The Indianapolis Colts are entering the 2025 NFL season with a clear focus on finding consistency at quarterback, as the competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones intensifies. Despite Richardson currently demonstrating the strongest grasp of the offense, veteran Jones remains a leading contender, with upcoming joint practices against the Green Bay Packers and preseason games expected to play a critical role in deciding the starting quarterback.
Anthony Richardson Reflects on Past Struggles and Plans for Improvement
During his second season as the Colts’ quarterback, Anthony Richardson faced notable challenges, completing under 48 percent of his passes and throwing 12 interceptions, which ultimately led to him being benched. Reflecting on last year’s difficulties, Richardson acknowledged the need for greater focus and commitment moving forward.
“I didn’t do enough, you know? That was the big thing for me. I didn’t do enough. I wanted to take a deeper dive into understanding myself and what I needed to improve on. After that last game, whenever that was, I told myself I can’t be slacking anymore. I’ve got to lock in.” —Anthony Richardson, Colts Quarterback
Richardson emphasized that while his understanding of the offensive system and defensive coverages has improved, his primary area of focus has been refining his throwing mechanics, especially his footwork and base stability, to ensure accurate passes.
“I really think it’s understanding the offense or understanding what’s going to pop open, when it’s going to pop open, understand the coverages. I feel like that helps me. The biggest thing for me was just my mechanics, footwork, my base, making sure when I am trying to deliver those throws, my base isn’t too narrow to where I’m missing high.” —Anthony Richardson, Colts Quarterback
Going into the new season, Richardson feels more confident in his ability to control and deliver the ball effectively as he continues to study the offense in greater detail.
“I feel like I’ve got more control of the ball now. I feel like I can deliver the ball, but I’ve also been taking a deeper dive into the offense, trying to understand it more. Whenever I’m moving in the pocket, I’m like ‘O.K., I know this is the coverage right here and this guy is going to be popping open here.’ So, I need to make sure my base is there, and when I see that guy, just make sure I get the ball to him.” —Anthony Richardson, Colts Quarterback
Defensive Changes and Emerging Talent Add to Team Dynamics
Besides the quarterback competition, improvements in the Colts’ defense are also in focus, led by new Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo. Indianapolis’s secondary shows promise of becoming a standout unit this season. Along with established starters, third-round cornerback Justin Walley has impressed during early practices and appears poised to secure a starting role opposite veteran Charvarius Ward.
Additional NFL Updates Affecting Team Rosters
In related news, Texans defensive lineman Kyonte Hamilton underwent leg surgery on Thursday, which is expected to sideline him for approximately four months. This development might influence personnel decisions across teams preparing for the upcoming season.
What to Expect as the 2025 Season Approaches
The Colts’ quarterback battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will remain a crucial storyline during the final stages of training camp. Richardson’s renewed focus on mechanics and game understanding positions him as a serious contender to reclaim the starting role. Meanwhile, the defense, bolstered by fresh talent and strategic leadership, could provide the team with a stronger foundation to compete in what promises to be a tightly contested season.