The Indianapolis Colts didn't sign former New York Giants top draft pick Daniel Jones to be a high-end backup behind struggling No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson. Head coach Shane Steichen has apparently created an open quarterback competition between two players on their last legs in the pros.
It looked like Jones had leapfrogged Richardson on the depth chart early in the season, as an injury to No. 5's shoulder helped Jones come into the fray and win over his new coaching staff. With Richardson putting up historically poor completion percentages, he is by no means on sturdy ground.
After Jones seemed to be the early leader in the clubhouse, reports from Indianapolis training camp seem to suggest that Richardson is starting to overtake him. Accuracy is always going to be his most important trait to work on, but he appears to have made strides in that area.
"If Jones held any lead in the QB competition coming off spring and early-summer workouts, it appears to have faded a week into training camp," Zak Keefer of The Athletic said. "After sloppy starts from both, Richardson was sharper during the team’s first two padded practices, showing off some improved accuracy."
Anthony Richardson looking sharper than Daniel Jones at Colts practice
Jones threw just 10 touchdown passes in his last 16 starts (only three of which he won), went almost a full calendar year without throwing a touchdown pass at home, and has suffered through some injuries in the last two years. Richardson was somehow worse in 2024, as he tossed 12 interceptions in 11 starts (somehow going 6-5) while completing just 47% of throws.
Even with. strong camp, picking the starter may come down to Steichen's personal preference. If a head coach on the hot seat wants a more accurate pocket passer, Jones may win out. Richardson could be QB1 if Steichen is craving upside and potential.
Arm talent will never be the question with Richardson. Even if he never becomes a particularly accurate quarterback, getting that completion percentage close to 60% (a la Cam Newton) is an absolute necessity for a player who is already on thin ice with this coaching staff.
It would be better for the Colts organization as a whole if Richardson finally starts to live up to the immense potential that his base level of physical talent. The early signs from Colts camp are encouraging, though Richardson will need to prove himself in live game action.