Quarterback play is so important in the NFL, which is why the Indianapolis Colts are banking on rookie Anthony Richardson to turn the trajectory of the franchise around in a big way.

The 2023 NFL schedule sets up for the Indianapolis Colts to potentially make some noise in the fall. Because of the quality of quarterbacks that the Colts will take on when the ball is kicked off.

Indianapolis takes on MVP-winning Lamar Jackson in week three. Then, Joe Burrow late in the year. They will also play ascending Trevor Lawrence twice. But outside of that, the Colts have a very manageable quarterback schedule that suggests some optimism.

Among the quarterbacks that Indianapolis will face next season include Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr, Deshaun Watson, and Mac Jones. Stafford is coming off an injury-riddled season and is not getting any younger.

Carr was cut by the Oakland Raiders and is now on the New Orleans Saints. He doesn't put much fear into defenses. Watson did not look the same last season while with the Cleveland Browns, and Mac Jones seems to be on the hot seat.

Furthermore, the Colts will take on rookies CJ Stroud and Will Levis (or Ryan Tannehill) twice. Kenny Pickett, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Desmond Ridder are other signal callers on the schedule.

All in all, it's not the most loaded schedule for the Colts to prepare for. Shane Steichen will look to play ball control, run-heavy offense while the Indianapolis defense has some talent with DeForest Buckner and Shaq Leonard leading the charge.

Obviously, the Colts will be inexperienced at quarterback themselves with Anthony Richardson, if they give him the keys early. But it's still worth noting that things set up relatively well for Indianapolis.