The Indianapolis Colts will have an open competition at quarterback for Anthony Richardson this season.
Like GM Chris Ballard, head coach Shane Steichen believes that this will ultimately be a good thing for Richardson.
“I think it’s good,” Steichen said about the competition. “I think competition is great for everybody. Any time you got competition at any position, whether it’s the quarterback position or wherever it may be, I think it makes everybody better.”
After returning to the starting lineup in Week 11 after being benched, Richardson’s play did improve. This not only included his overall production, but he was more refined from a process standpoint in the pocket.
However, overall, more consistency is still needed. Richardson finished the 2024 season completing a league-low 47.7% of his passes, according to PFF.
Also, a part of the equation is Richardson proving that he can stay healthy for a full season.
“I think consistency is the biggest thing,” Steichen said on what he wants to see from Richardson. “We’ve had those conversations, myself and him. Just being consistent. Obviously, being on the field–15 games the last two years. He played 11 last year and did some really good things, but just looking for the consistency.”
Ballard mentioned that Richardson is back in Florida for the offseason, working with his trainers. One key difference between this offseason compared to last is that Richardson is fully healthy and able to hit the ground running right away with his training.
It was also reported that Richardson will be working with the same quarterback expert who worked with the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen early on in his career.
Richardson making a jump in 2025 begins with improved fundamentals.
“Building on the fundamentals and obviously continuing to work on his passing, getting the completion percentage up will be big going forward for him,” Steichen said.
“It’s repetitions. You look at those things, just repetitions going over and over again is going to be big for him. The fundamental part of it. I think he has really quick feet. I’ve said that before, really quick feet, and I think it’s just getting the repetitions with those guys to get that completion percentage up.”
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