Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Colts set to start seventh different QB in past seven season openers

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/10/23

"Seven Heavens?" More like the "Seven Rings of Hell."

When Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson starts in Week 1, he'll become the seventh different quarterback to open the season as the starter in Indianapolis in the past seven seasons (2017-23).

Anthony Richardson will become the seventh different quarterback to start on opening day for the Colts in each of the past seven seasons. Their seven QB starters in seven years: Scott Tolzein (2017), Andrew Luck (2018), Jacoby Brissett (2019), Philip Rivers (2020), Carson Wentz… pic.twitter.com/4FdCiistHP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 10, 2023

The lack of consistency has taken its toll on the team. The Colts are 0-5-1 in season openers during that span.

Former Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien started in 2017 with Andrew Luck missing the entire season due to a torn labrum.
Luck returned for the 2018 opener but retired during the 2019 preseason, prompting the Colts to start Jacoby Brissett. The front office lured Philip Rivers to Indy for the 2020 season and Carson Wentz in 2021. Last year, the Colts traded a 2022 third-round pick for Matt Ryan.

Among those quarterbacks, Rivers had the most passing yards (353) and highest completion percentage (78.3 percent) in a season opener while Andrew Luck had the most completions (39) and attempts (53).
Overall, Indianapolis has scored 112 points over its past six openers, losing by an average score of 30.8-18.7. The quarterbacks combined to go 162-of-232 (69.8 percent) for 1,603 yards, eight touchdowns and six interceptions.

Rookie quarterback Richardson offers a chance at a reboot in Indy. The Colts spent the past few seasons with stopgap options at quarterback since Luck's impromptu retirement, and none were viable long-term starters.

Drafted fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Indianapolis needs Richardson to change its luck. The Colts host the Jaguars on Week 1. Per Oddschecker, Jacksonville is a 4.5-point favorite. With a loss, Indianapolis' winless streak in season openers would extend to 10 games. It last won in Week 1 in 2013, a 21-17 win over the Raiders.

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