The Indianapolis Colts only have themselves to blame for their quarterback situation, as general manager Chris Ballard seemingly did not entertain any other option this past offseason other than bringing Daniel Jones back to play quarterback. In his second season with the team, Jones has not been good. That doesn't mean he should be replaced by Anthony Richardson.
That is what ESPN's Ben Solak suggested recently, though, saying that Jones should be benched in favor of Richardson because Richardson has more of an ability to use his legs effectively. The problem is that it isn't Jones' legs that have been the issue, but his arm.
Solak writes, "(The Colts) won't trade Richardson, and Daniel Jones looks like his arm is weaker almost every single week. This offense could really use an infusion of playmaking from a talented runner at the quarterback position."
ESPN writer believes the Indianapolis Colts should bench Daniel Jones for Anthony Richardson
The ESPN writer appears to negate his own argument by pointing out that Jones has an increasingly weaker arm, but then substituting in Richardson because he runs better. Assuming Jones has the same arm strength as he has in previous seasons, which, based on his play, is a safe assumption, he still never had the arm strength of Richardson, but that is immaterial.
An NFL team isn't going to win consistently with a quarterback who can run exceedingly well but can't pass accurately, which is who Richardson is. What makes the Ravens' Lamar Jackson so special is that he runs faster than everyone else, but he's also worked his way into a very accurate and dangerous passer. Richardson hasn't shown that same evolution.
Jones still gives the Colts the best chance to win, and it is easy to forget that he is working without his two best receivers from last season. Alec Pierce is injured, and Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What Jones is working with currently is one of the least talented wide receiver groups in the NFL. Josh Downs is solid, but not a true WR1, and that is what he is having to be right now. Tight end Tyler Warren had a good game in Week 5, but he's been limited by the offense not having a wideout who can take the top off the defense consistently.
Daniel Jones has to be better, but he doesn't have much to work with. Everything is being played close to the line, especially because of Pierce's reinjured heel, and that has slowed even elite running back Jonathan Taylor.
Replacing Jones with Anthony Richardson fixes nothing. If anything, it limits the offense further, and defenses would adjust to a quarterback who is more of a running threat than a good thrower of the football. Jones is the best the Indianapolis Colts can do right now, and that won't change until at least next season.
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