2023-09-05 16:56:38
Football figurehead Bernhard Raimann starts his second year in the NFL with big goals and much more power. As a regular for the Indianapolis Colts, the 25-year-old offensive tackle is hoping for a victorious start to the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday (7:00 p.m.) and it should also mark the successful beginning of the Anthony Richardson era. The 21-year-old quarterback is considered a super talent and should lead the Colts – if Raimann has his way – to the Super Bowl.
But there is still a long way to go until then, especially since the Colts, as the fourth worst team in the 32nd league, have restarted after the past season. With the fourth pick in talent education, “Indy” put everything on one card, under playmaker Richardson, success should return to the two-time Super Bowl winner. “It’s going to be a great season. I’m looking forward to it,” said Raimann in the APA interview. “Anthony has all the physical talents there is. He has the potential to be huge.”
At 1.93 m and 111 kg, rookie Richardson has unusual dimensions for a quarterback and is said to pose a threat, especially with his athleticism in the running game. “Overall, it makes my job easier,” said Raimann, even if he has to be extra careful in certain situations to avoid risking a holding penalty. Under new head coach Shane Steichen, who was most recently responsible for offensive plays at Super Bowl participants Philadelphia Eagles, Richardson is expected to bring calm back after a chaotic season with three unsuccessful quarterbacks and just four wins in 17 games. And a perspective.
“You notice a difference in the philosophy and in the daily routine. It has developed positively,” explained Raimann when asked about the new coaching staff. The play-offs are “definitely” a realistic goal, personally the Viennese has big plans. “I want to be an all-pro tackle, the best in this position,” said the left tackle, who protects the so-called “blindside” in the quarterback’s back. “But it’s about getting into the Super Bowl and winning a game every week.”
For this mission, Raimann, who married his wife Calli in June as part of a “dream wedding” in Vienna, recharged his batteries for a week at home. The 1.98 m giant also used the summer break to gain muscle mass. “15 pounds, so around seven kilos. The food tasted particularly good in the offseason,” said Raimann and added with a laugh: “Unfortunately, roast pork with dumplings isn’t allowed every day.”
Because the body and muscle mass of the pros is constantly tested and must not exceed a certain percentage, healthy eating is also taken into account as much as possible. Raimann now weighs about 145 kg. “Blocking gets a little bit easier with the extra weight,” he explained. With good performances, Raimann earned himself a regular place in the second half of the season as a rookie, and the Vienna-born athlete has now secured it.
The first red-white-red NFL player who is not a kicker starts his second season with more self-confidence. “It will never be easy. But you get used to the whole league, the speed and the strength of your opponents.” The first opponent is a tough one in Jaguars and a win against division rivals AFC South would be particularly valuable. “We don’t want to look too much into the future and are only concentrating on the first week. It’s doubly important for us to get a win,” said Raimann.
Star running back Jonathan Taylor will not be there. The 24-year-old demanded a significantly better-paid contract from the Colts, but this wish was not granted. Taylor, the best running back of the 2021 season, was also denied a desired change to another team. In the past season, the top performer was repeatedly thrown back by injuries.
Currently, Taylor is on the physically disabled list, which will make him miss the first four games of the season. “He was and still is a great teammate,” said Raimann, who would like Taylor to stay with the Colts. “He was always the first to cheer you up too. He’s got a few years left where he’ll dominate the running back world.”
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