Despite interception, Colts' Richardson shows 'great poise' - ESPN

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Anthony Richardson fell prey to the one of the biggest pitfalls of rookie quarterbacks on his third pass attempt of his first preseason game.

The Indianapolis Colts rookie and receiver Isaiah McKenzie had a miscommunication in Saturday's preseason opener, resulting in Richardson's pass being intercepted by Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson.

But what happened next made as big an impression as the turnover itself. Richardson settled in, engineering two lengthy drives as he closed out the first quarter of his NFL debut, a 23-19 Buffalo victory at Highmark Stadium.

«I thought he had great poise,» Colts coach Shane Steichen said. «I knew we had the early interception. That's my fault. We've got to do a better job communicating on that one.… That starts with coaching, starts with myself. Other than that, I thought he was efficient.»

Richardson faced numerous obstacles — poor field position, penalties, a 28-yard missed field goal and a would-be 34-yard touchdown pass that was ultimately dropped — but he overcame them all to complete 7-of-12 passes for 67 yards. The interception was the most notable adversity Richardson faced, but his ability to keep his head in spite of it was impressive.

Teammates, Richardson said, «are looking at me to control the offense. So, I can't be out there nervous. They're looking at me in my eyes like they're ready to play, so I have to be ready to play.»

The interception came when the Bills sent a safety blitz off the right edge, leaving right tackle Blake Freeland with two rushers in his vicinity. Richardson and McKenzie were not on the same page on the required adjustment on such a blitz, leaving Richardson with few options. He forced a throw instead of taking a sack or