NFL analyst claims Anthony Richardson’s accuracy issues were apparent leading into preseason implosion against Bengals
Anthony Richardson might have had the lowlight of the preseason during Thursday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. While facing backups, Richardson threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
Some fans were quick to write off the play as a fluke or one that was the fault of the receiver.
Speaking on the August 23 edition of Pro Football Talk, NFL analyst Mike Florio claimed he had spoken with insider Charean Williams, who had her own idea. Williams had told Florio that Richardson was experiencing accuracy issues earlier during the week as well.
"They had joint practices this week and apparently the Bengals defensive players were taunting him a little bit because the passes were off the mark," Florio said. [00:00:26][19.9] PFT
Of course, one could argue that Richarson is simply in a short-term slump as he works off rust accrued during his rehabilitation process.
Until he plays in the regular season, no one can know for sure. However, it is reasonable to declare that the stumble in a preseason primetime game is not the most desired outcome.
Anthony Richardson's accuracy woes carry a ray of hope
While many quarterbacks fail to improve their accuracy early in their careers, at least one of the top quarterbacks in NFL history started slow in the category and got better.
Tom Brady and Drew Brees failed to improve their completion percentage in their early careers, but Peyton Manning's early years saw a low floor but a steady rise.
According to Pro Football Reference, Manning completed less than 60% of his passes in his rookie season. However, by the end of his third year, after steady improvement, his percentage jumped nearly six percent to 62.5%.
Of course, there is no guarantee that accuracy will get better over time for Richardson, but if he wants a precedent to point to, Manning is a solid one.
At this point, however, fans are anxious to see Anthony Richardson improve in the next couple of weeks. After missing most of the 2023 season and a rough outing in the preseason, fans are eager to see the quarterback deliver.
The upcoming season is one that typically serves as the most common year for quarterbacks to show whether they belong as starters in the league.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.