Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson shows improved confidence, poise in preseason finale vs. Eagles

Whether it was with his strong right arm or fleet feet, Anthony Richardson's otherworldly potential was on display for 33 snaps Thursday night.

The desired results didn't always follow, but the Indianapolis Colts' starting quarterback wrapped up the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles with an overall positive showing heading into his rookie year.

Richardson's second preseason outing saw him play through the first half, leading the Colts on three scoring drives in five series and for a 17-13 halftime lead. He completed 6 of 17 passes for 78 yards and added 38 yards on five carries. Though his passing stats were far from sterling, they didn't tell the story of the improved poise and control of the offense presented.

"Shoot, I thought he did a solid job. We scored three out of the first four drives, which is good," head coach Shane Steichen said after Indy's 27-13 win, via team transcripts. "The two-minute drive wasn't what we wanted, but we'll go back, look at the tape. I thought he did some really good things and some things we've got to clean up as well."

Richardson's confidence was perhaps most evident after the Colts' first scoring drive, when he flapped his arms in a "Fly, Eagles, fly," motion, much to the dismay of the Lincoln Financial Field faithful. It was a moment that garnered notice and stirred social media, but his overall showing in two quarters was a snapshot of the overwhelming potential that made him such an enticing prospect.

"Sometimes when you get into the end zone, you just freeze up and don't know what to do. So I was contemplating what I was going to do if I scored or if somebody else scored. So I ran down there and I was just flapping my arms and having fun," Richardson said after the game. "I hope nobody took it the wrong way. I was just balling, having fun out there, and enjoying it.