Indianapolis Colts Set for an Open Quarterback Competition: What It Means for Anthony Richardson
The Indianapolis Colts are making waves this offseason by confirming an open competition at quarterback for Anthony Richardson. General Manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen both believe this challenge will ultimately benefit Richardson as he continues to develop.
Why Competition is a Good Thing
Shane Steichen is a firm believer in competition at every position, not just quarterback.
"I think it’s good," Steichen stated when asked about the upcoming battle for the QB1 spot. "Competition is great for everybody. Any time you’ve got competition at any position—whether it’s quarterback or somewhere else—it pushes everyone to be better."
For Richardson, this means a season where he’ll need to prove he’s the guy moving forward. While competition can create pressure, it can also be a catalyst for growth, refining skills, and fostering leadership. This battle could bring out the best in him, and Colts fans will be watching closely to see how he responds.
A Look Back: Richardson’s 2024 Season
After being benched earlier in the season, Richardson returned to the starting lineup in Week 11, showing noticeable improvement. His decision-making became more refined, and his presence in the pocket looked more controlled. However, the need for consistency remains a key focus heading into 2025.
Statistically, Richardson struggled, finishing the 2024 season with a league-low completion percentage of just 47.7%, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). That’s a number that simply has to improve if he wants to solidify himself as the franchise quarterback.
Staying Healthy: A Key Factor in Richardson’s Development
Beyond accuracy and decision-making, another major challenge Richardson faces is durability. Over the past two seasons, he has managed to play in only 15 games, missing significant time due to injuries.
"I think consistency is the biggest thing," Steichen emphasized. "We've had those conversations—myself and him—just about being consistent. Obviously, staying on the field is huge. He played 11 games last year and did some really good things, but we need to see that consistency."
For the Colts, having Richardson healthy for a full season would be a game-changer. A quarterback’s best ability is availability, and staying on the field will be just as important as any mechanical improvements he makes.
Offseason Work: Preparing for a Big Leap in 2025
The good news? Richardson is already putting in the work to take that next step.
According to Ballard, Richardson is back in Florida this offseason, training with his coaches and working hard to refine his game. A major difference from last offseason? This time, he's fully healthy, meaning he can dive into his training without any restrictions.
One particularly exciting development is that Richardson will be working with the same quarterback expert who helped develop Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen early in his career. Allen, who faced similar accuracy struggles early on, made significant strides under the right coaching—something Colts fans are hoping Richardson can replicate.
The Road to Improvement: Fundamentals & Repetitions
For Richardson to take a leap in 2025, it all starts with fundamentals.
"Building on the fundamentals and continuing to work on his passing—getting that completion percentage up—is going to be big for him," Steichen noted.
Repetitions are key. The more reps he gets with his receivers, the more in sync they’ll become, and the more comfortable he’ll feel in high-pressure situations.
"It's about repetitions. You look at those things—just going over and over again is going to be big for him. The fundamental part of it. I think he has really quick feet—I’ve said that before—really quick feet. Now, it’s about getting the reps in with those guys to bring that completion percentage up."
What to Expect in 2025
Richardson’s success in 2025 will depend on a few key factors:
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Improved accuracy – Boosting his completion percentage will be crucial.
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Better pocket presence – Making smarter decisions under pressure.
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Staying healthy – Playing a full season would do wonders for his development.
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Thriving in competition – Pushing himself against his competition will only make him better.
The Colts have faith in Richardson, and they’re giving him every opportunity to succeed. With a full offseason of work, the right coaching, and a competitive environment to push him, the young quarterback has a chance to take a big step forward in 2025.
Only time will tell how this QB battle unfolds, but one thing is for sure: all eyes will be on Anthony Richardson as he works to prove he’s the Colts' franchise quarterback of the future.
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