Anthony Richardson is flying well under the radar in a preseason packed with Dak Prescott, Brandon Aiyuk, and quarterback battle talk in Pittsburgh. However, one NFL analyst believes that the Indianapolis Colts could have the surge of the year.

That said, it will take Richardson living up to his bar-setting potential.

Writing in an recent article for Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Brent Sobleski claimed that the Colts’ quarterback has “more potential” than every other quarterback in the NFL.

“Anthony Richardson is the wild card, because no quarterback packs more potential than last year’s fourth overall draft pick. A healthy Richardson is akin to a Hellcat tank, with similar firepower attached to his right shoulder. The second-year signal-caller is up to 255 pounds yet runs a legit 4.4-something 40-yard dash. His arm strength is awesome.,” he wrote.

His estimate of Richardson’s potential jump for 2024 appears to rank higher than that of Jordan Love, Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, and others.

Richardson missed most of his rookie season, but the quarterback had been playing well before the injury took place. He had been playing at a .500 level at 2-2 while throwing for three touchdowns and one interception.

Joe Burrow’s precedent adds ammunition to hopes for Colts QB Anthony Richardson

While most have already written off or otherwise forgotten about Richardson due to his quick injury in his rookie year, one recent precedent gives reason to not rush to judgment.

Joe Burrow is a premier quarterback in the AFC in 2024. However, back in mid 2020, the Bengals quarterback was just another in a long line of signal-callers that couldn’t get it done.

Burrow went just 2-7-1 in his debut campaign. His first year also ended early due to injury as well. However, his throwing statistics were on a good pace, throwing for 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. By the end of 2021, he emerged as the first quarterback to knock off Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs not named Tom Brady. He also went to the Super Bowl.

As such, Colts fans might be in for a deep run in the playoffs this season. They just don’t know it yet. Of course, nothing is guaranteed.

Until Richardson puts pen to paper, analysts can invent all of the new flashy adjectives and comparisons to inanimate objects they want. However, it doesn’t mean it will come true.

Will Anthony Richardson put the AFC on notice?