Colts HC Offers Major Update on Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones QB Battle

Newsweek

6 days ago

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The Indianapolis Colts are having a big quarterback battle, as young signal-caller Anthony Richardson is attempting to secure the starting position. However, he is up against Daniel Jones, the former starter for the New York Giants.
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While it would be believed that Richardson is the clear-cut starter of the pair, that is not the case. The Colts are smartly allowing a quarterback battle to happen between the quarterbacks, and it appears the competition is a lot closer than people think.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen offered a major update to NFL senior writer Jeremy Fowler, stating the battle for the starting position is currently "neck and neck."
From #Colts:
-Shane Steichen calls QB battle 'neck and neck.'
-Anthony Richardson humbled, tweaks mechanics
-Daniel Jones picks up offense quickly pic.twitter.com/3x0khmt30o — Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 30, 2025
Steichen gave some coach-speak about what the team is looking for out of their starter, and clearly that is "getting the offense going." Richardson and Jones both have the ability to do that.
Instead of Richardson being upset at the idea of having to battle it out with Jones, he instead offered some very self-aware critiques of his play in 2024.
Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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"I need to pick up the slack. I did not work hard enough last year, and that is essentially why I got benched," Richardson told Fowler.
Richardson is also shown speaking about "doing more," for himself and for the team.
Richardson certainly has a good mind about what transpired in 2024. The hope was that the tough running and accurate passer would have a breakout year, but injuries led to him missing multiple games.
Also, during Week 8, Richardson pulled himself from a game, citing that he was "tired" and "needed a break." The result of his pulling himself led to the Colts benching him in favor of longtime veteran Joe Flacco.
Flacco did not live up to expectations and was replaced by Richardson two games later.
Richardson has every chance to land the starting position, but he needs to beat out Jones. Jones joined the Colts after he fell out of favor with the Giants. Following six years with the team, he was released and joined the Minnesota Vikings to back up Sam Darnold.
Despite Jones' reputation with the Giants, he is still a solid passer. He also played under a very poor offensive line, which won't be the case for the Colts.
If Jones is learning the offense quickly and is neck and neck with Richardson, then Richardson will have to play perfectly to not lose the starting role. Either way, having a quarterback battle like this will benefit both.
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