The Indianapolis Colts missed the playoffs again in 2024 with an 8-9 record. Indianapolis has not made the playoffs since the 2020 NFL season.
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Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) pressures Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024.
The Colts fanbase wanted to see general manager Chris Ballard fired after the 2024 season, but he someway somehow able to retain his job. Shane Steichen will be entering his third season as head coach. Indianapolis will have a lot of questions entering the 2025 NFL season. What is one of the things to watch for with them during OTAs in 2025?
Quarterback Battle Will Be the Number One Story Line For the Indianapolis Colts
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Jan 5, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) pats Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) on the head as he leaves the field during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
CBS Sports writer Jared Dubin wrote about one thing to watch for each AFC team during OTAs. To no surprise it’s the Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones battle. Dubin also added,
“Richardson should get every chance to keep his job and try to prove that he is the long-term answer for the Colts. If he’s unable to beat out Jones during the offseason program, that is a very, very bad sign for the team’s future at the position. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep a close eye on the battle nonetheless.”
Richardson was a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from the Florida Gators for the Colts. He was benched for Joe Flacco during the 2024 season because of some of the comments he made about “being tired” after a running play.
During the 2024 season, he only completed 47.7% of his passes for 1,814 yards, eight touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Richardson also rushed for 499 yards on 86 carries and six touchdowns, along with averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
Jones was released by the New York Giants during the 2024 season and then he was signed by the Minnesota Vikings. During the 2024 season, Jones completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,070 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 265 yards on 67 carries and two touchdowns, along with averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
Jones had better numbers than Richardson in 2024. For now, the former Gators quarterback is first on the depth chart and the former Duke Blue Devils quarterback is second on the depth chart. Indianapolis is going to give Richardson the best chance to win the starting job, but there is also a good chance that Jones can win the starting job as well.
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