Neck and Neck: Steichen Declares Colts' QB Battle a Dead Heat

• Coach Shane Steichen declares the Colts' QB competition between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones 'neck and neck'.
• Anthony Richardson Sr. has closed the performance gap on Daniel Jones despite missing most of minicamp and OTAs.
• A starting quarterback is expected to be named before the Colts' first preseason game on August 7.
• Richardson's improved mechanics and footwork are a key factor in the tightened competition.

The intensity at Colts training camp just hit a new level. Head Coach Shane Steichen dropped a bombshell on Wednesday, officially declaring the quarterback competition between incumbent Anthony Richardson Sr. and newcomer Daniel Jones 'neck and neck.' What once seemed like Jones' job to lose has turned into a genuine dogfight, setting the stage for a dramatic week ahead as the team prepares for its first preseason action.

The quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones is 'neck and neck.'

The Quarterback Conundrum

After missing most of minicamp and OTAs, many wondered if Anthony Richardson could catch up. The answer is a resounding yes. According to Steichen, Richardson has completely closed the gap on Daniel Jones, who had a head start learning the offense. The news sent ripples across social media, with fans and analysts furiously debating the pros and cons of each QB. While Jones offers a steady, veteran presence, Richardson's raw talent and improved mechanics are impossible to ignore. A widely-circulated Instagram post highlighted Richardson's intense focus on his footwork, a known area of concern that appears to be rapidly improving. The urgency is palpable, as the former high draft pick fights to reclaim his role as the face of the franchise.

Latu's Work Ethic Shines on Defense

While the offense grapples with its leadership question, the defense is seeing one of its own emerge. First-round pick Laiatu Latu is already turning heads with a relentless motor and tireless work ethic. Coaches and veteran players alike have praised the rookie edge rusher, who is expected to be a cornerstone of new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's scheme. Latu's performance in drills has been a major bright spot, providing confidence that the defensive front will be a force to be reckoned with this season. His immediate impact is exactly what the team hoped for when they drafted him.

Madden Snubs the Rookie Class

While Latu is earning respect on the field, the rest of the 2025 rookie class got a dose of disrespect from the virtual world. The newly released Madden 26 ratings were not kind to the Colts' rookies, with players like tight end Tyler Warren and cornerback Justin Walley receiving surprisingly low numbers. The ratings sparked immediate backlash from the fanbase, who feel the national perception doesn't match the on-field potential. For a class that the Colts expect to contribute immediately, the low ratings serve as yet another source of motivation.

All eyes now turn to the next week of practice. With the first preseason game against the Ravens looming on August 7, a decision on the starting quarterback is imminent. Will it be the high-ceiling potential of Richardson or the steady hand of Jones under center? The answer will define the start of the Colts' 2025 season and, quite possibly, its future.