There is a ton of excitement and hype surrounding the Indianapolis Colts for the 2023 NFL season. After all, Indianapolis is entering a new era highlighted by a brand new head coach and face of the franchise at quarterback.

With the schedule being revealed last week, the focus has turned to just how good the Colts can be next season. If Shane Steichen can get his group off to a hot start to begin the year, all bets are off.

But the success in year-one — and long-term — of the Steichen era will come down to one big thing: quarterback Anthony Richardson. The only question is when Richardson will take over the starting role behind center during his rookie campaign.

There has been some thought that the Colts. could play it slow with the No. 4 overall selection and let him sit behind veteran Gardner Minshew to begin his career. However, a late bye week could change those thoughts.

Pro Football Focus tabs Anthony Richardson as the single biggest X-factor for the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the 2023 season. Therefore is no doubt that his play and development will ultimately determine the course of the season.

Richardson is about as “boom or bust” of a prospect as we’ve seen since Patrick Mahomes. And considering the only other quarterbacks on the Colts' roster are Gardner Minshew and Sam Ehlinger, Richardson will likely be starting sooner rather than later. If he defies rookie expectations and plays well, the Colts could be a dark-horse playoff candidate in a weak AFC South.

Richardson is the obvious choice to be the X-factor. Given the position that he plays and the kind of talent that he possesses. If he is comfortable early, good things will follow. But rookie growing pains could be tough to overcome in 2023.

Either way, Richardson gives the Colts an opportunity to make a lot of noise during his rookie season in Indianapolis. Fortunately, Shane Steichen could be just the coach that has Richardson thriving right out of the gate.