Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Shane Steichen opened up about quarterback Daniel Jones during his time filling in for an injured Anthony Richardson. For the better part of a century, no player has maintained popularity more than the backup quarterback. Unless you sit behind Ironmen like Brett Favre, Philip Rivers, or Eli Manning, backups will probably see field time.
The nature of football centers around attrition and the fact that no one escapes injury unscathed. With a pivotal year ahead, the Colts may need to look up a former first-round pick if their franchise signal-caller cannot play or isn’t effective. The head coach, from a small sample size, sees Jones in a positive light.
Colts HC Shane Steichen Lauds Daniel Jones’ Camp Performance
When the Colts signed Jones in the offseason, they probably did not envision him playing often. With draft capital and money invested in Richardson, the team stands by their quarterback. Recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Richardson continues to experience discomfort. As a result, the team turns to the veteran passer to lead them. NBC 4 (Indianapolis) writer Mike Chappell captured Steichen’s quote from media availability.
“Very pleased with what we got right now. He’s been doing a helluva job. Very Smart football player. Learned the offense very quickly, making really good decisions out there through OTAs. Obviously, we want to carry that over to training camp, but he’s done a really good job. Great command in the huddle. Ultimate pro.’’
Through the clearest of eyes, you can see why the Colts spend $14 million on Jones as a one-year insurance policy for Richardson. Injuries continue to mount for the 23-year-old. During his first two seasons, the former first-round selection played just 15 of a possible 34 games.
If the best ability is availability, Richardson’s inability continues to hamper the team. NFL insider Adam Schefter relayed similar thoughts on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday morning. PFSN writer Alex Hanczar discusses the visit.
“I think when you consider his injury history, consider the fact this shoulder had surgery his rookie year, and now it’s an issue where they’re shutting him down until at least the start of training camp, I think it’s problematic.”
In all honesty, when Richardson does play, the Colts still do not look great. By completing 50.6% of his passes and sporting a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 11:13, Richardson, taking time to rest his shoulder, helps the coach.
The film portrays him as an athletic quarterback who can’t consistently complete passes or lead an offense.
Anthony Richardson with an INT in the redzone 😬
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/4TrphoEObP— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 22, 2024
Steichen needs the team to improve, as if his job depended on it. In many ways, it will. After two seasons and a mediocre 17-17 record, the front office could want to make a change. Remember, longtime owner Jim Irsay passed away, and his daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, leads a management trio that assumed control upon his death.
Her vision could significantly differ from her father’s, and no one knows what her vision entails. Under those circumstances, Jones could possibly be the one who saves Steichen’s job.
