According to head coach Shane Steichen, the winner of the Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback competition in training camp (and potentially preseason) will ultimately come down to the most consistent of the pair collectively:
Letting the process play out. pic.twitter.com/i8r4SLQ8OO
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 23, 2025
Both competing quarterbacks, 3rd-year quarterback Anthony Richardson and veteran free agent addition Daniel Jones, showed their fair share of rust on ‘Day 1’ of camp throwing.
That is to be reasonably expected, as Richardson
is ramping back up after shutting it down earlier this offseason after experiencing throwing shoulder soreness, while Jones is learning a new offense and teammates—and really having a Colts’ QB1 crash course on the fly.
If we’re having this same conversation two weeks from now, then it’ll rightfully be a story.
As it stands, Steichen reiterating what has already been stated regarding the Colts just beginning starting quarterback competition is nothing new: he wants consistency.
For Richardson, that also goes hand-in-hand with availability, as it’s hard to establish any sort of continuity with the first-team offense when you’re in and out of the lineup.
Meanwhile, regarding Jones, he hasn’t exactly been consistent his entire 6-year career. There had been flashes of being a franchise quarterback in New York, but with it came erratic play and turnovers—both of which have also plagued the younger Richardson.
From an 11-on-11 or simulated drill standpoint in camp, Jones may actually have the upper hand—as he’s the more accurate of the two and shows a willingness to check the ball down, which arguably could lead to longer sustained drives down the field.
However, a motivated Richardson could be hard to supplant, given his elite physical tools.
More from stampedeblue.com:
- Who should start at cornerback for the Colts in week one?
- History suggests Chuck Pagano and Andrew Luck combo won’t win Super Bowl together
- What is the biggest risk the Colts are taking entering 2017?
- Colts roster ranked as 26th-best in NFL by PFF
- Andrew Luck’s rehab still on schedule despite not yet being cleared to throw
- Who is the Colts’ next candidate for a contract extension?
- Robert Mathis offers support for Paul George, Pacers
