CBS Slams Colts, Calls Anthony Richardson’s QB Room One of NFL’s Weakest…Read more…

CBS Slams Colts, Calls Anthony Richardson’s QB Room One of NFL’s Weakest…Read more…

In a bold and eyebrow-raising assessment, CBS Sports has labeled the Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback room — led by second-year signal-caller Anthony Richardson — as one of the weakest in the entire NFL. The critique has sparked a flurry of reactions among fans, analysts, and insiders, reigniting conversations about the Colts’ quarterback strategy and long-term future under center.

A Harsh Review from CBS

The CBS Sports report ranked all 32 NFL quarterback rooms ahead of the 2025 season, evaluating both starting quarterbacks and their backups in terms of depth, reliability, experience, and potential. The Indianapolis Colts’ group, anchored by the highly athletic but still unproven Richardson, was placed near the bottom of the list.

According to the report, the concern isn’t solely with Richardson’s ceiling — which many analysts still regard as high — but rather his health, consistency, and the lack of experienced talent behind him. The CBS assessment noted that while Richardson is a physical specimen with elite athletic traits, his injury history and limited sample size in the NFL raise major red flags. Combined with a backup group that lacks starting-caliber experience, the Colts’ QB situation is seen as fragile at best.

“It’s a risky bet,” the CBS report stated. “Indianapolis is banking heavily on Richardson’s rapid development and health, but if things go south, they don’t have much of a safety net behind him.”

Richardson’s Rookie Campaign: Flashes of Brilliance, Shadows of Concern

Anthony Richardson entered the league in 2023 as a top-5 draft pick, drawing comparisons to Cam Newton and Josh Allen for his blend of size, speed, and arm strength. However, his rookie season was cut short after just four games due to a shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery.

In those four games, Richardson showed promise. He threw for 577 yards, 3 touchdowns, and rushed for 136 yards with 4 more scores on the ground. His dynamic dual-threat ability was evident, and Colts fans had reason to be hopeful. But questions remained: Could he stay healthy? Could he develop the accuracy and decision-making needed at the NFL level?

Now, entering his second season, all eyes are on Richardson to prove he’s more than just potential.

Behind Richardson: Thin Depth, Minimal Experience

One of CBS’s strongest criticisms was aimed at the Colts’ depth at the position. The current QB room includes journeyman Gardner Minshew and rookie Sam Ehlinger — neither of whom have demonstrated they can consistently win games as starters. Minshew has had moments of brilliance in the past, particularly during his stint in Jacksonville, but he’s widely viewed as a high-end backup rather than a viable long-term starter. Ehlinger, meanwhile, has yet to impress in limited opportunities.

This lack of proven depth becomes particularly alarming given Richardson’s injury history. The Colts are essentially a twisted ankle or re-injured shoulder away from handing the offense to a player who may not be equipped to keep the team competitive.

Colts Fans React: Mixed Emotions and Frustration

The CBS ranking has stirred reactions across Colts Nation. While some fans agree that the team is gambling with an inexperienced QB room, others believe the national media continues to underrate Richardson’s upside and the Colts’ overall direction under head coach Shane Steichen.

“It’s fair criticism,” said one fan on Reddit. “We’ve all seen what happens when our starter goes down. We need a more stable backup.”

Others pushed back. “Richardson is the real deal,” tweeted another Colts supporter. “CBS just doesn’t want to admit they’re sleeping on a future star.”

Shane Steichen and the Colts Remain Confident

Despite outside criticism, the Colts coaching staff has expressed nothing but confidence in their young quarterback. Head coach Shane Steichen, who played a key role in developing Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, believes Richardson has the tools — and now the experience in the system — to take a major step forward in 2025.

“Anthony’s work ethic, leadership, and football IQ are all growing fast,” Steichen told reporters at the NFL Combine. “We know he’s capable of leading this team, and we’re building around his strengths.”

The Colts also made strategic offseason moves to support their quarterback, adding offensive line depth and acquiring wide receiver help. The front office seems fully committed to giving Richardson every chance to succeed.

Looking Ahead

As the Colts prepare for training camp, the pressure will be on Richardson to prove that CBS and other critics are wrong. He’ll need to stay healthy, make better reads, and continue developing his chemistry with key playmakers like Michael Pittman Jr. and Jonathan Taylor.

In a league where the quarterback position defines a franchise’s fortunes, Indianapolis is walking a tightrope. They’re betting on upside over experience, and CBS is far from convinced it will pay off.

For now, the Colts remain a team full of questions, and their quarterback room — once again — is at the center of the NFL conversation.