Stampede Blue
After a training camp and preseason battle with both Daniel Jones and third-year QB Anthony Richardson splitting starting snaps, the Colts decide on Daniel Jones to be the Week 1 starter vs the Miami Dolphins. Richardson notably didn’t get to play in the preseason with the majority of the starters, either due to his teammates’ injuries/rest or being the 2nd QB in the Week 2 preseason game, coming in at the start of the 2nd Quarter. The news marks the eighth different Week 1 starting QB in the 9 years of Chris Ballard’s tenure as General Manager with the Colts:
In a press conference, Steichen told the press that Jones won’t be on a short leash, and they are expecting him to be the QB for the season.
“I feel confident in his ability to lead us” – Shane Steichen on Daniel Jones named his starting QB.
The decision came down three factors per Nate Atkins of IndyStar:
Steichen also noted that behind the scenes he was able to see Jones’ work ethic and connection with teammates.
He reminded Richardson to stay ready, saying he is only one play away. The Colts coach reiterated that Richardson still has room to grow. This decision was made by Shane Steichen and he informed both General Manager Chris Ballard and Colts Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon on Monday. Steichen then informed the team the next day prior to talking to the media.
Steichen also remarked that Richardson’s injury woes have played a factor in his growth, with a minor pre-training camp tweak to his prior AC joint injury and his Preseason Week 1 pinkie dislocation reducing his time on the field this offseason
Steichen didn’t rule out Richardson getting an opportunity later on, and reiterated that the Colts would evaluate to see if Jones could be given another deal after his 1 year deal expires based on his 2025 play.
“Well, I think, let’s see how the season goes. If he plays really well for us, then there’s a conversation (to have) after the season.”
Naturally the fanbase has not taken the news well that the Colts have relegated their 2023 4th Overall Pick to backup for the 2nd time in his first 3 seasons. They are not alone in that belief as many reporters and analysts disagree based on what they’ve seen from both QBs and a desire to see Richardson get more reps to try to break bad habits and develop.
The former Florida Gator struggled with accuracy issues derived from poor passing mechanics, had a steeper learning curve from college to pros as one of the youngest and most inexperienced starting QBs in NFL...
