Colts head coach Shane Steichen looking for consistency from winner of QB1 competition

The Colts 3rd-year head coach reiterated that consistency is key regarding the winner of the ongoing QB competition.

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:

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.