In starting Anthony Richardson again, Shane Steichen emphasized every quarterback has a ‘different journey.’ Just look at the Lions’ Jared Goff.
Jared Goff’s career has been far from straightforward, yet he’s become the leader of one of the NFL’s top offenses.
Last week, Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced Anthony Richardson would start for the rest of the season, ending the two-week benching of the 2023 No. 4 overall pick.
Explaining the decision, Steichen shared thoughts on the unique path Richardson is navigating.
“Everyone’s journey is different,” Steichen said. “Development takes time. People want instant success, but it doesn’t always work that way. You have to persevere. I love Anthony and believe he’ll be our franchise quarterback.”
Quarterback development truly varies. Patrick Mahomes thrived after sitting a year. Peyton Manning struggled early but evolved into a legend. Josh Allen took three years to surpass a 60% completion rate. Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson, both rookies, were benched before reclaiming their starting roles. Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, meanwhile, have shined from the start.
Few embody Steichen’s “different journey” philosophy more than Jared Goff, Richardson’s Week 12 opponent.
The 2016 No. 1 overall pick had a rough rookie season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, with the Rams losing all seven of his starts. When Sean McVay took over, Goff flourished, throwing 60 touchdowns and leading the Rams to Super Bowl LIII.
However, his performance declined after a major contract extension. The Rams traded him to Detroit in a blockbuster deal for Matthew Stafford. By then, Goff wasn’t guaranteed a starting role in Los Angeles.
Detroit was seen as a career graveyard, with no playoff wins in decades. Early assessments of the trade focused on potential cap savings if the Lions cut Goff after 2022.
But Goff embraced the move, telling ESPN he viewed it as an opportunity.
“I just put my head down and worked,” Goff said. “It wasn’t easy, but I saw it as a chance to be part of something great from the ground up. That’s how I approached it.”
Since then, Goff has revived his career. Over three seasons, the Lions are 30-14 with him as the starter. His 101.1 passer rating since 2022 ranks among the NFL’s best. Goff also led Detroit to its first playoff wins since the early 1990s.
This season, he’s completed over 80% of his passes in half of Detroit’s games, including a perfect performance against Jacksonville last week.
“If he has three incompletions in a game,” Lions defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said, “it’s shocking to him.”
Goff’s resurgence showcases how adversity can help players grow. After struggles with the Rams, he’s become a better version of himself in Detroit.
“Adversity is inevitable,” Steichen said. “It’s about how you respond and push through to find success.”
Richardson’s benching isn’t the same as Goff’s two-year decline and trade, but both illustrate the importance of persistence. Richardson earned back his starting role by showing focus and humility.
On Sunday, Richardson delivered his best performance yet, completing 20 of 30 passes for 272 yards and three total touchdowns, including a game-winner.
Moving forward, he must stay consistent during practices and games. Goff’s story serves as a reminder that growth takes time, and no player’s path is identical.
“Development is a process,” Steichen said. “Everyone’s journey is unique. Hopefully, we’ll look back at this time as the start of something special.”
