Colts QB Anthony Richardson can do something only former NFL MVP Cam Newton has done before

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has played only 218 snaps in his NFL career but has already recorded ten touchdowns. A perfectly balanced five through the air and five on the ground. He also has the chance to join an elite company if he can continue his success on the ground against the Green Bay Packers.  […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) rushes the ball Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has played only 218 snaps in his NFL career but has already recorded ten touchdowns. 

A perfectly balanced five through the air and five on the ground. He also has the chance to join an elite company if he can continue his success on the ground against the Green Bay Packers. 


Anthony Richardson can join Cam Newton in an elite club on Sunday

Dec 26, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is introduced before the game at Bank of America Stadium.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Between last season and this past Sunday, Anthony Richardson has started five NFL games with his sixth on deck as the team prepares to travel to Wisconsin to take on the Packers. While it's only been five games, Richardson has fully displayed his dual-threat ability. He also has the opportunity to do something only former Carolina Panthers MVP Cam Newton has done in NFL history. 

Richardson had four rushing touchdowns during his rookie season before his shoulder injury landed him on the IR. He added another rushing touchdown in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. And if he can add another against the Packers, he would be just the second QB to ever have a rushing touchdown in five of their first six starts in NFL history, joining Newton. He would also tie Newton and Robert Griffin III for the most rushing touchdowns ever by a QB in his first six starts. Therefore, if he is able to rush for two touchdowns against the Packers, he would set a new NFL record with seven rushing touchdowns in his first six NFL starts. 

If he does rush for two touchdowns, it wouldn't be the first time in his short NFL career. He had two rushing touchdowns against the Texans in the first half last season before a concussion would cut his day short.  In terms of dual-threat QBs, Newton and Griffin III (before the injuries) are great players to be compared to. But as Richardson showed in Week 1 he is much more than just a runner. He has the ability to make throws some QBs can only dream of. So now we will have to wait and see if Richardson is able to etch his name into NFL history in Week 2.