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Anthony Richardson entered the season with a lot of hype and answered the call in the season opener against #7 Utah. Since then, Richardson has struggled, completing 24/53 for 255 yards over the last two weeks as well as being held to just 28 rush yards combined.
What is even more surprising: Richardson is yet to throw a passing touchdown this season. Instead, he has thrown two interceptions in each of the last two games. Here’s what Richardson had to say about his early season struggles.
Quarterback Situation
One of the new comments coming from talks with Richardson and head coach Billy Napier is how the current quarterback situation is affecting the way Richardson plays.
“I definitely consider it,” Richardson said.
The quarterback situation Napier referred to is the injury to Ohio State transfer Jack Miller III. Richardson mentioned that it has certainly changed how aggressive he is in the run game.
In addition to the quarterback situation, Richardson also attributes defensive changes as one of the reasons for his poor running performances.
New Film Technique
One of the changes that Anthony Richardson noted was a new film-watching technique.
“We’re going to start doing something new this week,” he said. “Watching film together.”
Here’s what Richardson had to say on communicating with the wide receivers on how they can improve together.
The hope from Richardson and the rest of the group is to get the wide receivers more involved.
The leading receiver for the Gators, Ricky Pearsall, has 120 yards on the season, but only corralled one catch Saturday against USF.
Dealing with the Mental Aspect
Richardson openly admitted to getting in his head before and during the last two games.
Richardson’s high school football coach pointed it out to him before the quarterback even realized it.
“That’s pretty crazy,” Richardson responded.
Richardson also noted that at times a big hit can impact his mental state for a few plays.
Looking Ahead to Knoxville
“That’s a lot of people,” Richardson said in regards to the crowd they are going to play in front of at Neyland Stadium.
But “The Swamp” gets loud too, he added.
Richardson and company will have to face off against a very fast and talented Volunteer team, but Richardson knows the Gators can be explosive.
He also mentioned how he spent time with Tennessee starting quarterback Hendon Hooker at the Manning Passing Academy.
Florida will look to keep Hooker in check Saturday, as they travel to Knoxville to take on rival #11 Tennessee at 3:30 on CBS.
