Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty
**INDIANAPOLIS** **–** We are about to get our first 11-on-11 look at the quarterback battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones this offseason.
Starting next week, the Colts will begin their OTA portion of the offseason program.
That means the first 11-on-11 practice sessions. While full pads won’t be donned until training camp, this is our first offense/defense glimpse at the 2025 Colts.
And if you listen to Shane Steichen, Daniel Jones has to like what he’s hearing on what the deciding factor will be at the quarterback position.
“Being a quarterback is the day-to-day grind that you go through, preparing every single day,” Steichen says. “That’s part of consistency.
“Then, obviously, on the field, you’ve got to be consistent, take care of the football, make good decisions with the football and really move your offense down the field. The guy that’s the most consistent doing that will win the job.”
Consistency is certainly not a word to describe Richardson’s 2-year NFL run, unless you are saying he’s been consistently inaccurate as a starter. While Jones has lacked much playmaking, he definitely has met more of a dependability meter than Richardson.
For Richardson to satisfy this Steichen desire, he’s going to have to make serious strides when the Colts begin their 11-on-11 portion of the offseason.
“I’m still working, trying to be consistent and keep building on what I worked on this offseason when it comes to like footwork stuff and not panicking in the pocket and just being comfortable and just letting my arm work,” Richardson, who turns 22 later this week, says.
“Also, being able to just stay calm in the pocket. That was really one of the main things I wanted to focus on because everybody knows I can throw the ball whenever. I’m smooth, but I want to find opportunities for myself to be consistent when I am off-balance, to make decent throws and even when everything is perfect, making sure my feet are intact, my width, my base is solid, and I’m just completing the pass.”
While many point to Richardson’s inaccuracy as an issue in the reliability department, his turnover numbers from 2024 was another major issue in quieting this concern.
Throwing with more touch and accuracy is one part of it, but also with more anticipation.
“For one, just being confident in the play and making sure I know and I’m being smart enough when I am making decisions out there,” Richardson says. “Then just knowing what to do and knowing where to go with the ball. All that plays a part in it and just like I said, just being calm. All of that ties into it and just completing the ball. That’s really the main thing. And if I am calm enough with my footwork, I can make it happen.”
Another question Steichen isn’t ready to entertain publicly is _when_ he wants to name a starter.
Does he want to name one before the first preseason game (August 7th)? Before the second preseason game (August 16th)? Or before the preseason finale (August 23rd), knowing the regular season awaits on September 7th?
And in case you forgot what Steichen is looking for as the 11-on-11 action begins, let him remind you one more time.
“It’s the most consistent guy,” the third year head coach reiterates. “I really do, because at the end of the day you’ve got to be able to move the football consistently up and down the field, and making good decisions. You know what I mean? I mean, at the end of the day you can have splash plays, but if you’re doing that sparingly and up and down – I think it’s got to be on a consistent basis, to get to where we want to go.”
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