Colts HC reveals goals for Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson Sr. after naming starting QB

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed expected news when he revealed on Tuesday that free-agency signing Daniel Jones will serve as the club's starting quarterback over 2023 first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson Sr. for Indianapolis' Week 1 game versus the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7. 

Steichen later spoke with reporters and made it known he doesn't plan on turning back to Richardson anytime soon. 

"He's our starting quarterback for the season," Steichen said about Jones, per JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' website. "I don't want to have a quick leash on that. I feel confident in his ability."

While Jones went 3-13 over his final 16 starts with the New York Giants, he recorded 301 passing yards, two touchdowns through the air and 78 rushing yards as he guided the Giants to a road playoff victory back in January 2023. More recently, he completed 17-of-32 passes for 245 yards over his first two preseason games with the Colts.

As for Richardson, Colts general manager Chris Ballard acknowledged last December that he wished the club hadn't named the 23-year-old a Week 1 starter as a rookie. Richardson made just 13 college starts with the Florida Gators before he entered the NFL, and he has since dealt with numerous injury setbacks as a pro. 

In total, Richardson started 15 of a possible 32 games (outside of a two-week benching last fall) over the last two seasons. 

"He's still learning, still growing," Steichen said about Richardson. "And for the first time in his career, this is an opportunity for him to sit at the start of a season and learning in a different light and attack it the right way."

It seems unlikely the Colts would actively look to trade Richardson this summer when his value is even lower than it was when he was benched last season. That said, Steichen indicated on Tuesday that those inside the Indianapolis locker room are happy to have Jones atop the depth chart heading into the Miami game. 

"I think the guys have taken to him," Steichen said about Jones. "He's a great communicator with the guys. You can see that veteran presence out there. So, I'm excited for that."