You see, a large chunk of the Indianapolis Colts’ offseason headlines has been centered around their future decision in the QB position. Like will it be their far-from-perfect former No.4 overall Anthony Richardson again starting in 2025? Or 6-year veteran Daniel Jones will set the stage for an intriguing QB battle that goes throughout the 2025 season. Yeah, the Colts going in and bringing Jones to Indy might have sent a clear message to Richardson that his starting spot isn’t guaranteed. Still, it doesn’t mean the Colts are completely giving up on the possibility that Richardson can’t be their future franchise guy anymore.

Citing that the QB duel will begin soon in Indy, Chris Ballard has some good news for Anthony Richardson. “Whatever the outcome (of this competition) is for Anthony (Richardson), does it mean it’s the end? No, it doesn’t. I’ve said that all along. It doesn’t mean we’re quitting on him, either,” Ballard said, reassuring Richardson ain’t getting sidelined anytime soon. See, if you look at Richardson’s numbers after he came back from his two-game benching. He was at the peak of his powers and looked like a QB worth a No.4 pick.

Richardson led the Colts to an emphatic on-the-road victory against the New York Jets. Against the Gang Greens, Richardson completed 20 of his 30 passes for 272 yards, including one TD in the air and 2 on the ground. Then there was his game-sealing first-down throw against the Titans. And also, that week 13 comeback win over the Patriots, where Richardson orchestrated a 19-play, 80-yard TD drive to help the Colts win 25-24.

Like the Colts head coach, Shane Steichen, had already said, “Anthony’s shown some signs. Some really good things.” So, now it’s totally on the 22-year-old whether he wants to keep playing with that mentality. Or give Daniel Jones a chance to dethrone him from being the face of the Colts franchise. “Would it be nice that we knew we had an established starter for the next 10 years? Damn right,” Ballard said dreaming this competition would help the Colts finding their starter for the next decade.

Can Richardson be the one like he was destined to be when the Colts did select him in 2023? Well, he can. But before he cements his place as the Colts’ outright starter. He needs to improve one aspect of his game, which Steichen wants him to.

Shane Steichen sends an ultimatum to Anthony Richardson ahead of the QB battle in Indy

Of course, Richardson may have tried to salvage some of his lost status in the final stretch of games last season. Still, he remains in a tough spot from clinging to his starting berth. Why? Because of his embarrassing pass completion percentage. That will determine whether Richardson will go on to hold his spot or not. Like his head coach had already stated, “That definitely needs to improve the completion percentage.” Honestly, it’s absolutely embarrassing to look at Richardson’s pass completion rate, considering he is an NFL starter.

Lesser than 60% in his rookie year, which lasted only 4 games. Then, there was last season, where Richardson had below 50% pass completion (47.7). Those numbers are simply unheard of in this era of the NFL. Now, Jones also might not have a great resume in his 6 years starting for the Giants. Still, he didn’t ever have less than a 60% pass completion rate. So, either Richardson has to improve his passing game. Or this battle with Jones might end sooner than expected.

And once it does, there might be no third chance for the young signal caller. Daniel Jones would be having the last laugh in Indy Blues. While the whole organization will look foolish for trusting Richardson until he embarrasses them yet again.