what if the Texans were ready to move on from CJ Stroud? Again, I don't LOVE Stroud, but is he better than any of the guys you listed? Probably. I think the Texans still have him under contract, so you'd have to give something up, but the Colts are fairly deep on the offensive line, a place of need for the Texans. Again, this is more than a pipe dream, but if you're Ballard and youre desperate do you at least pick up the phone?

Again, those two, Carr and Stroud, are purely for giggles. If its not Jones/Leonard, Willis is the most logical option and the one I would hope we'd go with. All that said, because I'm a Colts fan and I've seen this movie before, if Jones does walk watch Ballard sign Cousins and we rinse/repeat 8-9 or 9-8 and finish a game out of the playoffs and be right back at square one...

Me too. Ive been told its "a show about nothing" so I guess I'm not sure what im missing?

It’s an acquired taste.  In the same realm of The Office, only better imo.  Either you like it, or you don’t.  

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Posted
8 minutes ago, Sparty said:

It’s an acquired taste.  In the same realm of The Office, only better imo.  Either you like it, or you don’t.  

This makes sense. My wife has tried to watch The Office with me 3 times and can't get more than 10 minutes into the pilot... 

Posted
3 hours ago, Sparty said:

The perceived over/under use of the “!”   

 

??  

3 hours ago, wabashalwaysfights said:

This makes sense. My wife has tried to watch The Office with me 3 times and can't get more than 10 minutes into the pilot... 

yea, not anti Seinfeld, perhaps, it becomes on rotation of noise in background in the fall 🙂

 

Posted
21 minutes ago, Coach Nowlin said:

Prepare yourselves Colts fan on this sticker shock of Alec Pierce 

Just saw this, wowza that's a lot of money. Gotta think Pittman has to be sweating about possibly not being back. This also makes me think there's a possibility we don't bring back Jones and roll with Leonard on a rookie contract. 

I like Leonard at QB. The dude put up the most points out of anyone all year against a Texans defense I would only put behind Seattle's. But it is also a big risk for Ballard and Steichan. A bad year with Leonard at the helm and both might be looking for new jobs after next year.

Posted
20 minutes ago, First_Backer_Inside said:

Gotta think Pittman has to be sweating about possibly not being back.

Traded to Pittsburgh , that sweat was NOT LONG haha 

Posted
4 hours ago, First_Backer_Inside said:

Just saw this, wowza that's a lot of money. Gotta think Pittman has to be sweating about possibly not being back. This also makes me think there's a possibility we don't bring back Jones and roll with Leonard on a rookie contract. 

I like Leonard at QB. The dude put up the most points out of anyone all year against a Texans defense I would only put behind Seattle's. But it is also a big risk for Ballard and Steichan. A bad year with Leonard at the helm and both might be looking for new jobs after next year.

I think it is about bringing Jones back...he and Pierce are extremely close and Pierce had commented he wouldn't resign without knowing a quality QB was locked down.  I think unloading Pittman and others is about having the funds to pay Jones.  Now will they pay Jones the $50M/year he is seeking?  I don't think so, but it will be $40M/yr plus.  

Crazy money for a 1/2 season of good play.....but as Coach says....its a QB league.

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