Cam Newton Questions Colts’ Confidence in Anthony Richardson.
Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has never been one to shy away from bold opinions, and his latest take on the Indianapolis Colts and their young quarterback, Anthony Richardson, is no exception. Newton recently suggested that the Colts may not fully believe in Richardson as their franchise quarterback, sparking debate among fans and analysts.
During a recent appearance on his show, Newton pointed to the way the Colts have handled Richardson’s development, raising concerns about whether the organization truly trusts the second-year QB to lead them to success. He noted that while Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance, the team’s approach suggests some hesitation.
“Just look at how they’ve built around him,” Newton said. “If they really believed he was the guy, they’d be making moves to support him in a way that leaves no doubt.”
Richardson’s Rocky Start
The Colts drafted Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, believing in his immense upside. However, his rookie season was cut short due to a shoulder injury, limiting him to just four games. Despite showing promise in those appearances, concerns remain about his durability and readiness to be a long-term solution at quarterback.
With Richardson expected to return healthy for the 2024 season, the Colts have an important decision to make regarding their offensive strategy. While they have added pieces to the roster, Newton argues that their level of investment doesn’t reflect a team fully committed to their young signal-caller.
Newton’s Perspective
As a former dual-threat quarterback himself, Newton understands the challenges Richardson faces. He sees similarities in their playing styles—both are athletic, strong-armed QBs who can make plays with their legs. However, Newton also knows how crucial it is for a team to show full support in order for a young quarterback to thrive.
“The Colts have to go all-in on this kid,” Newton said. “If you’re gonna draft a QB like that, you have to commit to building an offense that plays to his strengths, not just hope he figures it out.”
The Colts’ Response
While the Colts have yet to directly address Newton’s comments, they have consistently voiced confidence in Richardson’s potential. Head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard have both expressed excitement about his development and expect him to take a big step forward in 2024.
The real test will come when the season kicks off. If the Colts can protect Richardson and give him the right weapons, he’ll have the chance to prove that he is the guy they believed in when they drafted him. Until then, speculation will continue—and Cam Newton’s critique will only add fuel to the fire.