The Colts spark a QB battle for the 2025 season between Anthony Richardson & Daniel Jones. Can one of them end the playoff drought? Analysis from June 2025.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Welcome to the most pivotal offseason in recent Colts memory. The schedule is out, the roster is set, but all eyes in Indianapolis are locked on one position: quarterback. The signing of veteran Daniel Jones to a one-year deal has officially put Anthony Richardson on the clock, creating a training camp battle that will not only define the 2025 season but could also dictate the direction of the franchise for years to come.
Pro Football Focus highlighted Anthony Richardson's poor passing grades of 56.5 and 59.8 over the past two years, underscoring the urgency for a turnaround.
The front office has made its move. By bringing in Daniel Jones, they've created a classic 'prove-it' scenario. Jones is looking to resurrect his career, while Anthony Richardson, plagued by injuries and inconsistency, is fighting to keep his. The numbers don't lie; as PFF's analysis shows, Richardson's performance hasn't met expectations. The message from management is clear: the status quo isn't good enough. Analysts are already whispering that if a clear winner doesn't emerge, the Colts could be shopping for a new signal-caller in the 2026 NFL Draft. Every throw in camp, every snap in the preseason will be under a microscope.
While the quarterback drama will steal the headlines, this Colts team is being built to win now. General Manager Chris Ballard has invested heavily on the other side of the ball, bringing in proven veterans like cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Camryn Bynum to anchor new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's system. Offensively, the engine remains Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor, who will be counted on to carry the load while the QB situation sorts itself out. Under head coach Shane Steichen, the goal is unambiguous: end the playoff drought that has haunted the franchise since 2020.
It seems the national media is already adding fuel to the fire. First-round draft pick Tyler Warren, a player the Colts are banking on for immediate offensive impact, was conspicuously left off a major All-Rookie projection list. For a team already facing immense pressure, this kind of perceived disrespect can be a powerful motivator. Fans are already calling it a snub, and you can bet Warren will enter the season with a massive chip on his shoulder, eager to prove the doubters wrong and become a reliable target for whoever wins the quarterback job.
The 2025 schedule is on the wall, and the path is laid out. This season is a referendum on the Colts' current direction. Can one of the quarterbacks seize the moment? Can the new defensive pieces gel quickly? Can a motivated rookie class make an instant impact? The answers to these questions will determine if the Colts are celebrating a return to the postseason or facing another long offseason of difficult decisions.
