Quarterback Battle for the Colts: Richardson vs. Jones

The competition for the starting quarterback position with the Colts is largely about one thing: consistency. As of Saturday, coach Shane Steichen highlighted that the key factor would be which of the two former first-round picks could deliver stable performances in both their play and decision-making.

“I believe consistency is crucial,” Steichen remarked. “At the end of the day, you need to be able to move the ball effectively and make sound decisions. Sure, big plays matter, but you also need to keep things steady.”

Richardson, the Colts’ fourth overall pick in 2023, returned from a pinky injury on Saturday night, finishing 11 for 16 with 73 yards in a 23-19 preseason loss to the Packers.

On the other hand, Jones completed seven of 11 attempts for 101 yards. He played two drives against the Packers, leading the team to score a second field goal. Richardson then took the helm, steering the team on a 12-play, 90-yard touchdown drive and securing another field goal in the process.

Steichen, entering his third season as head coach, remarked that he’s “very close” to naming his starting quarterback. “We have two first-round draft picks. I made it clear from the beginning that this would be a competitive situation,” he said. “I will make the decisions that are best for the team.”

The rivalry between Richardson, 23, and Jones, 28, started off rocky during training camp last month. Reports indicated they struggled to find their rhythm. Nevertheless, Jones managed to complete 68.8% of his passes during three weeks of practice, while Richardson was at 59.1%.

As the preseason continues, especially with the upcoming game against the Bengals, Steichen will take into account factors like communication in the huddle and overall synchronization before making his choice for the season opener next month. “Consistency is clearly going to play a big role in this,” he noted.

Jones is coming off a tumultuous stint with the Giants, where he made the playoffs once in 2022, throwing 78 touchdowns against 54 interceptions over 80 regular-season games. The Giants released him after a rough start last November, and he then signed a one-year deal with the Colts in March after briefly linking with the Vikings.

Richardson, after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in October 2023, missed much of his rookie season. Last year, he played 11 games, and the team ended with an 8-9 record. His time on the field was not without its challenges, including a notorious moment when he “needed a break” and pulled himself from the eighth week loss to the Texans. Following that, the Colts benched him, although the team did find some direction later on.

Looking ahead, the Colts will face the Dolphins in their season opener.