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New York Times
5 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Colts GM resolute on staying patient with Anthony Richardson, even beyond 2025: ‘I still believe'
WESTFIELD, Ind. — They preached patience, then didn't practice it. The truth is the Indianapolis Colts were in a hurry the minute they drafted Anthony Richardson fourth overall in 2023. A hurry to get him on the field, a hurry to hand him the starting quarterback job, a hurry to find out if the franchise's years-long odyssey at the position was finally, mercifully over. Advertisement It wasn't. It's easy to fall for the trappings of talent, especially talent like Richardson's, and the Colts did. 'An alien,' former top scout Morocco Brown called Richardson early on, adding that his skill set was so rare 'it might not come along for another 50 years.' After just one preseason game, the job was his. He was only 21. He'd made just 13 college starts. Three games in, the Colts ended an acrimonious contract standoff with their star running back, Jonathan Taylor, in part because they believed they had their QB in place. They could start to see the future. Here's where that future has led them: Richardson has missed 17 games due to injury, never starting more than four in a row, and missed two more after being benched midway through last season for lack of preparation. 'He was drowning,' Colts general manager Chris Ballard later admitted. 'Mentally, it was going really fast for him.' In 2024, Richardson's completion percentage was a league-low 47.7, and entering Year 3, he finds himself in a QB competition with a free-agent addition, Daniel Jones, for the job that was supposed to be his for a decade or more. The regret is real, from both player and team. Ballard wishes he'd resisted the urge to hand Richardson the job right away, a move late owner Jim Irsay pushed for at the time. What the young quarterback needed was the chance to acclimate to the NFL, to learn the job, to watch a veteran's daily habits and build his own. 'He just doesn't know yet,' Ballard told The Athletic recently. 'He didn't have enough experience, both from a play standpoint but also a professional standpoint of how to get ready.' But, Ballard concedes, 'when you take one high, there's an expectation. The pressure to play the kid is real.' The GM caved to that pressure two years ago. He's vowed he won't moving forward. Ballard remains intent on playing the long game with the 23-year-old, even if Richardson doesn't beat out Jones for the starting job this season. In other words: The Colts won't consider releasing or trading Richardson, even if his third season ends in disappointment. Advertisement It's an unusual approach considering the stakes and risks involved. Many highly drafted quarterbacks who face early struggles are moved out quickly, while they still have some trade value. Consider: Three 2021 first-round picks — Zach Wilson, Trey Lance and Mac Jones — didn't see a fourth season with the team that drafted them. The Colts are willing to wait. 'I just think eventually Anthony's going to be who we think he can be,' Ballard said. 'I still believe that. Whether that's this year or next, I don't know when it's going to happen.' Ballard cited a pair of recent QB reclamation projects, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, to drive home his point: Sometimes, all a quarterback needs is time — and in those instances, a change of scenery — to alter the course of their career. Ballard believes the Colts can still coax the best out of Richardson under coach Shane Steichen and the current staff. He also doesn't want the only first-round quarterback he's ever drafted to flourish somewhere else. 'Eventually, the light comes on,' Ballard said. If Jones held any lead in the QB competition coming off spring and early-summer workouts — Richardson was temporarily shut down from throwing in late May after aggravating his shoulder — it appears to have faded a week into training camp. After sloppy starts from both, Richardson was sharper during the team's first two padded practices, showing off some improved accuracy on the very throws that he's struggled with throughout his first two NFL seasons. He finished 9-for-11 during live full-team periods Tuesday, including a handful of touchdowns in red-zone work. 😤😤😤 — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 28, 2025 The mistakes were less frequent, though Richardson did flub a shuttle pass on the goal line that spoke to the turnover issues he's endured early in his career. When Richardson sat down with his personal throwing coaches and watched his 2024 film, too often they saw him narrowing his feet at the point of release, which led to him consistently missing high. So they drilled all spring and summer, working with Richardson to widen his base and give him more feel for where the ball is going. It's how he's starting each practice at training camp, working alone on the field, setting his feet wider than before so the motion becomes second-nature. 'I feel like I got more control over the ball now,' Richardson said after Tuesday's workout. Mental reps. — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 25, 2025 It's not uncommon for a quarterback to struggle with mechanics early in his career, then spend a good chunk of an offseason reworking them. In the pro game, the margins are slimmer, the windows tighter, the defenses smarter. Touch is required, especially in the middle of the field. Talents like Richardson — gifted enough to overwhelm college secondaries with sheer arm strength and scrambling ability — have to find another way. Advertisement 'That'll get you a long way in high school and college,' Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said. 'In this league, you need more.' Can Richardson consistently complete the short and intermediate throws — especially on critical downs — that have sabotaged his first two seasons? It could end up defining his NFL career. If there was an area Jones had a clear advantage on Richardson heading into camp, it was accuracy. Only 58 percent of Richardson's throws last season were on target, per Pro Football Reference, while Jones never finished below 70 percent during his six-year run with the New York Giants (most successful NFL starting quarterbacks hover between 70-75 percent). Steichen explained to both at the outset of camp what would ultimately win the job: consistency, in both preparation and performance. 'Being a guy the coaches trust,' was how Jones put it. That hasn't been Richardson two seasons in. His play has been too erratic, his preparation too inconsistent. His availability has also given the team serious pause, which is one of the reasons why the Colts paid Jones $14 million on a one-year deal. They've yet to be able to count on Richardson to stay healthy. Richardson said he took no issue with the signing, welcoming the competition. His mindset hasn't changed, nor has his urgency. 'Even if they brought Tom Brady in here — he's the greatest — I just gotta work and try to beat (him) out,' Richardson said. The young quarterback is still just 23, a few days older than Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick of this past April's draft, and the stakes are obvious heading into 2025. Last season humbled him. 'That was my big takeaway,' Richardson acknowledged. 'I didn't do enough.' The Colts are hoping it serves as the wake-up call his career desperately needed, one that leaves him with a new appreciation for what it takes to win on Sundays. 'Even if things aren't going the right way, even if it's not my quote-unquote fault, it is my fault,' Richardson added. 'I'm the quarterback. I'm the leader.' Advertisement That might be the right mentality, but he's not the quarterback. Not yet. That job's still up for grabs, and Ballard has pledged not to rush the process like the Colts did two years ago. That mistake cost them. As long as the ninth-year GM is still here, he's adamant not to repeat it. 'Do you have the courage to stay the path when things aren't going right and believe that we're gonna come out of this thing on the other end in a good way?' Ballard said, reflecting on the last few years. 'If it doesn't work, it might get my ass fired, but I'm willing to live with that because it's the right thing to do.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shane Steichen on play of Colts' rookie RB DJ Giddens in training camp
Perhaps starting to emerge in the Indianapolis Colts' backup running back competition is rookie DJ Giddens. Joel Erickson of the Indy Star noted a big running play from Giddens. In the live period, there wasn't a ton of room for Giddens to run, but he has an impressive ability to find and create space when given the opportunity. "He's kind of a glider," Shane Steichen said after Monday's practice. "But he's got good burst, good vision, the stretch cut stuff on the outside zones have been really impressive this last week and then today in pads. Really looking forward to his progress in camp." During his time at Kansas State, Giddens was difficult to bring down, and that ability has been on display during training camp. Last season, Giddens averaged an impressive 6.5 yards per carry, which included him ranking sixth in average yards after contact and 20th in missed tackles forced. The result of all that was a player who was able to generate explosive plays, ranking 15th in rushes of 10-plus yards, according to PFF. After the NFL draft, GM Chris Ballard mentioned Gidden's contact balance as one of the reasons he's tough to tackle. Giddens also ran a 4.43-second 40 as well. Along with his plays in the run game, Erickson also noted that Giddens looks like a "natural" receiver. In his final two seasons, Giddens was targeted 72 times, averaging 12.9 yards per catch in 2024, the 11th best mark among running backs. That pass-catching element out of the backfield is something the Colts could use more of this season. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts training camp: Steichen evaluates play of rookie RB DJ Giddens
USA Today
23-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Indianapolis Colts training camp primer: Everything you need to know
Training camp is here for the Indianapolis Colts. Here is everything you need to know and watch for as it all unfolds. Training camp has arrived for the Indianapolis Colts, with the team taking the field on Wednesday for their first training camp practice of the summer. Below is everything you need to know and watch for, not only in today's practice but throughout the summer. Indianapolis Colts full training camp schedule You can read the full story here. Indianapolis Colts' projected depth charts on Day 1 of training camp practices You can read the full story here. 5 non-quarterback training camp competitions Colts' GM Chris Ballard highlighted You can read the full story here. Colts' Chris Ballard on Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones QB competition You can read the full story here. Colts beginning training camp with a healthy roster; no players on PUP says Chris Ballard You can read the full story here. 4 Indianapolis Colts training camp battles on defense to watch closely You can read the full story here. 4 Training camp battles on Indianapolis Colts' offense to watch for You can read the full story here. 4 Indianapolis Colts' X-factors for 2025 NFL season with training camp here You can read the full story here. 3 Indianapolis Colts rookies not named Tyler Warren to watch in training camp You can read the full story here. One big question for each position group Indianapolis Colts 53-man roster prediction before training camp starts You can read the full story here.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Colts keeping open mind about Anthony Richardson and QB competition at training camp
WESTFIELD, Ind. (AP) — General manager Chris Ballard kept promising during the offseason that he'd hold a quarterback competition for the Indianapolis Colts starter in 2025. He's certainly not changing now. As players reported to training camp Tuesday, Ballard told reporters he anticipates watching a vigorous battle between incumbent starter Anthony Richardson and free agent acquisition Daniel Jones. Practice begins Wednesday at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana, a suburb on the northwest side of Indianapolis. 'It's important they get into (preseason) games and we'll play both of them, ' Ballard said. 'I've told you all this before, but unfortunately growth does not happen through success; growth happens when you go through a lot of (stuff).' Indy's top two quarterbacks certainly have been through plenty during their short NFL careers. Since being taken No. 4 overall in the 2023 draft, Richardson has struggled to stay healthy. He's missed 19 of 34 games over the past two seasons, 17 with a variety of injuries and two when he was benched after taking himself out of a game last season because he admitted he needed a breather. Richardson also missed Indy's three-day minicamp in June because of an injury to his throwing shoulder. While Richardson appears to be healthy for camp, Ballard said Indy likely would limit the number of throws in Westfield, Indiana, especially this week and next. The other major concern is Richardson's accuracy. Despite showing flashes of promise last season, the strong-armed former Florida star completed just 47.7% of his throws last season — the lowest rate among the NFL's regular starters. He's completed just 50.6% of his career passes. But even as Ballard and third-year coach Shane Steichen opted for more competition, both have continued to believe Richardson eventually will fulfill the potential they saw in college. 'Do you think people regret Baker Mayfield's timeline? Sam Darnold's timeline?' Ballard said, referring to teams giving up too quickly on those quarterbacks. 'So how about a little patience? You've got to have a little patience with a guy and let them grow through things. If you just know 'This guy, no, he can't do it' ... but if you think, 'Hey, he's on the right trajectory' why are you going to flush him? I think we need to give Anthony every chance to be the best he can be.' Steichen and the quarterbacks are scheduled to talk with reporters Wednesday. The biggest concern for Jones has been consistency. The No. 6 overall selection in the 2019 draft struggled early in his career with the New York Giants, but appeared to right things when he helped them reach the 2022 playoffs. New York rewarded Jones with a four-year, $160 million contract extension only to watch him struggle again. He threw two TD passes in an injury-marred 2023 season and had eight TD passes and seven interceptions in 10 games last season before being benched and eventually released. Jones finished the season in Minnesota, which let him leave in free agency. 'He's been through a lot,' Ballard said, referring to Jones. 'Being in New York and the scrutiny of being a top-10 pick, it's not for everybody. But I thought he handled it with grace and class like you would expect, and that's who he is. Daniel's a very talented player, so it's going to be a fun competition to watch.' It's unclear who holds the upper hand heading into camp or how the Colts intend to divvy up the snaps. So Indy's top offensive playmakers — running back Jonathan Taylor and receiver Michael Pittman — are preparing to play with both. 'It's probably not what most teams are doing, but I mean you've got to do what you do,' Pittman said. "It's competition and that's the great thing about football is you compete every single year. So everybody's out here competing." Ballard wouldn't say when he expects a decision on the starter. But he knows the Colts will have a better chance of snapping a four-year playoff drought if they have a clear-cut winner before the Sept. 7 opener against Miami — and if that winner stays healthy. 'We have the one position we all know — we have to get the quarterback settled,' Ballard said. 'That position is so important to the state of your team when you've got that position solidified. Look, it's one of 53 and it's not all about him, but he's an important piece.' ___ AP NFL:
Associated Press
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Colts keeping open mind about Anthony Richardson and QB competition at training camp
WESTFIELD, Ind. (AP) — General manager Chris Ballard kept promising during the offseason that he'd hold a quarterback competition for the Indianapolis Colts starter in 2025. He's certainly not changing now. As players reported to training camp Tuesday, Ballard told reporters he anticipates watching a vigorous battle between incumbent starter Anthony Richardson and free agent acquisition Daniel Jones. Practice begins Wednesday at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana, a suburb on the northwest side of Indianapolis. 'It's important they get into (preseason) games and we'll play both of them, ' Ballard said. 'I've told you all this before, but unfortunately growth does not happen through success; growth happens when you go through a lot of (stuff).' Indy's top two quarterbacks certainly have been through plenty during their short NFL careers. Since being taken No. 4 overall in the 2023 draft, Richardson has struggled to stay healthy. He's missed 19 of 34 games over the past two seasons, 17 with a variety of injuries and two when he was benched after taking himself out of a game last season because he admitted he needed a breather. Richardson also missed Indy's three-day minicamp in June because of an injury to his throwing shoulder. While Richardson appears to be healthy for camp, Ballard said Indy likely would limit the number of throws in Westfield, Indiana, especially this week and next. The other major concern is Richardson's accuracy. Despite showing flashes of promise last season, the strong-armed former Florida star completed just 47.7% of his throws last season — the lowest rate among the NFL's regular starters. He's completed just 50.6% of his career passes. But even as Ballard and third-year coach Shane Steichen opted for more competition, both have continued to believe Richardson eventually will fulfill the potential they saw in college. 'Do you think people regret Baker Mayfield's timeline? Sam Darnold's timeline?' Ballard said, referring to teams giving up too quickly on those quarterbacks. 'So how about a little patience? You've got to have a little patience with a guy and let them grow through things. If you just know 'This guy, no, he can't do it' ... but if you think, 'Hey, he's on the right trajectory' why are you going to flush him? I think we need to give Anthony every chance to be the best he can be.' Steichen and the quarterbacks are scheduled to talk with reporters Wednesday. The biggest concern for Jones has been consistency. The No. 6 overall selection in the 2019 draft struggled early in his career with the New York Giants, but appeared to right things when he helped them reach the 2022 playoffs. New York rewarded Jones with a four-year, $160 million contract extension only to watch him struggle again. He threw two TD passes in an injury-marred 2023 season and had eight TD passes and seven interceptions in 10 games last season before being benched and eventually released. Jones finished the season in Minnesota, which let him leave in free agency. 'He's been through a lot,' Ballard said, referring to Jones. 'Being in New York and the scrutiny of being a top-10 pick, it's not for everybody. But I thought he handled it with grace and class like you would expect, and that's who he is. Daniel's a very talented player, so it's going to be a fun competition to watch.' It's unclear who holds the upper hand heading into camp or how the Colts intend to divvy up the snaps. So Indy's top offensive playmakers — running back Jonathan Taylor and receiver Michael Pittman — are preparing to play with both. 'It's probably not what most teams are doing, but I mean you've got to do what you do,' Pittman said. 'It's competition and that's the great thing about football is you compete every single year. So everybody's out here competing.' Ballard wouldn't say when he expects a decision on the starter. But he knows the Colts will have a better chance of snapping a four-year playoff drought if they have a clear-cut winner before the Sept. 7 opener against Miami — and if that winner stays healthy. 'We have the one position we all know — we have to get the quarterback settled,' Ballard said. 'That position is so important to the state of your team when you've got that position solidified. Look, it's one of 53 and it's not all about him, but he's an important piece.' ___ AP NFL:
