ClutchPoints
The Indianapolis Colts are nearing clarity in their quarterback competition as head coach Shane Steichen confirmed he is very close to naming a starter between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. Following a 23-19 preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers, Steichen stressed that a final decision is coming soon.
“I’ve seen three weeks of it,” Steichen told reporters postgame, “so I’d like to have a decision here shortly.”
“Obviously, you’ve got a quarterback battle, you’ve got two first-round draft picks,” Steichen said. “When they both came in, I made it very clear that this is gonna be a battle, and they’re gonna compete for the job. Like I said, I’m gonna make the decision that I feel is best for the football team.”
After weeks of training camp and two preseason contests, the battle remains tight, but a resolution is expected soon with just three weeks left before the Colts’ Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Jones, signed to a one-year, $14 million contract in March, started against the Packers. In two series, he completed 7 of 11 passes for 101 yards, leading one drive to a field goal. His outing showed both progress and lingering issues. Jones executed quick reads within Steichen’s system and connected on several precision throws, yet a missed deep shot to rookie tight end Tyler Warren cost Indianapolis a potential touchdown. Over his 46 preseason snaps across two games, Jones has engineered three scoring drives, totaling nine points.
Richardson relieved Jones in the second quarter against Green Bay, completing 6 of 11 passes for 73 yards and rushing once for nine. His first series showcased significant improvement, going 5-for-6 for 64 yards while directing a touchdown drive. A 38-yard strike to Anthony Gould displayed his arm talent but was erased by a pre-snap penalty.
Richardson hasn’t been perfect, but he’s managed to put 13 points on the board in five preseason drives. The 2023 No. 4 pick hit 59.2% of his passes in camp and has made it a point to tighten up the easy throws and short passing game, the same areas that raised concerns last year when injuries cut into his season.
The Colts’ search for a starter goes back to the frustrations of last season’s results, when Richardson’s injuries and uneven play forced the organization to add “real competition” under center.
Jones, the No. 6 pick in 2019, brings six years of starting experience with the Giants and has completed 68.8% of his camp throws while limiting turnovers. Richardson, meanwhile, offers a higher ceiling as a homegrown first-rounder with elite physical tools.
With one preseason game left against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Colts’ quarterback picture is set to come into focus.
The post Colts’ Shane Steichen provides major update on final QB1 decision appeared first on ClutchPoints.
