The long battle is over, and the Colts have their starting quarterback.
Daniel Jones will get the start in Indy’s season opener against the Dolphins with Anthony Richardson Sr. backing him up, per multiple reports.
The decision is one that head coach Shane Steichen makes with one key factor in mind: trust.
When Jones spoke to Zak Keefer of The Athletic in the beginning of training camp, he mentioned the job would go to “who the coaches trust.”
After Saturday’s preseason game against the Packers, Steichen echoed a similar sentiment. “Running the operation” was a key component in his choice. Clearly, Jones is the guy he wants at the helm.
While the Colts remain adamant that Richardson didn’t have to win the starting job to still have a future with the organization, their actions signal a lack of trust in him.
Indianapolis benched Richardson in the middle of the season last year, only to have him return as the starter after two weeks on the bench. That was the first step towards this decision.
Now, by making him the full time backup, Indianapolis is sending a clear signal that Richardson can’t be their guy unless things massively change. Sure, the exciting plays are fun, but if he’s unable to execute consistently in all areas, then there’s no place for him as a starter.
Indianapolis needs someone reliable, someone who can routinely make the necessary plays. With Richardson also missing 19 games in his first two seasons, there’s no telling he would even be on the field in 2025 in order to be the consistent force the Colts need from the position.
Still, in a consequential season for both Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard, running with Jones from the start proves a clear fear that Richardson isn’t capable of rescuing the Colts.