Anthony Richardson’s determined transformation: Intensive training with Josh Allen this Offseason

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is taking a crucial step in his NFL journey by joining Buffalo Bills star quarterback Josh Allen for intensive offseason training in Jacksonville. This collaboration is a significant move for Richardson, who aims to refine his mechanics, improve accuracy, and solidify his place as the Colts’ starting quarterback. Working alongside Allen—one of the league’s top signal-callers—will give Richardson a unique opportunity to learn from a player who has successfully transformed his game.

Anthony Richardson’s NFL Journey So Far

Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, entered the league with sky-high expectations. He was touted as one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in recent memory, possessing a rare combination of size, speed, and arm strength. However, his early career has been hampered by injuries and inconsistencies.

In his first two seasons, Richardson has played in only 15 games, throwing for 2,391 yards with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His completion percentage is a concerning 50.6%, highlighting the need for significant improvement in his accuracy. On the ground, he has been more effective, rushing for 635 yards and 10 touchdowns on 111 carries. His mobility remains one of his biggest strengths, but to become a true franchise quarterback, Richardson must develop into a more polished passer.

The Colts’ front office has been vocal about creating competition at the quarterback position. General manager Chris Ballard recently stated:

“We want to create real competition. I think it’s good for the team. I think it’s good for Anthony.”

This statement makes it clear: Richardson will need to prove himself in 2025 if he wants to secure the starting job long-term.

The Josh Allen Blueprint

Josh Allen’s early career struggles provide an excellent comparison to Richardson’s current situation. When Allen was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, many analysts doubted his ability to become an elite quarterback. His accuracy issues were a major concern—his rookie season completion percentage was just 52.8%, similar to Richardson’s current struggles.

However, Allen worked relentlessly on his mechanics and decision-making, making significant strides by his third season. By 2020, he had improved his completion percentage to 69.2%, threw for 4,544 yards, and led the Bills to an AFC Championship appearance. His rapid transformation from a raw prospect to an MVP-caliber quarterback has become one of the most impressive developmental stories in NFL history.

Richardson now has a chance to follow the same path. Training with Allen, who has firsthand experience overcoming accuracy issues, could provide him with invaluable insight on how to elevate his game.

The Jacksonville Training Sessions

According to NFL insider Cameron Wolfe, Josh Allen and Anthony Richardson will train together in Jacksonville this offseason. This partnership is part of Richardson’s focused preparation ahead of a crucial third year in the NFL.

Training with Allen is a significant step, but Richardson’s offseason program doesn’t stop there. He will also be working with renowned biomechanics expert Chris Hess, who has played a pivotal role in refining Allen’s mechanics over the years.

The Role of Chris Hess: Biomechanics and Quarterback Mechanical

Chris Hess has been instrumental in Josh Allen’s development. His work focuses on optimizing a quarterback’s throwing motion, footwork, and mechanics to improve accuracy and efficiency. Allen himself has credited Hess as:

“The most influential person in my mechanical career.”

By working with Hess, Richardson will focus on several key areas:

• Throwing mechanics: Refining his motion to ensure a consistent and repeatable delivery.
• Footwork: Improving balance and movement in the pocket to enhance accuracy.
• Short to Intermediate Passing: Developing touch and precision on quick passes, a crucial area for modern NFL quarterbacks.
• Lower Body Engagement: Ensuring that his power and accuracy come from proper hip and leg mechanics rather than just arm strength.

One of the biggest lessons Richardson can learn from Allen’s development is that fixing mechanics doesn’t happen overnight—it requires countless repetitions and attention to detail.

The Importance of Offseason Training for Quarterbacks

The NFL offseason is a critical time for quarterbacks to refine their skills and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season. Unlike other positions, where athleticism can sometimes outweigh technical refinement, quarterbacks must continuously work on mechanics, decision-making, and mental processing to succeed at the highest level.

Richardson’s decision to train with Allen and Hess signals a strong commitment to his growth. Rather than relying solely on his natural abilities, he is actively seeking guidance from experts who can help him address his weaknesses.

Benefits of Training with an MVP-Caliber Quarterback

Training alongside Josh Allen provides Richardson with several key advantages:

• Work Ethic and Mindset: Allen’s journey from an inaccurate rookie to an MVP candidate required relentless work. Richardson will witness firsthand what it takes to reach that level.
• Reading Defenses: Allen’s ability to dissect defenses and make quick decisions has been a major factor in his success. This is an area where Richardson can improve significantly.
• Handling Pressure: One of Richardson’s struggles has been maintaining poise under pressure. Learning from Allen, who consistently makes plays under duress, could be a game-changer.

This type of mentorship is rare in the NFL. Many quarterbacks spend their offseasons training individually, but Richardson has opted for a more collaborative approach—one that could accelerate his development.

What Success Looks Like for Richardson in 2025

The big question now is: How much improvement can Richardson make before the 2025 season?

If his training with Allen and Hess is successful, Colts fans should expect to see:

• A Higher Completion Percentage: If Richardson can raise his accuracy closer to 60% or higher, it would be a major step forward.
• Better decision-making: Reducing turnovers and making quicker reads will help him become a more reliable passer.
• Improved Pocket Presence: Learning how to maneuver in the pocket and extend plays without taking unnecessary hits will be crucial.
• More Consistent Deep Passing: Richardson has elite arm strength, but refining his touch on deep throws will make him even more dangerous.

Even incremental improvements in these areas could solidify Richardson’s role as the Colts’ franchise quarterback.

The Colts’ Future and Richardson’s Role in It

The Indianapolis Colts have invested heavily in Anthony Richardson, but they also recognize the need for tangible progress. With a strong offensive line and talented weapons around him, the potential is there for him to thrive.

If Richardson’s offseason work translates to better on-field results, the Colts could quickly emerge as a playoff contender in the AFC. However, if struggles continue, the team may have to make difficult decisions about the future of the quarterback position.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Offseason for Anthony Richardson

This offseason will be one of the most important periods in Anthony Richardson’s young career. By training with Josh Allen and working with biomechanics expert Chris Hess, he is taking all the right steps to improve his accuracy, mechanics, and overall quarterback play.

Josh Allen’s journey proves that quarterbacks can develop into elite passers with the right training and mindset. Now, Richardson has an opportunity to follow that blueprint. If he can make the necessary adjustments, he could transform from a raw prospect into the franchise quarterback the Colts envisioned when they drafted him fourth overall.

Colts fans and the NFL world will be watching closely. Will Richardson’s offseason work pay off? The 2025 season will provide the answer.