Jaguars' Lawrence warns Colts' Richardson about NFL: 'Protect yourself'
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence offered Indianapolis Colts rookie Anthony Richardson some advice following their Week 1 meeting Sunday.
Richardson, the 2023 fourth overall pick, had a solid NFL debut in his team's 31-21 loss. The 21-year-old finished with 223 yards and one touchdown against one interception. He added 40 yards and one score on the ground.
"Great game, you made some unbelievable plays," Lawrence told Richardson postgame, according to Zak Keefer of The Athletic. "But try and protect yourself."
Lawrence added: "The hits add up in this league, and they're a little different than in college."
Richardson had 10 rushing attempts and was slow to get up on multiple plays after being tackled, including one in the final minute of the game that resulted in backup Gardner Minshew entering the contest under center for the Colts.
The rookie, who was sacked four times, suggested he had a left knee bruise but said he'd "ice it and be alright," according to Kevin Bowen of 1075 The Fan.
Lawrence struggled as a rookie, leading the NFL with 17 interceptions while playing for a Jacksonville team that underperformed on both sides of the ball under head coach Urban Meyer. However, the Clemson product improved in Year 2 and led the Jaguars to the playoffs with the help of new coach Doug Pederson.
The 23-year-old completed 24 of 32 pass attempts for 241 yards and two touchdowns to one interception Sunday. He carried the ball seven times for 41 yards and was sacked twice.
Richardson, meanwhile, became the first rookie quarterback in Colts history to rush and pass for a touchdown in a season opener. The Florida product said he learned "how different it is from college" during his NFL debut.
"Every possession matters, every down matters, every play matters," Richardson said, according to Ben Arthur of Fox Sports. "You can't just take off one play because you think it's all right. You can't take off one quarter because you think you've got the lead and think you're going to get the W."
The Colts visit the Houston Texans in Week 2.
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