Anthony Richardson’s grip on the starting quarterback job remains questionable. The former first-round pick was previously benched in favor of 40-year-old Joe Flacco, and the Indianapolis Colts made it clear his starting job wasn’t guaranteed for the 2025 season.
Indianapolis added Daniel Jones to the quarterback room to create competition, and the former New York Giants QB has turned heads in offseason practices. Now, one analyst boldly predicts he will start for the Colts in Week 1.
Can Daniel Jones Beat Anthony Richardson For the Colts’ Starting Job?
When the Colts drafted Richardson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they envisioned big things for the young quarterback. The franchise expected Richardson to take them places they haven’t been since the eras of Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck.
However, Richardson has been plagued by injuries and inconsistencies since entering the league. He even missed the mandatory minicamp due to a shoulder issue this offseason, adding another layer of concern about his reliability.
#Colts GM Chris Ballard says it’ll be a collective decision, including owner Jim Irsay, to decide who’s QB1 between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones:
“You don’t want to begin with an end in mind. … Look, if I’m a betting man … at some point both of them will help us.” pic.twitter.com/wUOfE6vx0x
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 21, 2025
The numbers paint a troubling picture for Richardson. In his two seasons with the Colts, he has appeared in just 15 games, completing 50.6% of his passes for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. These statistics don’t make a strong case for keeping him as the starter, especially when combined with his injury concerns.
PFSN’s Jacob Infante believes Jones could be the answer Indianapolis has been searching for.
“Anthony Richardson has been the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts most of the time he’s been healthy,” Infante wrote. “That could change in 2025 with Daniel Jones now in the mix. He’s more mobile than the Colts’ backup Joe Flacco last year, and he’s more accurate than Richardson. Jones could surprise some people and beat out the 2023 first-round pick.”
While Jones has been inconsistent since entering the league, working with Shane Steichen could provide the fresh start he needs. Steichen’s creative play-calling style has shown success with mobile quarterbacks before.
With Jones’ mobility and short-area accuracy, Steichen might lean into a more RPO-heavy approach, similar to what he did with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. This offensive philosophy could maximize Jones’ skill set while minimizing his weaknesses.
The Colts have assembled an attractive group of weapons around their quarterback position. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and running back Jonathan Taylor give Jones plenty of talent to work with in Indianapolis.
The accuracy comparison between the two quarterbacks strongly favors Jones. He has posted a career completion percentage of 64.0%, with 14,582 passing yards, 70 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions in 70 games, along with 2,179 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.
MORE: NFL Analyst Reveals 1 Lingering Problem That’s Always Plagued Colts Potential QB1 Daniel Jones
The 28-year-old has been taking first-team reps throughout offseason practices and has made a strong impression on the coaching staff.
If Jones can string together solid performances during training camp and preseason, don’t be surprised if he wins the starting job for Week 1.
