The Indianapolis Colts will have several training camp battles this year. Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones will be the biggest competition. Which player will win the starting quarterback job?
John Breech of CBS Sports wrote an article predicting the starter for the teams with the worst quarterback situations. He picked Richardson to start in Week 1:
“Colts: Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, Jason Bean
Who will start in Week 1? Anthony Richardson. It’s in general manager Chris Ballard’s and head coach Shane Steichen’s best interest for Richardson to win the starting job, and he will thanks to being the most talented and tenured guy in the room.”
Breech is right. Richardson is the most talented and tenured guy in the Colts’ quarterback room. But just because he’s been in Indy longer and has the most talent doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed to win the job.
An Analyst Predicts Anthony Richardson Will Win the Colts’ Starting Quarterback Job
Don’t Underestimate Danny Dimes
During his year-end press conference, Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the team would add competition for Anthony Richardson. And that’s exactly what happened when Jones was signed this offseason.
Jones was taken by the New York Giants sixth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. When you’re drafted that high, you’re expected to be a superstar quarterback. Yet, that has never materialized for Jones. The former Duke star hasn’t made a Pro Bowl in any of his six seasons. Last year, he was benched by the Giants and eventually released. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings, although he didn’t play a game with the team.
Jones, though, did have a great 2022 season in New York. That year, he threw for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also rushed for a career-high 708 yards and seven scores. In addition, Jones helped the Giants pick up a playoff win over the Vikings. His performance that season got him a $160 million contract extension.
Jones has what it takes to beat out Anthony Richardson and win the Colts’ starting job. If he wins, he could rejuvenate his career in Indianapolis. Sometimes, a change of scenery can help a player dramatically.
Will Anthony Richardson Lose His Job?
While Jones had an outstanding 2022 season, the Colts had the opposite. They finished with a lousy 4-12-1 record that year. In desperate need of a franchise quarterback, Indianapolis drafted Anthony Richardson fourth overall in 2023.
Unfortunately, the former Florida Gator has not yet become a franchise QB. Richardson’s career has consisted of multiple injuries and accuracy issues. Like Jones, Richardson was benched in 2024. Yet, he later got his starting job back, replacing veteran Joe Flacco.
Richardson hasn’t gotten off to a perfect start. However, he has shown flashes of becoming a superstar. Last season, he was impressive in a road win over the New York Jets. In that contest, Richardson led a six-play, 70-yard drive that ended with his game-winning rushing touchdown. He finished with a career-high 272 passing yards and a touchdown. He also had 32 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 28-27 victory. Richardson looked great in the comeback victory over the New England Patriots in Week 13. He engineered a 19-play drive that ended with a touchdown to Alec Pierce and then a two-point conversion.
Richardson has the potential to be a star. He needs to find a way to stay healthy, though, and improve his accuracy. Perhaps competing with Jones will give him the motivation to take a huge leap in 2025.
We’ll, of course, find out who becomes the Colts’ starting QB. Honestly, it won’t be surprising whoever wins.
Main Image: Grace Hollars – USA Today Sports
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