Colts Quarterback Competition Concludes: Daniel Jones Edges Out Anthony Richardson, Indicating Likely Mediocrity For The Team
Indianapolis Colts Name Daniel Jones as Starting Quarterback for 2025 Season
The Indianapolis Colts have made a significant decision for their 2025 season, announcing Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback. Jones, who previously played for the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings, has signed a one-year contract with the Colts.
Jones, who turned 29 this year, brings a unique blend of passing and rushing abilities to the Colts. His career statistics highlight his potential, having been drafted sixth overall by the Giants in 2019 after playing college football at Duke.
In his rookie season, Jones threw for 3,027 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, with an impressive five touchdowns and zero interceptions in a single game. In the 2024 season, before joining the Colts, he started 16 games, setting personal bests in completions, attempts, and passing yards.
Jones's accuracy improved over the years, with a completion percentage reaching 67.2% and an on-target rate of 76.1% in 2024. However, his average target depth was a career-low 6.4 yards, indicating a conservative passing style focused on shorter throws. His rushing ability, though, has been a significant part of his NFL value, ranking fifth among quarterbacks in rushing yards (708) and third in rushing touchdowns (7) in a recent season.
Jones's tenure with the Colts has been marked by a reduced number of turnovers. In 2024, he led the league in interception percentage at 1.1% and lost just three fumbles.
Anthony Richardson, a younger quarterback, has faced challenges during his time with the Colts. His inconsistencies have been noted by coach Shane Steichen, and his time with the team has been marred by injuries, inconsistent moments, and a benching last season.
The decision to bench Richardson and start Jones was not made lightly. It involved discussions among head coach Shane Steichen, his staff, general manager Chris Ballard, and even ownership. The move does not necessarily signal the end of Richardson's NFL career but indicates a setback in his career with the Colts.
Colts fans on social media express a sense of disappointment with the decision, as it seems to set a ceiling of eight or nine wins for the season. Some fans have suggested that the team should have traded for Kirk Cousins instead.
Despite some struggles in recent years, Jones's blend of rushing and passing continues to make him a valuable player, especially given his improved ball security and steady development under Colts' coaching. Jones will start the regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7.
[1] NFL.com, "Daniel Jones Career Stats," [accessed June 10, 2025].
[2] ESPN.com, "Daniel Jones 2024 Season Stats," [accessed June 10, 2025].
[3] Pro-Football-Reference.com, "Daniel Jones 2024 Season," [accessed June 10, 2025].
[4] Sports Illustrated, "Daniel Jones' Improved Ball Security and Steady Development," [accessed June 10, 2025].
[5] NFL.com, "Daniel Jones Signs with Indianapolis Colts," [accessed June 10, 2025].
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