As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for the new season, the spotlight shines brightly on the competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones for the starting quarterback position. Richardson, recovering from a serious shoulder injury, aims to prove he is the franchise cornerstone, while Jones seeks to establish himself after a difficult stint with the New York Giants. However, beyond the quarterback battle, the Colts face significant challenges on defense, which continues to show signs of strain and inconsistency.
Anthony Richardson Colts quarterback status remains central to the team’s offensive future, yet the defensive side of the ball threatens to undermine their success if not addressed promptly. Despite offensive progress, defensive concerns could overshadow the team’s growth.
Offensive Leadership and Defensive Weaknesses Under Coach Shane Steichen
Since Shane Steichen became the Colts’ head coach and offensive coordinator in 2023, the team’s offense has taken on a more prominent role. Steichen, renowned for his work developing Justin Herbert with the Chargers and elevating Jalen Hurts to MVP status with the Eagles, brought a creative approach to Indianapolis. Even with limited playing time from Richardson last season, the Colts ranked 10th in scoring and 5th in rushing yards, marking a significant improvement from their 2022 performance.
While the offense has shown promise, the defense has quietly deteriorated. Tackling leader Zaire Franklin posted an impressive 173 total tackles last year, but this workload exposes how much pressure falls on him. Rookie linebacker Jaylon Carlies also showed potential with 36 tackles and one sack over 10 games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. The Colts’ defensive front has faced its own difficulties, described by CBS as
an aging group that has dealt with suspensions and injuries,
highlighting vulnerability along the defensive line.
Despite these challenges, the Colts’ defensive line produced an impressive 51 sacks in 2023—the franchise’s best since 2007—thanks to key players who are critical to maintaining pressure on opposing offenses. However, the group’s age and health status remain concerns heading into the new season.
New Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo Brings Renewed Optimism
In January 2025, the Colts hired Lou Anarumo to lead the defense after parting ways with Gus Bradley. Anarumo’s previous defenses with the Cincinnati Bengals showed a range of results: 25th in total yards allowed in 2024, but 13th and 6th ranked in 2021 and 2022 respectively, demonstrating an ability to elevate defensive performance. His units allowed just 20.1 points per game at their peak and limited quarterbacks to a 58.9% completion rate.
The team is also hopeful about the development of edge defender Laiatu Latu, who is poised to take on a starting role. Latu recorded 32 tackles, 4 sacks, and forced 3 fumbles last season, ranking 41st among 211 edge defenders. If he develops further in Anarumo’s system, the Colts may finally restore a strong defensive presence.
For now, though, the defensive struggles represent the more pressing issue for Indianapolis. The health and consistency of key defenders like Franklin and Carlies will be vital to preventing the defense from collapsing under pressure.
Daniel Jones Seizes Opportunity Amid Anthony Richardson’s Recovery
Daniel Jones has made a strong impression during offseason activities, earning praise from Shane Steichen who said Jones is
doing a hell of a job.
Last year with the New York Giants, Jones passed for 2,070 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, completing 63.3% of his throws. Despite these stats, he was benched midseason, followed by an unproductive time with the Vikings.
Jones’s arrival in Indianapolis offers him a fresh start, especially with Richardson still recovering from surgery on his throwing shoulder linked to an AC joint sprain suffered against the Tennessee Titans in October 2023. Richardson’s injury abruptly paused his promising rookie campaign, during which he started four games and showed glimpses of his potential.
The Colts did not acquire Jones on a whim; they outbid the Vikings to secure him with a $15 million one-year contract. While this is not headline-grabbing money, it sends a clear message about their intention to seriously compete for the quarterback job. Jones lacks familiarity with Steichen’s system, contrasting with Richardson, who has spent two years learning the offense despite injury setbacks.
This dynamic adds an intriguing tension beyond skill alone—leadership, durability, and locker room influence now weigh heavily in the quarterback competition. A photo shared by the team of Jones and Richardson fishing alongside pass-catchers like Riley Leonard, Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren suggests efforts to build on-field chemistry, which could tip the scales.
Future Outlook: Stability Hangs on Quarterback and Defensive Revival
The Colts face a pivotal moment. If Daniel Jones wins the starting job, he could provide much-needed stability at the quarterback position, something the team has lacked in recent seasons. Conversely, if Anthony Richardson returns fully healthy, his dynamic skill set might place Indianapolis in a strong position for the future.
Still, the drama surrounding the quarterback room is dwarfed by the defensive challenges that persist. Rebuilding the defense under Lou Anarumo, ensuring key players avoid injury, and fostering rookies’ growth will be essential for the team’s overall success. Without these improvements, even the most exciting quarterback battles may not translate into wins.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Anthony Richardson’s hip?
A. Richardson got hurt while running a planned play. A Steeler player grabbed him from the back, making him twist awkwardly before another defender tackled him. Before his hip injury, Richardson successfully completed three of his first four passes, totaling 71 yards.
Q. How fast can Anthony Richardson throw?
A. Stroud, Anthony Richardson from the Florida Gators, and UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson boast impressive throwing speeds, reaching between 59 and 62 miles per hour.
Q. Can I drop Anthony Richardson?
A. In the majority of leagues where there is one starting quarterback, it makes sense to let Richardson go. This season, he has had a hard time throwing the ball well. In Week 7 against the Dolphins, his difficulties were clear when he only completed 41.7% of his passes, totaling 129 yards without any touchdowns.