Colts insider calls out Cam Turner for failing Anthony Richardson Sr.
originally appeared on The Sporting News

The entire Colts organization has failed Anthony Richardson Sr.

Everyone has played a role. Richardson himself carries some of the blame. General manager Chris Ballard, head coach Shane Steichen and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter all have blood on their hands. 

But so does quarterback coach Cam Turner, according to the IndyStar’s Nate Atkins. 

Atkins outlined 10 of his thoughts for what Daniel Jones becoming the Colts starter means for the team, and did not hold back when criticizing Turner, saying he “should not be off the hook” for the botched operation.

“The quarterback coach is the single most important assistant on staff when the position isn't settled,” Atkins wrote. “And Steichen decided to hire a close confidant, an extension of his details in scheme and game planning, rather than someone with a track record or a skill set suited to building and connecting with a young quarterback.”

Turner came from the Cardinals, where he had worked with Kyler Murray, another high draft choice. In his four seasons in Arizona, Murray improved on the field, but had some preparation problems to the point where he now has a “study hall” clause worked into his progress to ensure he’s spending the necessary time behind the scenes to be successful. 

Sounds a lot like Richardson’s issues mastering the scheme in Indianapolis. 

When Murray returned to play following a torn ACL in 2023, he took the field for the first time without Turner and had one of the best seasons of his career. He threw for a 68.8% completion percentage, had his lowest sack rate in four seasons and rushed for 572 yards, his second-most in a season. 

Atkins believes Turner, who was responsible for watching plays back on the bench and ensuring he understood the cadence, failed at his main responsibility. 

“When a quarterback consistently struggles with cadence issues to the degree of false starts and isn't dialed in behind the scenes, it's not hard to find a person responsible for identifying and addressing those areas in a real way before it gets too late,” he wrote. 

Turner has been able to dodge the bullets thus far, but as time goes on, he becomes more likely to receive more flack. 

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