The Indianapolis Colts’ preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens will see Anthony Richardson Sr. take the starting quarterback position. This decision, announced by head coach Shane Steichen, is part of a deliberate and ongoing competition between Richardson and veteran quarterback Daniel Jones.1 The Colts’ coaching staff has been meticulous in their approach to evaluating both players, ensuring an even distribution of first-team reps in practice and a balanced approach to playing time in the preseason games. This first game, to be played on Thursday, August 7th, will be a crucial opportunity for Richardson to demonstrate his readiness to lead the team as the regular season approaches.
Steichen has outlined a clear plan for the first two preseason games. Richardson is slated to play for the entirety of the first quarter and the first half of the second quarter against the Ravens. Jones will then take over for the remainder of the first half. In the following preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, the roles will be reversed, with Jones starting and Richardson coming off the bench. This structured approach highlights the team’s commitment to giving both quarterbacks a fair and equal chance to prove themselves in a game setting. Despite Richardson getting the initial start, Steichen has been clear that this does not signify he has won the starting job outright. The competition is still wide open, and the team is in no rush to make a final decision, preferring to use the valuable practice and game time to gather as much information as possible.
Richardson, the team’s No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in Indianapolis, but his career has also been marked by inconsistencies and injuries.2 His injury history is a significant factor in the Colts’ cautious approach, as they want to ensure he can stay healthy and be a reliable presence under center. In his career so far, Richardson has a 8-7 record as a starter, completing just over 50% of his passes for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.3 He has also demonstrated his dual-threat ability with 635 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.4 These statistics paint a picture of a player with immense potential, but one who still has room for development and needs to improve his consistency. The preseason games offer a low-stakes environment for him to refine his skills and build confidence.
On the other side of the quarterback competition is Daniel Jones, a seasoned veteran who signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Colts in the offseason.5 Jones brings a wealth of experience, having spent five-plus seasons with the New York Giants and finishing last year with the Minnesota Vikings.6 His career record as a starter is 24-44-1, with 14,582 passing yards, 70 touchdowns, and 47 interceptions. Jones’s experience and more traditional pocket-passer style offer a contrast to Richardson’s more athletic and explosive play. This dynamic creates a compelling quarterback battle, as the Colts must decide whether to lean into Richardson’s high-upside potential or rely on Jones’s veteran stability. The joint practices with the Ravens have already provided a glimpse into this competition. Both quarterbacks had moments of success against a stout Baltimore defense, and Richardson, in particular, connected on a deep contested throw to wide receiver Adonai Mitchell, a play that highlights his potential for explosive downfield passing.7
The joint practices also showcased a strong performance from the Colts’ defense, with consistent pressure on Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and standout plays from players like safety Hunter Wohler, who recorded two interceptions.8 This defensive prowess will be a key factor for the Colts, regardless of who wins the starting quarterback job. A strong defense can take pressure off a developing quarterback and allow the offense to find its rhythm. The preseason game against the Ravens, who will be resting their starters like Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, provides an excellent opportunity for the Colts’ first-team offense and defense to get valuable live-action reps against a formidable opponent.9 The final decision on the starting quarterback is still a few weeks away, but the first preseason game against the Ravens will undoubtedly provide significant insight into which direction the Colts will ultimately go. The performance of both Richardson and Jones will be under intense scrutiny as they each strive to earn the coveted starting role. The team’s methodical approach is designed to ensure the best possible outcome for the franchise, and the preseason slate will be the final proving ground for these two quarterbacks.
