The Indianapolis Colts didn’t need an entire training camp or a long preseason to make their call at quarterback. Just a couple of weeks of reps, two preseason outings, and some behind-the-scenes evaluations were enough for head coach Shane Steichen to pull the trigger on a decision that could shape the entire 2025 season.
That decision? Daniel Jones — yes, the same guy once seen as the inconsistent face of the New York Giants — is officially the Colts’ starting quarterback. And no, this wasn’t some razor-thin coin toss. While both Jones and Anthony Richardson were splitting first-team snaps and alternating starts, the competition didn’t drag on into September. Instead, Steichen put his cards on the table Tuesday, confidently backing Jones as the guy.
Numbers Don’t Lie — At Least Not This Time
If you look at the stat sheet from preseason play, the decision starts to make sense. Jones completed 17 of his 32 throws for 245 yards. Nothing jaw-dropping, but certainly enough to suggest control, poise, and flashes of the accuracy he was known for in New York when things clicked. Richardson, meanwhile, only attempted 14 passes across two games, connecting on eight of them for 94 yards.
Those stats might not tell the whole story, though. Richardson’s limited action was cut short in the preseason opener when he took a nasty blindside hit from Baltimore Ravens linebacker David Ojabo, forcing him out of the game early with a hand injury. It wasn’t serious enough to end his camp, but it did slow down his momentum — and in a quarterback competition, every rep matters.
Steichen Puts His Stamp on the Decision
After weighing the performances, Steichen didn’t sugarcoat his choice.
“[Jones is] our starting quarterback for the season,” Steichen told reporters. “I don’t want to have a quick leash on that. I feel confident in his abilities.”
That kind of confidence isn’t just coach-speak. It’s a signal to both the locker room and the fanbase that the Colts are willing to bet on a veteran presence over the unpredictability of a young, athletic playmaker. Jones may not ignite highlight reels like Richardson, but Steichen clearly believes he brings steadiness — something the Colts desperately need after years of quarterback uncertainty.
Richardson’s Reaction: Mature, But Telling
To his credit, Anthony Richardson didn’t sulk or lash out when news broke. Just minutes after the announcement, the 23-year-old addressed the media with honesty and maturity.
“[Steichen] made a decision,” Richardson said. “That’s the decision we’ve got to live with, but no hard feelings, nothing personal. I’ve just got to keep growing. I just can’t let me not being a starter stop me from going and being the person, the player that I’m supposed to be.”
You can sense both his disappointment and his determination in those words. Richardson knows he’s talented. He knows what his upside looks like when he’s healthy. But he also understands the NFL is a business, and right now, the business points toward Jones.
The Bigger Picture: Is This About the Present or the Future?
Here’s where things get interesting. Richardson wasn’t drafted No. 4 overall in 2023 to ride the bench. The Colts saw him as the future — a freak athlete with sky-high potential who could bring a spark to the franchise. Fast forward to today, though, and that vision feels cloudy.
Part of that is Richardson’s track record. In two years, he’s only suited up for 15 of a possible 32 games. Injuries have slowed him down, while inconsistency led to a couple of benchings. When he’s on, he flashes that rare mix of arm talent and mobility. But when he’s off, the offense stalls. That boom-or-bust style can test even the most patient coaching staff.
And the patience question got louder after comments from Richardson’s agent, Deiric Jackson, who sat down with ESPN for an eyebrow-raising interview. Jackson didn’t outright call out the Colts, but he certainly didn’t endorse the decision either.
“We have a lot to discuss,” Jackson said. “Trust is a big factor and that is, at best, questionable right now. Anthony came back and made the improvements in the areas he needed to improve. And by all accounts, he had a great camp. … When they needed a big play last year, whose hands did they put the ball in? Anthony’s.”
That statement is subtle but loaded. It suggests frustration, maybe even a crack in the relationship between Richardson’s camp and the Colts organization.
Why Jones, and Why Now?
Let’s step back for a second. Why go with Jones in the first place? One big reason: stability. For years, Indianapolis has been stuck in quarterback limbo, cycling through veterans like Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan while waiting for a true long-term answer. Richardson was supposed to end that carousel. Instead, injuries and uneven play kept the door open for someone like Jones.
The front office likely views Jones as a safer option, at least for now. He’s not going to blow anyone away, but he’s also not going to implode if the moment gets too big. In a division that looks more competitive than it has in years, that steadiness could matter.
Richardson’s Rocky Road
It’s worth remembering how up-and-down Richardson’s journey has been so far. He came into the league raw, with scouts divided on whether he was a project or a future superstar. Year one saw flashes but also frustrations. Year two was supposed to be the leap — instead, injuries derailed the plan.
Now in year three, he’s watching from the sideline. That’s not the script anyone envisioned when the Colts made him their top pick.
What Comes Next?
So where do the Colts go from here? A few possibilities stand out:
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Jones holds steady. If he plays well, this could buy the Colts a year of stability while Richardson regroups and keeps developing behind the scenes.
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Jones falters. The NFL is unforgiving, and if Jones struggles, pressure will mount to give Richardson another shot. That leash Steichen claims won’t be “quick” could still shorten under fan and media scrutiny.
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Trade talk begins. With Richardson’s agent already planting seeds of distrust, you have to wonder: could a move be on the horizon if things don’t improve?
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this decision feels less like a permanent endorsement of Daniel Jones and more like a practical choice for the present. Richardson still has the talent and the time to change his story, but it’s on him now to stay healthy, refine his game, and prove he deserves another crack at the spotlight.
The Colts have been chasing quarterback stability since Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement. Maybe Jones buys them breathing room. Maybe Richardson eventually delivers on his promise. Or maybe, just maybe, this is the start of another twist in Indy’s ongoing quarterback saga.
For now, one thing is clear: the Colts have made their call, and the spotlight shifts to Daniel Jones — with Anthony Richardson waiting in the wings, hungry to prove his moment hasn’t passed.
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