Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings are amid a two-game skid, and it seems like the sky is falling. It doesn’t help that Christian Darrisaw was lost for the season and that it will have been 10 days between games. If there’s a thing that Minnesota needs, though, it’s the chance to face Anthony Richardson.
During the NFL Draft, plenty of steam connected multiple teams to the former Florida Gators quarterback. Anthony Richardson looked dynamic in college, and he had plenty of tools to work with. From a developmental standpoint, though, he has played very little football, and missing the bulk of last season due to injury didn’t help.
Despite losing by just three points on Sunday against the Houston Texans, Anthony Richardson looked as though he shouldn’t have been on the field. He started the game 2-of-13 passing and finished 10-of-32. It was truly a horrendous performance, and veteran Joe Flacco sitting on the sidelines to watch was wild.
The reality for Minnesota is that the last two teams they played had dynamic offenses. While the Los Angeles Rams have struggled this season, they got Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back for the Thursday night contest. Matthew Stafford, having his full complement of weapons, really tested the Minnesota secondary.
Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions have been thought to be the cream of the NFC North crop all season long. That offense is among the best in the league, and Dan Campbell consistently has his group putting up points. Minnesota’s defense was great to start the season, but struggling against a pair of opponents like that isn’t exactly shocking.
The Vikings must get things right when the Colts and Richardson come to town. The secondary has to test the unproven talent, and the pass rush has to get home. He will bring a dynamic ability as a runner, and it will be on Brian Flores to corral and stop that before it gets out of hand.
A 5-2 record is hardly a bad place for Minnesota, and a good win will change some of the running narratives. Anthony Richardson is the catalyst for making it all happen. The Vikings just need to execute.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.