It’s less than a month from the start of the NFL season and the Indianapolis Colts still don’t know who will be their starting quarterback. Whether it’s Anthony Richardson or newcomer Daniel Jones, one thing is clear, the decision must be made. According to head coach Shane Steichen, there is a hopefully an established timetable for the decision.
Per the team’s website, Steichen said, “I don’t have an exact timetable on it, but sooner rather than later would be nice.” Judging by this quote, there is still no decision made, but the coaching staff might be hurrying to name a starter.
Steichen also said that the next preseason game vs. Packers could be a factor. “I want to see how this thing plays out on Saturday and we’ll see early into next week and see where it goes,” the head coach said. Supposedly, it’s time for Daniel Jones to start, but Richardson will likely get some drives as well.
Steichen has done magic without a quarterback
Steichen took the Colts job two years ago. He’s managed to go 9-8 and 8-9 without an above average quarterback. During his first season, a rookie Anthony Richardson played only four games and went 2-2. Gardner Minshew took the lead after Richardson got injured and had a 7-6 record.
During 2024, Richardson played 11 games and got a 6-5 record. Then, it was veteran Joe Flacco, who is on a quarterback battle himself with the Browns, who started six games to a 2-4 record. The fact that this team has wandered around .500 with these quarterbacks is a statement on the good job Steichen has done.
This is a make or break year for Richardson
When the Colts selected Anthony Richardson with the fourth pick in 2023, they expected way more. Firstly, Richardson getting injured every season is troubling, as it directly compromises his playing style. Then, well availability is the best ability and Richardson hasn’t been reliable in that sense.
Then, when he’s been on the field he hasn’t been stellar. He has a career 50.6% completion on his passes, which is one of the NFL‘s worst. In two seasons, he has 11 passing touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Now, Daniel Jones is threatening his starting spot. Jones was traded away from the Giants because of poor play. So, if Richardson ends losing the job to Jones, it’s a tough indictment on his career.