After learning some hard lessons, Richardson is back as the starter -- and not a moment too soon

Did AR become a better pro in the two weeks he spent on the bench? He thinks so. So does Shane Steichen. We'll see, won't we?

Now it’s on Anthony Richardson. Now, after a two-week hiatus as the backup quarterback while watching Joe Flacco struggle along, Richardson is the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback and will remain so as long as he stays healthy.

Did he go from a schmo to a pro in just two weeks’ time? That’s what the Colts are telling us, what they’re counting upon. They’re telling us this was a wakeup call, of sorts, and they feel like they finally grabbed Richardson’s attention.

Great.

Now, then, it’s all on Richardson.

He’s got to grow up, quickly. He’s got to become fully committed to the notion that he’s the on-field CEO of this franchise. He’s got to put in the time, be on time, ask questions, take notes, all those things the Colts suggested were lacking in his preparation. Because I don’t care if you’re the fourth overall pick or Mr. Irrelevant, there aren’t a lot of third chances in this league. At least not with the same team, that is.

“I’m just showing that I'm willing to be a pro and I'm willing to sacrifice anything that I need to do for the team,” Richardson said Wednesday. “I feel like these past two weeks, it's definitely opened my eyes and allowed me to have the opportunity to do that and just take a deeper dive and look into myself and see what I'm really made of. So, I'm thankful for these past two weeks and I'm low-key glad it happened.”