Since the Indianapolis Colts announced that Daniel Jones will start as quarterback in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, questions have arisen about how the team has managed Anthony Richardson’s development. Drafted fourth overall in 2023, Richardson has yet to meet expectations, fueling speculation that the Colts have faltered in nurturing their young quarterback’s talents.
During a Wednesday press conference, Colts quarterbacks coach Cam Turner addressed the scrutiny surrounding Richardson’s performance. When asked about the reasons behind Richardson’s struggles, Turner emphasized the complexity of quarterback development and denied pointing blame in any one direction.
“As a position coach, you want to see your guys succeed and be successful, naturally,” Turner said, as shared by Steven Taranto of CBS Sports. “I feel like I’ve tried everything I can do, and I feel like he’s given great effort in that aspect, too. I don’t think either way, it’s one or the other. I just think right now, the consistency is just not where we want it to be.”
Background on Richardson’s Inconsistent Rookie Season and Setbacks
Richardson’s path since entering the league has been marked by challenges both on and off the field. Colts general manager Chris Ballard publicly expressed regret in December 2024 for naming Richardson the Week 1 starting quarterback in his rookie year, noting that Richardson only had 13 college starts at the University of Florida before being thrust into the NFL spotlight.
Injuries have limited Richardson’s availability, causing him to miss 17 regular-season games, while last season he was benched temporarily after removing himself from a game citing fatigue. This benching reportedly stemmed from concerns about Richardson’s mental preparation and grasp of the demanding responsibilities of an NFL quarterback.
On the field, Richardson’s statistics reflected his inconsistent performance. According to Pro Football Reference, he finished the 2024 season with a 47.7 percent completion percentage and a passer rating of 61.6, both the lowest marks among qualified NFL quarterbacks. His ultimate loss of the starting job in the summer competition coincided with a preseason injury—a dislocated right pinkie sustained after failing to recognize defensive pressure and taking a significant hit.
Team’s Plan for Richardson’s Continued Growth and Role
Following the official naming of Daniel Jones as the Colts’ starting quarterback for their Week 1 game against the Miami Dolphins, Richardson’s agent hinted at potential trade interest, signaling the quarterback’s desire for a fresh start elsewhere. However, Turner reiterated the team’s commitment to Richardson’s development during his recent comments.
“The plan for him is to continue to develop,” Turner said. “He still has a job, a role, a responsibility, which is our backup quarterback, and he has to be prepared to do that. And then my job is to help develop him and continue to grow, because he is so young. We don’t want to give up on him. We want to keep growing, continuing to learn and develop as a quarterback.”
Turner’s remarks underscore the Colts’ intention to keep Richardson involved and ready as a backup while focusing on refining his skills. The coaching staff recognizes Richardson’s youth and potential, emphasizing patience as he gains experience in the professional ranks.
Implications for Richardson and the Colts Moving Forward
Anthony Richardson’s rookie season highlighted the difficulties many young quarterbacks face when transitioning to the NFL, especially one who entered the league with limited college game experience. The Colts’ approach signals a long-term investment in his development, despite recent setbacks and the emergence of Daniel Jones as the starter.
Maintaining Richardson as the backup quarterback allows the team to balance short-term competitiveness with ongoing player growth. How Richardson harnesses the coaching support and navigates these early professional challenges will influence his future role and the Colts’ quarterback strategy beyond 2024. Meanwhile, the organization’s patience suggests an understanding that promising talent may require time to reach its full potential.