Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones might be as big as Tyson vs. Holyfield in the 1990s. Okay, it’s not quite that big of a deal, but it could be an interesting battle between the two Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks.
During the NFL Scouting Combine, Colts general manager Chris Ballard spoke about a potential quarterback competition (via CBS Sports).
“I think [a quarterback competition] is good for the team; I think it’s good for Anthony. We drafted Anthony high knowing it was going to take some time, and we knew there were going to be some hiccups along the way. I know we want a finished product right now. I do. You do. Fans do. We all do. But I think as he continues to progress in his young career, us adding competition I think will help up everybody’s game.”
Ballard said there would be a QB competition and he kept true to his word. He went out and signed Jones this offseason. We’ll see if the former New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings quarterback can beat out Richardson for the starting job.
Who Will Be the Indianapolis Colts Starting Quarterback: Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones?
Revisiting Their Careers
Daniel Jones was selected sixth overall by the Giants in the 2019 NFL Draft. The former Duke star went on to have an up-and-down career in New York. He completed 64.1% of his passes for 14,582 yards and 70 touchdowns with 47 interceptions over six seasons with the Giants.
Jones went 24-44-1 as a starter and never made any Pro Bowls. However, he did lead the team to a playoff berth and a Wild Card victory during the 2022 campaign. That season, Jones threw for 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He also rushed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns.
Last season, Jones struggled mightily and was eventually released. He then signed with the Vikings. However, he never played for Minnesota as he backed up starter Sam Darnold.
Anthony Richardson was drafted by the Colts fourth overall in 2023. So far, his career hasn’t gone the way he had hoped. The Florida native’s rookie year was limited to just four games due to injury.
2024 was supposed to be a bounce-back, Comeback Player of the Year type of season for Richardson. Yet, that never materialized. He missed time due to injury and being benched. He also had the lowest completion rate (47.7%) of any starting quarterback in the league.
In 15 career games, Richardson has an 8-7 record and has passed for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
AR or Danny Dimes?
Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will duke it out during training camp. It won’t be shocking if Richardson comes away with the starting job. And it wouldn’t surprise anyone if Jones wins.
Richardson and Jones have similar stories. They’re both dual quarterbacks who were top-10 picks but have failed to become NFL stars.
Who will win? Look for Richardson to get the job done. He’s working with quarterback coach Chris Hess this offseason, which should help improve his accuracy issues. Plus, knowing Jones is attempting to take his job should motivate him to elevate his game to the next level.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – Imagn Images