Indianapolis Colts fans are beginning to feel the pain of being a franchise that simply cannot get the quarterback position right.
It sounds funny saying something like that considering this organization is the one which long-employed Peyton Manning followed by the likes of Andrew Luck.
But, since Luck's retirement, Colts fans have grown far too accustomed to seeing an unfinished (or long-finished) product under center. It's either been a guy who just isn't quite there yet or it's a veteran that's past his prime.
Going into 2025, the quarterback room is already under fire.
The Colts finish nearly dead last in recent quarterback rankings
In the latest edition of quarterback power rankings, CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin took his attempt to put all 32 in order. When it came to the Colts, it wasn't pretty. And, no, this isn't going to focus even a little bit on Riley Jones. That's a conversation for later.
Benjamin placed Anthony Richardson no. 30 out of 32 starting quarterbacks.
Of course, that assumes the Colts end up rolling with Richardson to start the year. But, what happens if Jones takes over? Is it really all that much better? If Chris Ballard is thinking so, he needs to think again.
We sort of know who Jones is. He isn't a guy who will be the reason you win games, and occasionally he will be someone who loses games for you. Is he capable of making a big play every once and a while? Sure, and at times it's with his legs.
His skill set is very similar to Richardson's which is why it made sense to bring him in as competition. But, is he going to be that much different than Richardson if he ends up winning the job?
Truthfully, I don't see Jones as being too much of an upgrade. A little, yes, but let's say these quarterback rankings came out once Jones takes over. Let's assume that's somewhere along the lines of Week 4 or Week 5.
If he plays to ceiling, Jones might be able to work himself up to the mid-20's in terms of ranking.
But, that's about it. Ballard essentially went out and made a lateral move with Jones, and his Colts are in for a rude awakening unless something magical happens within that quarterback room.