{
  "id": 4321392,
  "title": "Steichen evaluates final preseason play of Colts' Richardson, Leonard",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/steichen-evaluates-final-preseason-play-of-colts-richardson-leonard",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-30T01:23:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/steichen-evaluates-final-preseason-play-012333517.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Indianapolis Colts concluded their preseason schedule with a final game that served as a decisive moment for head coach Shane Steichen in deciding the backup quarterback position. Anthony Richardson made his debut in this matchup, showcasing an efficient performance during the first quarter. Steichen commended Richardson's execution, stating, \"I thought Anthony got some good drives, for sure.\" Richardson completed 7-of-10 passes and contributed to two field goals. With a clean pocket, he displayed poise and accurate throws, including a 24-yard over-the-middle strike to Keenan Allen and a layered sideline pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. In contrast, Riley Leonard faced challenges in the pocket, completing only 3-of-7 passes for 48 yards with an interception. Steichen acknowledged Leonard's efforts, emphasizing the need to avoid turnovers in the red zone. Despite Leonard's 4th-and-6 conversion leading to a Gould corner route touchdown, the coach stressed the importance of staying out of turnover trouble. Both quarterbacks delivered noteworthy performances, but Richardson's overall play during preseason games appeared to surpass Leonard's. The article originally published on Colts Wire highlighted Steichen's evaluation of the final preseason performance between Richardson and Leonard.",
  "summary": "Following the Colts final preseason game, Shane Steichen evaluated the play of Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard.",
  "key_points": [
    "Anthony Richardson made debut, completed 7-of-10 passes",
    "Riley Leonard struggled in pocket, completed 3-of-7 passes",
    "Steichen favored Richardson's overall preseason performance"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This development suggests Richardson has edged ahead of Leonard in the battle for the backup quarterback position, putting pressure on Leonard to sharpen his play and avoid costly mistakes.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}